Arch between the living room and the kitchen: how to arrange the opening?
The creation of an arch between the living room and the kitchen is considered a current trend in modern design. Arched structures are suitable for absolutely any premises, decorate and zone the interior space.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before proceeding with the creation of an arched opening, it is worth considering the pros and cons of the future design. Its indisputable advantage is its versatility for any design solution, because the arch can be decorated both in the Baroque style and in the high-tech style.
The arch visually enlarges the area, expands the space and raises the ceiling. Its light transmittance cannot be compared even with glass doors. This is the optimal solution for small apartments and studios, since the arch does not take up much space, and niches installed in it will allow you to store the necessary things.
It should be borne in mind that arches are not suitable for small apartments with low ceilings - this design looks bulky in them. Designers call another drawback the lack of interior doors.
There are certain nuances in interior design. For example, the color scheme of the hall should overlap with the shades of the kitchen so that the color of the furniture upholstery matches the shade of the kitchen cabinets. The combination of bright decorative pillows with colorful patterns of the kitchen carpet looks organic.
If nothing bothers you, you should take a closer look at the materials from which you can construct an arched opening.
Materials (edit)
Drywall is considered a popular material for creating an arch. Its lightweight and flexible sheets can be shaped into any shape.At the same time, the gypsum board is durable, not subject to destruction, and its service life is more than 10 years. To update such an arch, it is enough to paint and plaster it regularly.
It is allowed to build arches made of natural wood or thin chipboard, provided that the structure is located away from the stove and the water tap. Anyway wooden surfaces are varnished and coated with special protective agents.
If the construction of an arched structure is planned in a country house, it is worth taking a closer look at ideas made of stone, brick or concrete... In a city apartment, such buildings clutter up an already small space, but in the country they look luxurious and respectable.
But if an arch made of plasterboard, wood or chipboard can be built independently, then to create masonry, you will definitely need help that only professional builders can provide.
If you do not want to arrange an arch with your own hands, you should take a closer look at metal structures. As a rule, they are made to order, taking into account the individual characteristics of the home. Such arches are beautiful and organically complement the interior, but this is far from a budget option.
Design ideas
In addition to building materials, it is worth deciding on a design solution for a future structure. An asymmetric arch with shelves will become not only an interesting decor option, but also a functional addition to your home. As a rule, such designs are preferred by lovers of minimalism.
Those who do not want to mess with the device of complex structures should take a closer look at the classic design without the slightest decor. Another laconic option is the Art Nouveau arches.that have a truncated arc radius and smooth corners.
It is worth taking a closer look at the so-called Slavic arch Is a rectangular structure with rounded edges, a portal decorated with wooden carvings or stained glass inserts, a laconic trapezoid with beveled corners.
Thai arches look unusual and modern, rectangular on one side and rounded on the other. Another original solution is considered to be ellipsoidal or round structures. However, these options are designed for large spaces.
To decorate the arched opening, you should pay attention to wood panels. - a rich color palette will allow you to choose a shade that will organically fit into the interior. Imitation of stucco molding with a polyurethane mixture is allowed.
The original decor option will be decoration with living climbing plants or illumination with spotlights... If financial opportunities are limited, and there is practically no time to care for flowers, you can paint the surface in a color that will be in harmony with the style of the room.
How to make an arched structure?
Let's make a reservation right away - most of the arched openings are made of plasterboard. This material is convenient for both experienced decorators and beginners. It will be difficult for the latter to create arches of a non-standard shape. Therefore, this article will look at the process of creating a classic drywall arch. An arch made of thin chipboard or MDF is created similarly to the proposed option.
To decorate an interior opening beautifully, you should get acquainted with the main stages of construction work. First you need to collect the necessary materials: guides, rack metal profiles and gypsum board.
Then it is worth buying fastening material: an arched corner, with which the corner edge is fixed, screws for metal, self-tapping screws. Tools should be prepared: a tape measure, a couple of sharp knives, a screwdriver, a drill, a simple pencil, metal scissors.
When everything you need is at hand, you can start preparatory work.
- At the first stage, you should dismantle the ceiling between the hall and the kitchen, remove the door and expand the opening to the required parameters. The surface is cleaned, plaster is removed, leveled and degreased.
- Measure the width of the opening (X) and the length from the upper floor beam to the highest point of the future vault (Y). After that, the side parts are made: a part equal to the first indicator is cut off from the drywall, the central axis is drawn on the sheet and the center is marked.
- From the top of the sheet, the resulting value is measured to the highest point of the vault and marked on the central axis. This point is taken as the center of the circle of the arc. The radius is calculated on the basis of 1 / 2X and a circle is drawn. The result should be an arched piece.
- They begin to manufacture the frame of the arched vault made of metal: first, the lateral branches are cut in 5 cm increments, and then the material is shaped into an arc.
- You need to prepare a drywall sheet. To do this, it is bent into an arc in a dry or wet way. The first involves making cuts on the sheet and then folding, but this option is difficult and not suitable for beginners. Therefore, it is better to use the second option. To do this, you need to cut out the required element, pierce it with an awl in several places, wet it with water and lay it on the finished template. The part will take the desired shape, and you can use it immediately after drying.
When all the elements are ready, you can proceed to the installation of the future structure.
- The profile frame is installed, fixing it on both sides.
- Similar details of the arched vault are placed on the side walls of the opening. The details are fastened with self-tapping screws. After that, all parts are attached to a metal profile.
- The structure is reinforced with strips from the rack-mount profile.
- Do the cladding. A strip of gypsum board is tried on to the opening and similar parts are cut out, which are attached to the frame with self-tapping screws. They should be placed 10 cm apart. The inside of the arch is covered with a strip of drywall bent in an arc.
The final chord is the design of the structure.
There are no specific recommendations here, since the design of the arch depends on the chosen interior style. After all, this building should be an interesting element of the room, and not turn into an object that attracts attention.
Beautiful examples
Trapezoidal arched opening. Minimalistic interior, spartan furnishings, light colors. The best option for a small-sized "Khrushchev".
The cold interior of the industrial loft style is organically complemented by a curly arched structure, designed in light colors. In this case, it is equipped with a bar counter and a shelf for storing important trifles. A non-standard solution for spacious studio apartments.
The original version of the device of an arched structure made of transparent plexiglass. The side openings are shelves with cute little things. A metal lamp is suspended as a decoration near the vault. Glass surfaces, modern furniture with metal backs - everything is in the spirit of a laconic high-tech style.
Light colors effectively dilute the bright red accents: the decor of upholstered furniture organically echoes the color of the kitchen drawers. The picture is complemented by an arched doorway with a red interior. Stylish, bright and unusual solution for spacious rooms.
A classic arched opening without fancy. The sides are covered with light green wallpaper, and the inner side of the arch is covered with white plasterboard. Bright stained glass paintings have become a peculiar highlight of the interior - they effectively enliven the design and raise the ceiling.
The complex shape of the arch adorns the interior, the color scheme of which is sustained in pale pink. The room doesn't look pale thanks to the bright pink carpet on the living room floor. In the kitchen itself, bright accents are set with the help of live plants. The best option for those who like to combine related tones.
Arched structure with wood grain finish. The finishing of the arch echoes the color of the kitchen set. The bar counter with glass inserts looks stylish and luxurious. A win-win for any interior.
Arched opening can seem troublesome and very complicated. In fact, it is enough to take a closer look at the interior of the apartment, put your hands on it and make a beautiful element of housing that will evoke the envious sighs of friends and acquaintances.
How to make an arch between the living room and the kitchen, see below.