Eating in the kitchen: 9 proposals to make (more) use of space

Movable or retractable elements are the ideal solution for mini kitchens; some of these ideas will interest you!

A dining room in the kitchen is an excellent resource to make our daily life more comfortable. Although it is not always easy to integrate into small kitchens, the right equipment, and a little ingenuity usually solve the problem, even on the minor surface. And if not, take a look at these proposals that combine functionality and imagination.

1. Seen and not seen

Enjoying a kitchen in which you can work without obstacles and with generous work surfaces does not mean sacrificing the office. Instead, the solution is to choose a piece of multipurpose equipment with mobile elements such as this proposal. The critical part is the table that slides along a profile hidden under the countertop of the kitchen's back wall and can be collected in the sidewall hiding the sofa when not needed. This provides ample space and a convenient auxiliary surface for food preparation.

2. Tailor-made

A dead angle in the corner of a kitchen with an irregular floor plan has been converted into a practical office for two. It consists of a fold-out table that fits the gap to the millimeter and two matching stools, all custom-made. The table wing folds over the table when folded up. The stools are stored underneath thanks to the angles of the seats, which reproduce the inclination of the walls between which they fit.

3. Adjusted

This type of difficult corner has made it possible to create a complete and comfortable office. The sloping ceiling is not a problem when seated, especially if you opt for a not-too-high bench. In addition, to give the small dining room its entity, the wall has been painted in a vibrant turquoise tone, which has also been used to cover the embossed wall panel that serves as a decorative accent.

4. In & out

The large windows provide luminosity, although they reduce the sound meters since the wall cannot be used with furniture. This bar facing the back patio to which the kitchen opens this area (generally used as a passageway) is profitable. Here you can enjoy breakfasts and meals with views without sacrificing the entry of natural light and ventilation, thanks to its minimal structure and the fact that it has been combined with light stools that are practically invisible. It is not a bad idea to have a folding bar if possible.

5. Independent

Whenever possible, the office should be located next to a natural light source and as far away as possible from the fire area. If the space for this area is limited, choose pieces of furniture made of light materials and shapes not to saturate the space.

To visually separate this part of the room, install a ceiling lamp that completely covers the tabletop and choose a different wall covering than the rest of the kitchen—for example, a wallpaper.

6. Comfortable

Benches attached to the wall are a very effective resource when there is not enough space, especially in "L" layouts, since the angle between them can accommodate a light table. Special mention should be made of the padded wall covering that acts as a backrest and adds comfort to the whole without more space.

7. Retro look

A shared resource to gain an area in the kitchen is to integrate the adjoining gallery or laundry room in the room. Again, if the space is not too generous, benches are the best solution, since they offer many seats in a very contained space. They also have the added advantage of being able to take advantage of the space under the seats. Finally, parallel seating with leatherette upholstered cushions will give it a retro look, in the style of the cafés of the 1950s.

8. Simple and effective

Extending the envelope of an island or a work peninsula at one end without cabinets underneath is enough to gain a place to eat. It is enough to complete it with a pair of high stools that can be hidden in the gap.

9. Transitional

The open plan designs to the dining room not only visually expand the kitchen, but also offer intermediate spaces that can be used to great advantage. This is the case, for example, of this proposal that makes the passage area between the kitchen and the living room profitable by converting it into a compact dining room for four diners. Due to its location, a light table has been chosen with four low stools that can be stored underneath when not needed. A vintage aesthetic mural in the same chromatic range of the kitchen and the living room completes the set.