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Basement kitchens are beginning to be a popular trend in modern homes. Homeowners are beginning to turn their basements into warm living spaces while some homeowners convert their basement into a full-fledged kitchen and use the remaining part of their home as a living space.
Others integrate a basement kitchenette or beverage hub as part of their basement living space. Whether you’re going for a full-fledged basement kitchen or kitchenette, you’ll love the extra value and design perk that a basement kitchen will give to your home.
One great basement kitchen tip is to add a family room at one corner of the basement and build a kitchenette at the other corner. For instance, you can add a home theatre at one corner of the basement and add a kitchenette at the other corner, so it is handy to get family refreshments when you need them.
Alternatively, you could use the basement as a guest bedroom and add a kitchenette so that your guests will have extra privacy using the kitchenette instead of the main kitchen. You can also turn the basement into an entertainment space or a bar instead of a living room.
However, basement space is most frequently used as a guest room. If you choose to go through this route, then, you may as well consider integrating a small kitchen or kitchenette so you or your guest can use it for preparing basic foods and beverages. Whether you want a basement kitchen or kitchenette, knowing where to start will ensure you create effects you’ll not only cherish long after but a kitchen improvement that will boost your property’s value, should you consider selling your property.
In this article, we will discuss how you can prepare your basement for a kitchen or kitchenette and also give you some basement kitchen ideas to help you in your decision making.
Basement Kitchen/Kitchenette Designs: The Planning Stage
The primary stage of a basement kitchen is the planning stage. The success of any home improvement project starts with comprehensive planning. Consider hiring a contractor to help you organize your plans as early as possible. You should start by designing the space. What you’ll do will depend on the state of the basement. Do you have a finished basement?
If yes, then, your work may be limited to just mapping out a section of the area for the basement kitchen or kitchenette and planning accordingly. However, if you have an unfinished basement, you’d need to do a lot more work to get the area ready before you can start to set up the kitchen or kitchenette.
Your basement kitchen plans will, therefore, include the cost consideration. If you have an unfinished basement, you need to use the contractor first, but that will add to your overall cost. So, remember to include your budget as part of the plan.
There are many details you need to consider given that your basement kitchen will serve as an extra addition to your existing living space. If you incorporate things like tiles, carpet flooring, stonework, and so on, they will give instant boosts to space. And in turn, it’ll become an extra useful and smart-looking integration to your existing living space.
Setting up suitable fire exits, deciding on how to ventilate the cooking smokes properly and the best course of connecting your kitchen appliances like the dishwasher to the plumbing system should also form part of your basement kitchen plans.
If you have no need for a full-fledged kitchen due to the large size and the associated cost, it would be more appropriate to set up a kitchenette. A kitchenette offers the basic amenities such as counter space, a dishwasher, and a sink while eliminating a few of the larger appliances required for a full-fledged basement kitchen.
We will provide a bit more details of each of these factors to provide you with more success implementation tips.
Factors to Consider While Planning For a Basement Kitchen
Ventilation
Basement kitchens commonly have insufficient ventilation. You need to bear this in mind while planning for a basement kitchen. You don’t want a basement kitchen that will trap odors and smokes inside the basement and you need sufficient ventilation for your health and safety.
Besides, it gives you a bit more comfort. Depending on the space available in your basement, your contractor will help you to decide on the most suitable ventilation system.
Safety
If you are setting up a basement kitchenette instead of a complete kitchen, you should also bear safety factors in mind. Check your local code with regards to safety measures for using sprinklers. Plan for escape routes and do not forget to include smoke alarms.
Remember your escape route should be nearby. As an ideal, it must not be close to the exit. It must also not block the basement exit. Don’t forget to mount your fire extinguisher in a convenient location.
Size Considerations
The size of your basement will determine what will make a suitable basement kitchen design for your specific situation. The available space, size of your family, and your budget will determine if you’ll be setting up a complete basement kitchen, or a basement kitchenette.
A basement kitchenette is a smaller-sized kitchen, and the sizes vary widely according to unique individual situations. The appliances in a basement kitchen also vary widely depending on individual needs, space available, and budget.
If you have very limited space, you can install only basic amenities like a mini counter, an undersized wall cabinet, and possibly one more or two appliances. In this case, you can create a little space in one corner of your basement for kitchen. You can equally create a larger kitchenette that occupies just one part of the basement.
For the bigger sized basement kitchenette or kitchen, you’d have a bit more room to incorporate extra appliances, a bigger cooking worktop, and storage system. However, it would still not be to the same degree as that as a standard basement kitchen
Noise Insulation
One good benefit a basement kitchen has is the minimal noise factor. The other rooms in a home are normally supported by the solid structure of the basement floors. The basement bears the weight of the entire furnishings in a home and so won’t require a much noise-insulating factor as the regular kitchen.
Just integrating a bit of insulation on the walls and ceiling is what you need for a good sound-proofed basement kitchen. Besides providing the required insulation, it will also maintain the warmth of the floors upstairs.
Storage Considerations
Another factor to include in your basement kitchen considerations is storage. Your storage option will vary based on your preference and peculiar situations like the dimensions of your basement, whether you are setting up a complete basement kitchen or kitchenette and whether or not you want some kitchen or kitchenette kits. You will also need to create a storage space for your kitchenette kit
You need dedicated storage space for your kitchenette kit. However, you can include open shelving as needed. If you’re going for a full basement kitchen, you’d to do a bit more organization and incorporate a pantry, shelves, cupboards, cellar cabinets and lots more.
If you are setting up a kitchenette, you don’t have plenty of storage needs or options. A few wall cabinets, and additional cabinets beneath the kitchen countertops would normally be sufficient. Your storage will depend on your kitchenette or Kitchen size and your usage needs. If you’ll use it for more frequent entertainment of guest considering more storage is recommended.
Furnishings
You can look at varying basement photos, check the designs, and see how they can fit into your peculiar basement kitchen designs. Also, check available space to establish what works and what doesn’t work in your situation. If you have enough space, you can equally include a wet or dry basement bar.
Equally, look at different sitting arrangements and see how you can integrate them into your basement kitchen designs. Remember, your basement kitchen should reflect your style and fit into the overall theme of your home. So, plan accordingly.
Planning for Appliances
For the proper functioning of your basement kitchen, you need appropriate appliances. This applies to a full-fledged kitchen and a smaller sized kitchenette. A standard kitchenette arrangement commonly includes a refrigerator and microwave. However, it depends on the dimensions. If you have sufficient space, you can include all the basic essential appliances like the cooking stove and an oven. Besides these, you can equally add suitable small kitchen appliances, for instance, a small kitchen bar refrigerator and sunken appliances.
The major problem you will have with kitchenette appliances is lack of room. You may possibly have insufficient space for a full fridge, microwave, and oven. The best way to go about it is to start with the appliance that you need most and purchase the smaller sized version. Alternatively, buy the right size of the kitchen fridge and microwave oven and embed them inside a cabinet to free up more rooms.
If you have insufficient space, you can use a refrigerator drawer. You can equally get coolers that can fit under the kitchen counter for cooling your wines and beverages. Microwave and hood combinations together with dishwasher drawers can help you create a bit more space and make things a bit more comfortable.
You also want to include a table and chairs or bar stools. Whatever you choose to do, ensure that the family has a suitable space for snacking and entertaining friends. You can also integrate some art or accessories to showcase your personality and tie-in everything nicely together.
Wiring and Basement Kitchen Plans
The mains of most homes are installed in the basement. This makes wiring a basement kitchen a lot easier. You’ll only require sufficient numbers of electrical sockets for plugging all the appliances you plan to install.
Lighting Considerations
The basement commonly has a dark and stuffy-looking space. However, you can get a great idea on how to lighten up space from basement kitchen or kitchenette images. Draw inspirations from these. Try lightening options like overhead lighting. You can equally try below cabinet lights and strip lights to maximize space.
If you have a small basement bar area to go with your kitchenette, an upright lamp will still serve as a central hub for lightening the space. Because a basement commonly receives a small amount of natural light and sometimes none, recessed can is a good way to illuminate the whole room. For the kitchen prep counter, consider under-cupboard lighting.
While planning for your basement lightening put practical and aesthetic reasons into considerations, for the beauty aspect of basement lightening, decide whether you want to create a cool, warm, or elegant effect and get suitable lightning to meet the target. Strip lighting can equally work for decorative purposes. For practical application, overhead lighting is more suitable for providing sufficient illumination.
Basement Kitchen Design Ideas
Think of a Small Basement Kitchen
An undersized basement kitchen is often a small part of the basement integrated into a larger part of basement space. Some homeowners set up basement kitchenette at one side of the small basement and a basement kitchen bar on the other end while some even integrate bar and wet bar accessories on the basement walls. Also, you can add a full-fledged basement entertaining space integrated with a kitchenette to serve the required purpose in your house basement.
Once you’ve handled the small space constraints, you can paint your basement kitchen walls white. When the white walls paint is used with a dark laminate floor and black appliances in the kitchen, it provides a sufficient amount of contrast. You can equally, try dark countertops and black backsplash mixed with a tiny kitchen round ceiling hanging lights.
A Bar Space
You can choose your bar idea from multiple basement kitchen bar ideas online. The type you settle on will depend on your taste, usage, and budget, but it’s normally integrated into the bigger basement kitchen area. While making it easy for you to drink and eat, it also gives your home a stylish, elegant, and attractive-looking space. You don’t have to go for something very big. There are nice looking small bar options you can consider.
The Dry or Wet Bar Space
You may need to consider either setting up a wet bar or dry bar depending on your available space. A wet bar is a bar that has a sink and running water with a drain. It doesn’t have to be solely meant for serving alcoholic drinks. A dry bar, on the other hand, is just a place where you can take your beverages. It doesn’t have any running water.
Setting up a dry bar in your basement can be as simple as getting your basement kitchen bar mini fridge and bar wares. You don’t require any plumbing activities. Whether to go for a wet bar or dry bar depends on your personal budget and preferences. For convenience, a wet bar is better. However, it will cost you more as you’d need to build a plumbing system.
Basement Kitchen Decoration Ideas
Your basement kitchen decoration is essential if you’re looking to create an eye-catching and practical space that would make the place inviting. You can use glass mirrors and extremely polished stainless or shiny floors to boost your basement illumination and appearance.
With regards to adding adequate lighting, color, and storage in a basement kitchen or kitchenette, you need to think out of the box. Every corner of the basement can be converted into a storage space. This can include under stairs storage, windowsill storage, or the integration of magnetic knife boards.
If you’re looking to give the space an additional accent, go for a darker wall to get the required effect. You can equally complement your basement kitchen with large tiles or slightly refined concrete. A light wood will work, as well.
Colorful kitchen cabinets paired combined with a chic countertop can make your basement kitchen space brighter and create a room for a broad range of innovative looks. If you have sufficient room, consider a full-size, standard kitchen layout.
It will offer a perfect environment for entertainment or serve as an in-law basement apartment. If you push further with a kitchen island, stainless steel appliances and integrate a granite countertop, you could find the place irresistible even to you
Basement Kitchen Concept
With a basement kitchen, there is no limit to your experimentation with the available space. Be free to customize the area according to your needs and skills. If you want a full-fledged and sufficiently spaced basement kitchen, you can add a lot of themes such as low ceiling kitchen design, traditional kitchen design, rustic kitchen design, contemporary kitchen design and many more. You can opt for any of the following basement Kitchen themes:
Modern / Contemporary Basement Kitchen
Modern kitchens have spectacular looks with fashionable furniture and truncated ceiling. Paint the walls and ceiling white and install hanging lights to create a dramatic effect. Also, try integrating an open staircase to the upstairs, as shown in the image above.
Traditional Basement Kitchen Concepts
For a standard basement kitchen appearance, a broad-spaced and elongated kitchen area may worth your consideration. You can install cabinets on the walls and secured near the ceiling area. Give it a classy look with a white walls background color. Wrought iron furniture matches well with the black kitchen countertops.
Low Ceiling Basement Kitchen Concept
Create a unique looking basement kitchen by painting a showy basement ceiling. Paint the walls white and also paint the unfinished ceiling in the basement kitchen white. Add some furniture with light brown kitchen cabinets to create an amazing effect.
White Basement Kitchen Concept
You can also try a white basement kitchen idea, especially if you have a love for the white color in your house. This basement kitchen has stone wall design and white cabinets on top of the sink. Matched with classy looking brown kitchen countertops and white floor with square tiles, you have yet another great basement kitchen idea to try.
Rustic Basement Kitchen
To create a rustic basement kitchen theme, you need gray or white themes. Although you may have a limited amount of natural light, you can use glass and white tiles to brighten up the environment. Alternatively, you can use white wood and soft grey theme mixture.
If you use a classy-looking gray theme mixed with white backsplash to create a contrasting effect, you can integrate the idea flawlessly in the rest of your home. You can equally install a dark-shaded tile floor in the kitchen, as shown in the image below:
FAQs
Why should I bother with a basement kitchen?
Although a basement kitchen or kitchenette can take some time and money to accomplish, the benefit of turning the unused space into practical and convenient use can be enormous.
What does a wet bar in a basement mean?
A wet bar commonly includes the basic kitchen essentials like kitchen cabinets, countertop, sink and tap with many appliances installed beneath the counter to provide refreshments to family and friends.
Can I set up a basement kitchen?
Yes, you can set up a basement kitchen if you don’t have a bathroom in the basement. You may require a window or fan installation to boost light and air circulation. You equally need a suitable plumbing system. However, you can go for a kitchenette instead, if you have limited space.
Is it lawful to set up a basement kitchen?
It is lawful to set up a basement kitchen. However, the city doesn’t promote so much because basement kitchens are frequently connected to illegal units. In so far as you’d comply with the local law, it is legal.
What will it take me to legalize a basement?
The primary legal consideration for legalizing your basement as an extra living space is to install a fire safety sprinkler system. It’ll cost you roughly 10, 000 dollars and above to get approval and install the system.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you’d want to consider a basement kitchen. Besides serving as a perfect entertainment space and saving you the hassle of dashing up and down the stairs, a basement kitchen allows you to cook easily and tidy up without disturbing your main living area.
Also, if you’re looking to sell or rent your home, it can increase the resale value of your home. We hope that these tips will help you to start off your basement kitchen or kitchenette. Let’s know if you have any more questions!
Recommended Appliances for Wet or Dry Bar
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