In modern methods used by designers when zoning the living room space, you can increasingly find such an interior item as a bar counter, which not only fits perfectly into the interior of the living room, but also completely replaces the traditional dining table.
People who do not adhere to the traditional views of the established interior order of a bygone era have long recognized the advantages of this element of living room furniture.
Yes, in this article you will be offered material that will lift the veil over established views in the design of a living room, where there is no place for pieces of furniture that do not correspond to the rhythm of life of a modern person.
After reading this material, you will reconsider your views on the interior of your living room, because you will be convinced of the advantages of a bar counter in zoning space in comparison with others, especially with a large dining table, designed for the daily meeting of all family members at the family council.
How the living room interior changes with the use of a bar counter, just look at the selection of photos presented below.
Main advantages
A table that stood in the middle of the room and was then moved to the side as unnecessary, you must admit, still takes up a lot of space.
Therefore, the bar counter in this aspect of the living room interior design looks advantageous from all sides, due to the fact that it will be an object dividing the space and at the same time carry out the function characteristic of a dining table.
For people who are accustomed to quick, quick breakfasts, the bar counter will be a real find.
Firstly, you don’t need to constantly think about the appropriate table setting, and secondly, everything here is always located within reach, which is not unimportant for housewives who will not miss a moment so as not to diversify the dining table with something.
In addition to everything, the bar counter provides an additional work surface for the housewife, especially where kitchen space leaves much to be desired.
The bar counter allows you to equip yourself with additional drawers, which definitely adds functionality to this element of the interior, because a housewife always lacks one or another department in the kitchen. Especially when it comes to small-sized kitchens.
Therefore, a design solution to combine the kitchen and living space is not a bad option and a solution where the bar counter copes with the task assigned to it 100%.
Design of a kitchen-living room with a bar counter
When developing the design of a studio space, apartments are usually based on its functionality. Combining the kitchen and living room in one volume has a lot of advantages, but it also has its negative sides.
Among the obvious advantages are the following:
- Expansion of living space;
- Increasing the space of the kitchen, its illumination and the volume of air in it;
- Facilitation of serving and serving dishes during feasts in the living room, as well as in cases where the dining area is combined with the living area;
- A person engaged in cooking can be in the same space with the rest of the family, so he does not feel isolated;
- The combined space can accommodate a significantly larger number of guests;
Minuses:
- The smells of cooking food will enter the living room;
- The living room area will become more polluted.
These disadvantages can be partially mitigated by installing a powerful hood above the hob, but they cannot be completely eliminated, and this must be kept in mind.
The photo shows a bar counter with a built-in oven and a hob with a hood. Design by Elena Fateeva: “Loft interior of an apartment of 40 sq. m. m."
Ways of integration into the interior
There are many ways to fit a bar counter into an existing interior, but two main ones stand out:
- The counter is decorated with decorative items in accordance with the overall style of the interior, making it part of the overall design;
- The counter becomes the center of attention, in other words, everything is done in such a way that the counter immediately catches the eye, standing out against the general background, thereby hiding flaws in the renovation or layout of the living room.
Bar counter in the kitchen interior: luxury or necessity ↑
The bar counter can be either an integral element of a kitchen unit or an independent design made to order. From a design point of view, the second option is preferable, since in this case the rack is designed taking into account the individual wishes of the customer and the architectural capabilities of the room. A well-thought-out design and well-chosen fittings allow you to decorate a kitchen counter in any style, from classic to avant-garde.
The bar counter can be either an integral element of a kitchen unit or an independent design
Bar counters for home can be single- or multi-level. This can be a lightweight option in the form of a high tabletop on bar consoles or a solid massive structure with built-in cabinets and shelves of closed and open type, a mini-fridge, a complex system of rails with hanging shelves and hangers for glasses and wine glasses, as well as a cornice-roof with autonomous lighting of the bar area and luxurious stained glass windows. A colorful addition to the kitchen interior will be a bar counter with chrome-plated functional wood, on which glasses, shot glasses, and straws are picturesquely hung.
The kitchen project with a bar counter-island from Yulia Chernyakova looks very attractive and fits well into the interior of the room
Wood, laminate, plastic, tile, metal, artificial or natural stone are widely used to make countertops. The highlight of any kitchen will be a “weightless”, glossy, transparent counter made of impact-resistant glass. In order for the interior of a kitchen with a bar counter to be as harmonious as possible, it must be designed in the same style, taking into account the prevailing materials and colors.
In this interior, the emphasis is on the bright contrast of the color of the countertop and bar stools with the rest of the kitchen furnishings
For example, the same tabletops are installed on the counter and on the desktop. In this case, the bar counter will not stand out from the general outline, but will be perceived as a single whole with the surrounding environment. However, you can go on the contrary and try to play on the contrast, choosing, for example, a black countertop for a bar counter in a white kitchen interior.
In order for the interior of a kitchen with a bar counter to be as harmonious as possible, it must be designed in the same style
You can even adapt a kitchen window sill to create a home bar by installing shelves for drinks around the window and hanging glass holders on the slopes. Now, while sipping a cocktail through a straw, you can admire the lights of the city at night or watch the sunrise while drinking invigorating hot coffee.
A compact bar counter can organically “fit” even into a small kitchen
Types of bar counters
Undoubtedly, the main element of the bar counter is the tabletop, which can have various shapes, as in the photos presented, and can also withstand the interior style, from classic to youth styles.
The racks can be made either in one level or in several, which makes them convenient in those rooms where there are small children who feel comfortable along with their parents.
This element can be open or transparent, or made in a classically closed form, which creates a relaxed and at the same time comfortable atmosphere.
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Bar counter location
Depending on the method of placement, bar counters are divided:
- Located separately;
- Located in combination with furniture, being like a continuation, but with a different purpose.
