Adding a Kitchenette in Your Unfinished Basement Remodel Can Boost Entertaining Options

Why Include a Kitchenette in Your Basement Remodel?

A kitchenette is a small kitchen area used for simple food and beverage preparation. A seating area could be included to make it even more functional, and it can be a great investment from a quality remodeling contractor.

A basement kitchen can give you all kinds of options when it comes to entertaining.

• It can equip your basement to also double as a mother-in-law suite for an aging parent.
• It can give your guests some privacy if you have a bedroom and kitchenette in the basement for their comfort.
• It can give you easy access to refreshments if you have a theater room or gym in the basement.
• It can be the icing on the cake for your kids as they grow up and want some space to hang out with their friends.

Elements to Include in Your Basement Kitchenette

When it comes to kitchenettes, less is more. They shouldn’t look like your home’s upstairs kitchen with an array of full-sized appliances, an island, plus a large table and chairs. The beauty of tucking a kitchenette into a corner or section of your basement remodel is its simplicity that enhances your lifestyle. It should have style and flair, yet not be the main focal point of your basement renovation.

When making your final decision on what to include, consider your space, purpose for the kitchenette, and budget. Design a practical space that will have specific things stocked in it. Here are some ideas of things to include in your plans:

Appliances

Try to stick with no more than three or four appliances. The priorities are typically a mini-fridge (or a small scale full-size fridge if you have the space and want the function). A microwave is typically next on the priority list of appliances to include. And a coffee maker may be another important item to include when it comes to kitchenette planning.

Movable furniture

Within your kitchenette space, if you have items that can be moved, you’ll gain options for configuring them based on your changing needs. Particularly for smaller basements, it pays to think “multi-purpose” for the furniture you include in your kitchenette. For example, an island with wheels can easily be moved out of the way if you need more space for an activity or event.

Neutral colors

Consider neutral wall colors like gray and white for a light and spacious atmosphere—particularly if your basement space is limited. Create visual interest in your basement with a pop of color on cabinets, backsplash, or pillows in a bench seating area.

Low maintenance

What you gain you need to maintain, so choose low maintenance things like vinyl or tile flooring. Countertops in granite, laminate or quartz are super easy to clean, saving you time consistently.

Consistent style

Keep your kitchenette style consistent with the overall theme in your basement. If you have a midcentury modern style for the basement, stick with that in your kitchenette, and create a smooth transition from the other basement features into the kitchenette area.

Rest and reboot

Kitchenettes don’t have to serve the sole purpose of family fun or entertaining; they can also be used as a quiet getaway for a warm cup of tea. Escape the busy nature of life by planning space in your basement to reboot and relax. It can be rejuvenating to your lifestyle for the long term.

Safety

Keep fire safety in the forefront as you design your basement renovation. Add a smoke detector and provide an easy to locate fire extinguisher near the kitchenette. Be sure you ventilate your basement properly too.

Lighting

Basements can tend to be dark, and need adequate lighting to make them appealing. Recessed canned lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and task lighting can all be stylish ways to brighten the kitchenette in your basement.

Seating

Create ample seating for you and your guests with bar stools, a table and chairs, or built-in benches to save on space.

Accessories

Add artwork and accessories to pull the design together and make the space fabulous.

Benefits of Basement Kitchenettes

Finished basements are trendy. With basement game rooms and theater rooms comes the need for refreshments, and nothing is more convenient than a handy kitchenette near the fun zones you’ve designed in your basement. Repurposing this typically unused space can add significant advantages to your home such as:

1. Boost your home’s overall value. Get up to 80% return on investment (ROI) for your basement kitchen renovation, and add a highly sought-after feature to your home that’s sure to attract buyers. It’s much more cost-effective to finish your basement than it is to build an addition onto your home. You’ll gain practical square footage to enhance your lifestyle by decluttering any junk or storage from your current basement and turning it into a great looking place to enjoy.
2. The opportunity to rent your basement out to boost your income.
3. Decrease conflicts when you have children of multiple ages who need to have their own space within the home.

A Full Service Home Remodeling Contractor You Can Trust

At Iron River, we understand how overwhelming it can be to desire a home renovation, and not know where to begin. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the Twin Cities metro area transform their home. Our design specialists educate you on material options so you can make the best choice for your vision and budget. Your renovation will come to life as we implement the plan, keeping you involved from start to finish. Get the look you desire and enjoy it for decades. We’re ready to help you realize your dreams.

Schedule your appointment, and let’s talk about your vision for your home.