AMÉNAGEMENT D’UNE CUISINE OUVERTE SUR MESURE À NICE

By Hugo Lucchesini and Mathieu de La Pommeraye, interior architects in Nice · Updated on
Designing a custom open kitchen in Nice
ARCHITECTURE

How to successfully open a kitchen into the living room? Three steps govern the project. First, you must check the nature of the wall to be knocked down, whether load-bearing or not. Circulation paths are then rethought using precise plans, during the APS and APD phases. Finally, custom furniture harmonizes the kitchen with the living room. This article details this approach to transform a partitioned Nice interior into an open, convivial living space.

The advantages of an open kitchen in a Nice apartment

Opening up the kitchen changes daily life. Light circulates better and the space appears vaster. The living room and kitchen become a single shared space.

This layout is particularly well suited to certain properties. The apartments from the 60s and 70s in Nice Ouest, such as in the Fabron sector, are often very partitioned. They lend themselves perfectly to total opening.

The kitchen thus ceases to be an isolated room. It becomes an architectural component of the living room. This evolution requires an overarching aesthetic design, conceived as a single entity.

Feasibility study: knocking down a wall and managing utility networks

Any opening begins with a diagnosis. The first question concerns the nature of the wall. A load-bearing wall requires a structural study and reinforcement validated by a professional.

Utilities also require special attention. Moving a kitchen involves reworking water supply, drainage, electricity, and sometimes gas. These technical constraints guide the layout.

L&DP designs the project and ensures aesthetic architectural supervision. The agency verifies that the rendering complies with the plans, while structural feasibility is handled by an engineering firm and execution by qualified contractors.

The role of 3D plans and the design phase (APS/APD)

The study phase secures the entire project. The preliminary design outlines the broad principles, while the detailed preliminary design refines each choice. Kitchen design starts from this rigorous foundation.

3D modeling brings the result to life. You can visualize the layout, volumes, and materials before work begins. This preview prevents unpleasant surprises.

These documents also guide the craftsmen. Clear schematic plans frame each intervention. The working triangle, between the hob, sink, and refrigerator, is optimized right from the planning stage.

The importance of custom furniture to harmonize volumes

Custom furniture ensures visual continuity. It connects the kitchen to the living room through cohesive lines. The whole feels designed as a single entity.

This approach makes the most of every nook and cranny. Integrated storage, a central island, and harmonized facades structure the space. Our custom kitchen examples illustrate this pursuit of consistency.

Here is a useful professional tip. Plan for a very high extraction power hood, ideally integrated into the countertop or ceiling. It protects the living room's custom furniture from odors and grease deposits.

Choosing the right materials for a high-end finish

The choice of materials sets the level of finish. Countertops, cabinet fronts, and backsplashes set the tone. Consistency with the living room remains the rule.

Performance matters too. According to ADEME, the choice of household appliances influences the energy footprint. An A+++ rated appliance reduces the energy consumption of an open kitchen, which is used daily.

One mistake often recurs during demolition. Many overlook floor continuity between the old kitchen and the living room. A visible joint or level difference ruins the desired sense of unity.

FAQ

Is authorization required to open up a kitchen in an older property? If the wall is load-bearing or affects common areas, the co-ownership's approval becomes necessary. A simple non-load-bearing partition generally does not require authorization, but a preliminary assessment remains essential.

What budget should be allocated for a custom kitchen in Nice? The cost depends on the materials, appliances, and the level of customization. An integrated open kitchen represents a higher investment than a standard one, but it sustainably enhances the living space.

How to conceal appliances in an open-plan living room? Integrated cabinet fronts, a dedicated island, or dressed upper cabinets conceal the appliances. The goal is to preserve the aesthetics of the living room while maintaining a functional kitchen.

Conclusion

Opening a kitchen to the living room transforms a partitioned Nice apartment into a bright and convivial space. The preliminary spatial study optimizes the work triangle without sacrificing aesthetics. Find other layout tips to prepare your project. Well-designed, the open kitchen becomes the living heart of the home.

To go further: discover custom bookcases and walk-in closets, how to modernize an older apartment in Nice and how much an interior designer costs in Nice in 2026. See also our project: the renovation of a one-bedroom apartment in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

By Lucchesini & de la Pommeraye

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