How to divide the kitchen into two zones (57 photos): variety in the design of space

Today, it has become fashionable to build open spaces in kitchen interiors, therefore the kitchen often becomes a public area, one might say - an element of living space. So, if you divide the kitchen into two zones, you get a completely different room: with a working and dining area.

Features of dividing space into zones

A person psychologically needs a different environment for different things. Therefore, in the presence of a huge space without dividing it into zones (albeit conditionally), he is unlikely to feel comfortable.

The need for zoning

Know! Professional designers and psychologists say the same thing - a large area, not divided into separate spaces, quickly begins to press, which affects a person depressingly.

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Gradually, there is a need to find a secluded place where you can quietly dine without feeling uncomfortable emptiness behind your back. There is a need for a place for solitude.

The kitchen has long been known as an intimate room, somewhat hidden from prying eyes. Now everything is different: people strive to ensure that the kitchen space "dissolves" in the overall interior as efficiently as possible.

Therefore, both designers and experienced psychologists advise - divide the kitchen into two zones:

• Workplace - the place where food is prepared (in fact, the kitchen);
• The dining room is a place for eating (recreation area).

And the walls are not at all necessary here, since the division can be made conditionally, which does not cancel the visual delimitation into the mentioned areas.

Room zoning concepts

The interior of each apartment is individual, and therefore assumes the individuality of the concept of division into zones. But there are undoubtedly common points of contact that cannot be ignored. The kitchen, whatever one may say - it is the kitchen, even if combined with a room or hallway - it is intended for cooking.

Therefore, as a support, it will undoubtedly need a main wall with engineering communications brought into it (except for the island version).

And don't forget:

• The kitchen area in the studio apartment will require a separate artificial lighting, if it is not located near the window. For the working area, it will be enough to allocate a minimum of space.

• The dining area in the kitchen should be as close to natural light as possible, further from the working area with increased activity. This area will require more space from you for placing a dining group in it, so you should think about the correct proportions of both parts of the room.

Even if we consider that the dining area includes only a table and chairs, it has an undeniable priority over the working area in terms of overall comfort. Therefore, the dining room is best located in the lightest part of the apartment, where it will be cozy and spacious.

Methods for dividing the kitchen into zones

There are many zoning options, and they depend on many factors.

Such little things play a certain role here:

• who exactly cooks from family members;
• what kind of food is accepted to eat, etc.

But one point should be taken into account in any case - this is the fact that the transition from the dining area to the work area and back should be unimpeded, and therefore thought out to the smallest detail. Each of the two zones should be a continuation of the picture of the overall interior.

Separation by gender

The simplest and most common division of the kitchen into two zones is carried out using the floor.

There are no special rules here:

• The coverings can be combined (if the main floor covering is parquet, then the working area can consist of ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware);

• It is possible to use the same flooring (if both kitchen areas use the same material, they can be highlighted with a specific flooring color or pattern).

Kitchen island - a type of division into zones

Advice! If you go to have an island in the kitchen, then this will be able to "slap several birds with one stone": stretching from the communication islands will need to be hidden somewhere - a low podium installed in the working zone.

It is under it that all communications will be hidden, at the same time dividing the working and dining parts of the kitchen into zones. But, of course, for decorative reasons, the catwalk is best avoided: it can become unsafe, especially for guests who are not used to such innovations.

In addition, the space can be divided into zones using:

• multilevel false ceilings;
• through niches;
• hinged cornices;
• arches.

But it is best to do this in conjunction with the zoning method described above, using flooring.

Read also the article on island cuisine.

Other kitchen zoning methods

Effective ways to delimit space into zones:

• Stationary partitions (lattices or from partitions made of glass blocks);
• Sliding wide partitions, which, if necessary, can be tightly closed, isolating one zone from another;
• Zoning with bar counters (especially as an addition to zoning with floors);

• A fairly rare, but quite effective way of zoning by turning the kitchen set. This means that the back of the furniture will become a space divider. But here it is worth providing for such a moment: the furniture of the dining area should be combined with the headset itself. This method is completely do-it-yourself.

Lighting and decor elements for zoning

Lighting

In any modern interior, lighting plays a significant role, especially when it comes to zoning the kitchen space. Normally, the working area requires more lighting and no frills.

For example:

• fluorescent lighting fixtures above the sink;
• they are above the table top for cutting - they allow you to fulfill the practical purpose of these items, comfortably perform work in the kitchen.

In the recreation area (dining room) - light plays a more decorative role: decorative lamps are used to match the style of the interior. You can hang a descending lamp (lampshade) above the dining table, which will clearly indicate the area of ​​food intake.

It makes sense to use light to indicate the transition between zones by equipping, for example, a suspended cornice with spotlights and leave them in plain sight (as an option - hide them in a niche, which is made in a wide cornice under the ceiling, while the lamps shine up).

Read also the article on the correct kitchen zoning.

Decor elements

The space is zoned quite effectively with the help of decoration elements. Much here depends on the violent imagination of the owner of the apartment, therefore the price of the venture will also depend on him.

There are such types of decor as:

• water curtains;
• ornamental plants in floor pots and through shelves.

In custody

The options for dividing the space of kitchen rooms into zones described in our article are recommended not to be used separately, but rather in a complex. But you need to know when to stop! The smoothness of the transition from the working area of ​​the kitchen to the dining area should be harmonious, without allowing contrast jumps: otherwise, the demolition of partitions and walls will be unreasonable.

On our portal you will find a lot of photo and video material on a given topic and on the topic of kitchens in general. On any controversial issue, you will find detailed instructions from experts in their field and professional designers. New ideas to you!

Kitchen design with a bar counter - see here.

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