How to light up kitchens and open-plan living rooms: our style tips.

Some may turn up their noses at the idea of ​​having a single room in the house used as a kitchen and living room. For others, the thought of a single spacious environment is almost a dream. However, like it or not, the open space environment at home is now a reality. So much so that we will dedicate this space of the Blog to the supporters of the "open space".

Specifically, we want to give you some style tips to light up kitchens and open-plan living rooms and thus avoid some epic fail aesthetic.

What does open space mean?

We have already said so. Open space literally means “open space " and indicates a domestic or working environment without or with few internal walls to divide the various functional areas of the home or office.

Especially with regard to the apartments, the fashion of the single space is mainly due to the large industrial recoveries and the redevelopment of old factories or laboratories implemented in recent years particularly abroad (the so-called lofts).

In Italy this fashion struggles to take hold. A bit due to structural constraints (especially in historic buildings) that prevent the creation of a unique environment. But our lifestyle certainly has something to do with it: those who cook a lot are aware of the problem of smells in the kitchen that would spread everywhere in an open-space house!

How to illuminate an open space?

We come to the point! To illuminate an open space it is almost certainly necessary to provide more light points capable of reaching all the living space. But what kind of lighting? Chandeliers? led track light? led Ceiling light? Applique? We proceed with an order...

When to use the Applique?

As beautiful as they may be, wall lamps may not be enough to perfectly light a loft! Their light would be concentrated only on the peripheral part of the environment, leaving the central area in shadow. Applique can be used, but more as an indirect or integrative light than as a background light.

Suspension lamps for the kitchen only

A beautiful chandelier for open space is a must, but only as a light point to be placed above the table or above the worktops in the kitchen! Absolutely avoid using 2 identical suspensions above the table and in the living area: the second would certainly detract from the beauty and value of the first.

If, in addition to the dining table, your open plan kitchen is also equipped with an island, peninsula or other worktops, you can install suspension lamps even in these last points. They can be both coordinated and in contrast with the chandelier above the table, but with respect to this they must surely be smaller and soberer.

The lights for the living area

In order not to overshadow the suspension of the table, the ideal light to be integrated into the living area must come mainly from a ceiling light (better if centered with respect to the living room) or from led track light (appropriately and equally distributed over the entire ceiling destined for that area).

Illuminate the open space attic

This is the most delicate case because it often constrains a free and correct positioning of the light points, especially if the ceiling has exposed beams. Precisely because of these "particularities", the ideal solution for lighting must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Any advice can still be useful.

·        If you have any luck, you can still respect the rules dictated so far (kitchen suspensions, ceiling lights or spotlights for the living).

·        If the ceiling falls too low, use Floor or table lamps.

·        If you do not want to spoil the effect of the exposed beams, limit the ceiling light points and abound with the Wall Lamps (where the height of the walls allow it).

·        If the suspension is not perfectly centered with respect to the table, fold back on ceiling lights or spotlights.