For apartments with limited areas, many people opt for a “borrowed space” design—integrating the living room and kitchen—to solve the space puzzle. Co-IDB understands this challenge and shares practical suggestions to help you apply this technique effectively to your home through this article!
What is “Borrowed Space” in Design?
“Borrowed space” is simply understood as the utilization and connection of two functional areas in interior design and architecture. This creates a seamless link and optimizes the square footage, making the usable area feel significantly larger.
When Should You Apply “Borrowed Space” in Small Apartment Interiors?
For small apartments or families desiring a more spacious and open living environment, this is a must-apply technique. It is not just for tiny homes; you will easily see this in large luxury apartments too, as most developers consider this a fundamental architectural solution in modern projects.
Common spaces where this trick is applied in interior design:
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Combining the bedroom and home office.
>> Refer to the article: “Desk Design Ideas in Bedroom Interiors”
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The living room and kitchen area. These are the two spaces most commonly integrated today.
Why Should You Design a Shared Living and Kitchen Area?
Currently, most 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments have moderate sizes, making the “borrowing” of living and kitchen spaces very common. This layout is also widely used in townhouses, tube houses, and even luxury villas.
Benefits of choosing an apartment interior design with a shared living-kitchen concept:
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Saves space, making the environment feel more expansive and airy.
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Connects spaces architecturally and brings family members closer during daily activities.
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Solves area constraints by allowing spaces to “borrow” from each other, ensuring full functionality for the entire apartment.
Key Considerations for “Borrowed Space” Between Kitchen and Living Room
Unify the Design Style
Since they share the same area, unifying the design style is essential for a seamless and connected look. Avoid stuffing too many different styles into each area, which can make your apartment look mismatched and unbalanced.
Scientific Floor Plan Zoning
The layout and allocation of functional spaces during the design phase are crucial. It optimizes the usable area and ensures logical traffic flow for the homeowner.
There are several solutions to separate the kitchen and living area without creating a cramped feeling:
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Use partitions that match the room’s style to define the two areas.
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Use furniture like dining tables or kitchen islands to subtly divide the space while maintaining connectivity.
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Use slim sliding glass partitions, which solve the problem of cooking odors while remaining flexible for open-use scenarios.
>> See more: Secrets of Mini Apartment Interior Design!
Lighting for Integrated Spaces
A space filled with natural light provides a more comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
Tips to optimize this shared space:
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Maximize natural light through large windows and glass doors.
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Use decorative, wall, recessed, and accent lighting for different zones. This allows you to light up only the areas needed, saving energy while creating excellent visual effects. Each position requires specific brightness and intensity.
>> Consultation for Small Apartment Interior Design
Color Schemes for Living-Kitchen Integration
Color is a vital factor in creating a harmonious, synchronized, and aesthetic whole.
Wall and ceiling colors should not be too contrasting. Avoid dark tones in small apartments. Using light colors and white ceilings helps the space feel significantly expanded and more relaxing.
>> See more: Minimalist Kitchen Designs for Small Apartments
Co-IDB – Full-Service Interior Contractor for Small Apartments in HCMC
Co-IDB has executed numerous full-service design and construction projects for apartments with limited space across Ho Chi Minh City, including:
- The Golden Star
- Eco Green Apartments
- Vinhome Grand Park Cluster
- An Gia Skyline
- The Peak Midtown Phu My Hung
- Luxcity Complex
- Green Star Sky Garden
With a highly skilled team of engineers and designers, Co-IDB consistently delivers unique ideas tailored to every client’s needs. Our goal is to gain trust through quality and perfect customer care.
Contact us today for a consultation or quote on apartment interior design and construction to receive exclusive offers!
