A Fabryka Projektów completion in a 120 m2 apartment: an open-plan day zone of 36 m2 after removing the developer’s pantry. A beige base, bottle green, black accents, a cashmere kitchen with an island, a black stone countertop, a herringbone floor, and carefully planned LED lighting.
Layout Change: Removing the Pantry and Gaining Space
The original layout included a separate pantry. At the client’s request, we removed it to enlarge the kitchen and create a more comfortable food-prep zone. This gave us room for an island with spacious drawers, a convenient work run, and a clear division into the kitchen, dining, and lounge areas.
Visual cohesion was key: a beige base warms the interior, bottle green adds depth, and black details organize the composition and give it a modern edge.
Palette: Beige, Bottle Green, and Black – Cozy and Timeless
The client’s color brief was clear: coziness and calm. We chose beiges that work beautifully with natural light and highlight the grain of the herringbone floor. Black (hardware, appliances, lighting details) ties everything together, while the upholstered bottle-green sectional sofa becomes an elegant visual anchor.
Cashmere Kitchen with Black Upper Fronts
Cashmere-toned cabinetry was paired with black upper cabinets and a black stone countertop. Smooth, full planes create a sense of order, while the contrast adds elegance. Everyday work is supported by under-cabinet LED lighting and a track spotlight system that can be easily rearranged.
Plinth and Island Drawers – Maximum Storage, Minimum Clutter
In this design, we used plinths as additional storage—low drawers hold flat accessories, baking trays, or table linens. The island received full-depth drawers with organizers, so cutlery, pots, and pantry staples all have a designated place. “One-move” ergonomics make keeping things tidy intuitive.
- easy access without bending deep into base cabinets,
- full-extension drawers—everything is visible, nothing gets lost,
- better organization and faster work in the kitchen.
Oven and Microwave in a Tall Unit – Ergonomics and Safety
Placing appliances at eye level improves comfort and safety. It’s a solution we especially recommend for families: easier monitoring of dishes, no lifting hot cookware from floor level, and a cohesive, modern look to the cabinetry.
Dining Area with Botanical Wallpaper – Soft Light and a Natural Accent
The dining zone is defined by leaf-pattern wallpaper, which introduces organic softness. Beige chairs and a wooden table emphasize a homely feel. Mood-setting spherical pendants were hung in a row to evenly light the tabletop and create an inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings.
Lighting Details: LED Curtain Pelmet and Track Spotlights
An LED curtain pelmet neatly conceals the curtain system and visually “lifts” the ceiling. In the kitchen, we used track lighting—flexible, easy to reconfigure, and ideal for open-plan spaces. After dark, the interior offers lighting scenes for work, relaxation, and dinner.
TV Wall with an Electric Fireplace – Aesthetics and Comfort
Beneath the TV we designed an electric fireplace set into a built-in unit with niches and LED lighting. The flame effect creates ambiance with no hassle, while the clean TV wall conceals cables and keeps the composition tidy. It’s a pleasant focal point for the whole family.
Stairs Behind Glass – Lightness, Safety, and Light
The staircase zone is separated by a glass balustrade, keeping the space visually open and well lit. Subtle vertical LED lights on the wall add rhythm and highlight the texture of the finishes.
Designer’s Comment
“Our priorities were ergonomics and cohesion. Removing the pantry allowed us to enlarge the kitchen and plan an island with spacious drawers. The beige base adds warmth, bottle green brings character, and black details organize the form. The lighting—LED strips, tracks, and decorative fixtures—creates scenes that define the mood of the interior at any time of day.” — Fabryka Projektów Team
Summary and Next Step
This 36 m2 living room with kitchen shows how a few deliberate decisions (a larger kitchen, an island with drawers, appliances in a tall unit, an LED curtain pelmet, and an electric fireplace) can boost everyday comfort and give the interior timeless elegance. Want a similar project? At Fabryka Projektów, we’ll prepare a concept, 3D visualizations, and a shopping list—everything online.
FAQ – Most Frequently Asked Questions About a 36 m2 Living Room with Kitchen
What are the biggest benefits of removing a pantry?
More worktop space, room for an island, better daylight, and smoother circulation between zones. Supplies can be conveniently stored in tall drawers and in plinth drawers.
Are plinth drawers durable and practical?
Yes—drawer runners are designed for appropriate loads, and the low height is perfect for flat accessories. It’s a smart way to use “dead” space.
Black stone countertop – how do you care for it?
A mild pH cleaner and a soft cloth are enough. Stone is resistant to heat and scratches, and with proper sealing it keeps its matte/satin finish for years.
Track lighting – when is it worth choosing?
In open-plan spaces and wherever you want to easily change the direction of light. Tracks allow you to expand the layout without chiseling into the ceiling.
LED curtain pelmet – does it provide real light?
It’s ambient, indirect light. It won’t replace the main lighting, but it creates atmosphere and visually raises the ceiling while hiding the curtain hardware.
Built-in appliances in a tall unit – for whom?
For anyone who values ergonomics. An oven and microwave at eye level increase safety and everyday comfort.
How do you combine herringbone flooring with a beige base and black accents?
Herringbone adds warmth and rhythm. A beige base calms the space, while black sharpens the composition and emphasizes the lines of cabinetry and lighting.
Wallpaper in the dining area – is it practical?
Yes, it works very well in dining spaces. We choose washable (e.g., vinyl) wallpapers or protect them with a clear coat to make cleaning easier.
Electric fireplace or bioethanol fireplace?
An electric one is low-maintenance, requires no ventilation, and is safe around children. It offers a flame effect and optional zone heating.
How do you keep an open-plan area cohesive?
We use one base color palette, repeat materials (stone, wood, metal), and plan lighting in layers: general, task, and decorative.
