# Modern Living Room with Kitchenette 23m2 - URL: https://f-projektow.pl/en/modern-living-room-with-kitchenette-23m2.htm - ID: 88 - Blog: ybc - Published: 2025-12-06T00:00:00+00:00 This project is an example of how, in new developments, you can create a comfortable day zone on just 23m2 – so that the living room, kitchenette and dining area work together as one coherent, elegant interior. ## Introduction This project is an example of how to create a **comfortable day zone** on just 23m2 in a new development – so that the living room, kitchenette and dining area work together as one coherent, elegant interior. In the apartment building where this arrangement was created, the investors wanted: - a **modern yet cosy atmosphere**, - a **neutral, timeless colour palette**, - a comfortable sofa for everyday relaxation, - a full-size kitchen with plenty of storage, - a table where four people can sit comfortably. As the Fabryka Projektów team, we focused on **a combination of light beiges, warm oak wood and black accents**, complemented by golden details in the lighting and chair legs. The result is a light, harmonious and very functional interior – perfect for everyday life and for entertaining guests. ## Room analysis The day zone in the apartment building has **23m2** and is rectangular in shape. On one side there is a **balcony window** with a large amount of natural light, on the opposite – a TV wall with built-in furniture. After analysing the function and circulation, we assumed: - a **kitchen run** along one wall, from the tall fridge unit to the window, - a **dining table** placed close to the kitchen – convenient for serving meals, - a **relaxation zone** with a sofa on the balcony window side, facing the TV, - a **TV unit with a tall display cabinet** – as a place for glassware, decorations, books and equipment. The challenges were: - maintaining **smooth circulation** between the kitchen, table and living area, - **no partition walls** – everything in one open space, - the need for **maximum storage cabinets** without overwhelming the room. The solution came from using **uniform materials**, a cohesive colour palette and multi-level lighting that visually arranges the zones. ## Colours and material details ## Walls and background We kept the walls in a **warm, light beige tone**. It is a colour that: - warms up a modern interior, - works well with wood, - provides a neutral background for furniture and textiles. On the TV wall we introduced **vertical slatted panels** in a colour close to the walls. This treatment: - adds **texture and depth** to the interior, - visually **increases the room height**, - creates an elegant frame for the television. ## Flooring The entire day zone is unified by a **herringbone floor** in a shade of **light oak**. It may be: - vinyl plank, - engineered wood, - good-quality laminate. The most important thing is to choose a material that is **durable and easy to maintain**, suitable for both the living area and the kitchenette. Herringbone introduces a **hint of classic elegance** while beautifully emphasising the long built-in lines and visually enlarging the interior. ## Kitchenette – clean line, maximum function ## Layout and cabinetry The kitchen was designed as **one long line of cabinets**: - on the left, a **tall unit** with fridge and display cabinet, - in the centre, a **worktop run** with counter, sink and hob, - on the right – space for a **dining table** by the window. The base units are finished in **oak veneer / oak decor**. The upper fronts are in a **light, smooth beige** with a matt finish. The fronts are **handleless** (TIP-ON system / milled grips) so that the kitchen looks as light and “living room–like” as possible. ## Worktop and splashback The worktop is a **light composite or conglomerate** with a delicate pattern and a simple, straight edge. We used the same material on the **band between the cabinets**, creating a cohesive, elegant working zone. This solution: - makes cleaning easier, - minimises the number of joints, - reinforces the impression of a “clean” form. ## Appliances The appliances are integrated into the cabinetry so that they **do not dominate**: - a black **oven** built into the base units, - a **hob** in the central part of the counter, - a **built-in fridge** “hidden” behind a wooden front, - a sink and tap in a **coherent, light finish** that almost blends into the worktop. Thanks to this, the kitchen, although fully functional, **does not overwhelm the living area**. ## Display cabinet with lighting On the left side of the run we placed a **tall display cabinet with fluted glass and LED lighting**. This is a very important element: - it provides **space for glassware, stemware and decorations**, - it builds a **sense of luxury** and an “apartment-like” character, - in the evening it looks beautiful as atmospheric lighting. ## Dining area – comfort for four Directly next to the kitchen we placed a **rectangular wooden desk… or rather a table** 😉 of comfortable dimensions, at which: - **four people** can sit comfortably, - you can work with a laptop, - you can spread out board games for a family evening. The table is finished in a **shade matching the kitchen base units**, so the whole composition reads as one coherent set. The chairs have: - **upholstered, soft seats and backs** in beige fabric, - **slender, gold legs** that introduce a subtle, elegant accent. This set looks **lightweight** yet is very comfortable. The light upholstery reflects light beautifully and does not visually burden the narrow space. ## Living room – relaxation zone ## Sofa In the living area we designed a **simple, modern sofa in warm beige**. Positioned with its back to the table, it: - subtly **separates the relaxation zone from the dining area**, - does not close off the space – thanks to its low profile and light fabric, - provides a comfortable place to watch TV and relax. The upholstery is a **soft, pleasant-to-the-touch fabric**, preferably with increased resistance to wear and stains (e.g. easy-clean fabrics). ## TV unit Opposite the sofa we created a **full TV wall** consisting of: - **vertical slats** in a light colour – the background for the television, - a **large wall-mounted TV** – with no unnecessary shelves around it, - a **low TV cabinet** with an oak top – for equipment and decorations, - a tall **display cabinet with lighting** – for books, glassware and bottles. The cabinetry is closed and simple, with no excess forms. Thanks to this: - the TV has its own defined place, - the room gains **storage** without losing lightness, - the motif from the kitchen is repeated visually – **wood, light fronts, glass with LED**. ## Lighting – the key to atmosphere In this project, **light plays the leading role**. ## Kitchen - a **track with spotlights** – evenly illuminates the worktop, - **under-cabinet LED lighting** – practical for everyday cooking, - a display cabinet with **LED strips** – decorative lighting. ## Dining area Above the table hangs a **linear pendant lamp** with a gently undulating form in a **white-and-gold finish**. It becomes the **central point of the composition**: - it emphasises that the table is the heart of the home, - it creates a mood during dinners, - it offers a beautiful view also from the living area. ## Living room In the relaxation zone we used a **set of round ring-shaped LED pendants** in a gold finish, hung at different heights. This gives: - an effect of **lightness and modernity**, - a decorative drawing in the space, - consistency with the golden details on the chair legs and on the lamp above the table. They are complemented by **indirect light sources** – LEDs in the display cabinets and natural daylight streaming through the large window with light curtains and drapes. ## Textiles – softness and acoustics In apartment buildings with a lot of hard surfaces (flooring, built-in furniture, glass), **textiles** play a huge role. In this project we used: - **long curtains and sheers** in calm beige tones – from ceiling to floor, - **a rug in the living area** – it warms up the interior and improves acoustics, - cushions on the sofa in muted shades that gently break up the uniform block. The result? The living room with kitchenette stops being a “bare box” and becomes a cosy interior where you actually want to spend time. ## Functional zones on 23m2 Across the entire space we clearly defined three zones: - **Kitchen zone** – a full-size run for cooking, with storage and appliances. - **Dining zone** – a table for four, close to the kitchen, with a strong lighting accent. - **Relaxation zone** – a comfortable sofa, TV, built-in storage and space for decorations. Although the floor area is modest, thanks to consistent materials and design decisions the interior: - **does not feel cramped**, - maintains a **logical division of functions**, - looks **modern and timeless**. ## Designer’s commentary “In a living room with kitchenette of 23m2, the key is to limit the number of colours and materials. The simpler the base, the easier it is to work with accessories later. In this project we focused on light beiges, wood and black accents – plus golden details in the lighting. Thanks to this, the kitchen, dining area and living room form one elegant whole that doesn’t visually tire you on a daily basis. We always say it is better to have one well-designed display cabinet with lighting and closed storage than to clutter the space with random furniture. Built-in joinery is exactly what allows you to make the most of every square metre in a small apartment.” ## Summary A **living room with kitchenette of 23m2 in an apartment building** can be simultaneously: - modern, - cosy, - functional, - and visually light. The key lies in: - a cohesive colour palette, - a simple cabinetry layout, - well-planned lighting, - smart storage hidden in built-ins. This project shows that even a relatively small day zone can look like an interior from a catalogue – provided every solution is carefully thought out and tailored to the specific apartment and the lifestyle of its residents. ## FAQ – most frequently asked questions about a 23m2 living room with kitchenette in an apartment building ## 1. Is 23m2 enough for a living room with kitchenette in an apartment building? Yes, 23m2 is **enough** to fit a comfortable kitchen, a table and a cosy relaxation zone. The key is: - running the kitchen in a straight line or an L-shape, - replacing random chests of drawers with **custom built-ins**, - carefully choosing the sofa and table (avoiding overly massive forms). ## 2. What colour scheme should I choose for a small living room with kitchenette? The safest options are: - **light beiges, off-whites, warm greys**, - wood in the shade of **light or natural oak**, - black or gold accents. It is important to **avoid too many contrasts** – it is better to work with close tones that visually enlarge the space. ## 3. Is it worth adding a display cabinet in a small kitchenette in an apartment building? Yes – as long as it is well designed. A display cabinet: - adds **lightness and elegance** to the interior, - provides space for glassware, porcelain, books, bottles, - with LED lighting it creates **atmospheric evening light**. It is important not to overdo the amount of exposed items – it is better to follow the “less but better” rule. ## 4. Won’t a herringbone floor overwhelm a small room? No, provided that: - you choose a **light wood tone**, - you keep a **calm, muted colour scheme for walls and furniture**. Herringbone adds elegance and character, and with the right plank size it **does not visually shrink the interior**. ## 5. What table works best in a 23m2 living room with kitchenette – round or rectangular? In this project we used a **rectangular table** because: - it fits perfectly along the kitchen run, - it can be positioned parallel to the cabinets, - it works well with the rectangular shape of the room. A round table can also work, but it usually needs a **more central position**, which can be problematic in narrow rooms. ## 6. How can I hide the kitchen so the living room doesn’t look like a “sea of cabinets”? The best tricks are: - **handleless fronts** in a calm colour, - upper cabinets up to the ceiling (without unnecessary divisions), - a uniform worktop and splashback, - a built-in fridge, - limiting the number of appliances left on the counter. This way the kitchen visually becomes **part of the wall cabinetry** rather than a typical “kitchen in the living room”. ## 7. What lighting is most important in a living room with kitchenette? It is best to plan **at least four light sources**: - general lighting (e.g. track with spotlights, ceiling lamps), - worktop lighting, - a lamp above the table, - ambient light – e.g. LEDs in the display cabinets, a strip behind the TV, a floor lamp. Such a scheme allows you to **fine-tune the ambience** – from cooking, through working, to evening relaxation. ## 8. For a living room with kitchenette in an apartment building, are curtains or blinds better? The best effect comes from a **combination** of: - **blinds (e.g. fabric or venetian)** – practical function, - **long curtains** – decorative function and improved acoustics. In our project we used light, dense curtains that softly complete the arrangement. ## 9. Will this type of arrangement also work in an older block of flats, not just in a new apartment building? Yes. Although the project was created with a **new apartment building** in mind, the principles are universal: - a simple kitchen layout, - light colours, - a TV unit with slats, - a display cabinet with lighting, - neutral, elegant lighting. In older blocks of flats, the design simply needs to be adapted to the existing installations and wall layout. ## 10. Can such a project be done remotely? Yes – as Fabryka Projektów we provide **online interior design** based on: - floor plans, - photos, - dimensions, - and the client’s expectations. We prepare **3D visualisations, construction drawings and shopping lists**, so the client can carry out the arrangement independently in their own city. ## 11. What accessories suit this type of arrangement? The following work very well: - glass and ceramic vases, - natural dried grasses and branches, - simple art prints in slim black or gold frames, - textiles in shades of beige, ecru, soft olive or warm grey. It is worth remembering **not to overload the interior with decorations** – it is better to choose a few well-matched elements than many random ones. ## 12. Is there still room for storage in such an arrangement? Yes. Storage is provided by: - the base kitchen cabinets, - the upper cabinets up to the ceiling, - the tall unit with fridge and display cabinet, - the TV cabinet with deep drawers, - the built-in furniture on the right side of the TV wall. The key is to **make maximum use of the room height** and design the joinery so that the interior includes the right systems (shelves, pull-outs, organisers).