When use of space in a small apartment, a good interior design is paramount. Any unnecessary or hallway wall will be a way to belittle not only stays but to subtract light and space to the dwelling. The floor that I teach today is just a rectangle 66m ² is almost transparent, but there is an inch that is not used. A little furniture, but sufficient and white decor make the magic and the result is a house wide, airy and bright.
Those who know me know more about my weakness for the open and airy, and in any case, I am always in favor of opening the kitchen to the living room. Not just because houses are visually win, but because the kitchen is the heart of the house, where I like to spend time, but not isolated, as often happens when working in a small, dark kitchens of the apartments in our standard country. Instead of enjoying the house and the environment with all household members, sometimes you're almost punished the corner of the pots and the oven. Here is an example of a Swedish floor 65 m² with open kitchen with a great result!
http://www.delikatissen.com