How To Create A Room For Keeping?

A keeping room is a cozy space off the kitchen that can be used for socializing, relaxing, or hobbies. It differs from a breakfast nook and can serve various purposes such as a home office, reading nook, or playroom. A keeping room offers many benefits, including providing an open yet secluded space, offering a comfortable furniture like a deep sofa with soft pillows and plush throw blankets, and offering small seating options.

To create a keeping room, consider adding a desk, using soft neutral colors, adding a cozy rug, sliding in a sectional, and using natural light. Warm, rich colors like rust, reds, oranges, gold, yellows, browns, and warm greens can make your keeping room cozy. Design experts highlight the main qualities of a keeping room, how to furnish it, and what to do if your home does not have space.

Incorporating a desk, soft neutral colors, and warm, rich colors can make your keeping room feel more inviting and comfortable. Consider adding accent chairs, a cozy rug, and natural light to create a welcoming atmosphere.

In summary, a keeping room is a perfect extra space in your home that can serve various purposes, such as socializing, relaxing, and enjoying the warmth. By understanding its origins, furnishings, and design elements, you can create a cozy and functional space that enhances your home’s overall aesthetic.

How to arrange a keeping room?

A Keeping Room is a space that was once built with warmth in mind, often featuring a fireplace and a sitting area for comfort. These spaces are often located adjacent to the kitchen and serve a specific purpose. The term “Keeping Room” was coined in the 18th century and has evolved over time. Modern homes are now adding these spaces, with some even having bookshelves. One example is a room in a home built in the late 90s that had an awkward extension off of the kitchen, which had a typical cooking area, eat-in kitchen area, and an island. The room also had a small open area in front of the kitchen fireplace.

Does the TV go in the living room or family room?

The living room is typically the space where guests are received or where conversation takes place. It is often furnished without a television. In contrast, the family room is a space where relaxation is the primary activity, whether that be enjoying a film or simply relaxing.

What is the purpose of a keeping room?

The keeping room, a historical feature of colonial times, is a small seating area off the kitchen where family or guests can hang out to keep the cook company. Erin and Ben Napier, the couple behind the popular show Home Town, recently shared their new country home in Mississippi, which had a keeping room just off of their kitchen. The name “keeping room” comes from the warmth it provided, and it was a common space where anyone not cooking sat or slept to stay out of the way but still took advantage of the heat.

The original draw of a keeping room was warmth, so a fireplace and placement next to the kitchen are the only unbreakable rules. Comfortable seating is another important aspect, and historically, hobbies and home-keeping tasks were performed in the room. A desk for writing letters or a daybed or cot was also common.

What is the difference between a keeping room and a family room?

Family rooms are typically located near the kitchen and often have televisions, while keeping rooms are adjacent to the home’s kitchen and are designed for conversation and connection. Living rooms are more formal and are traditionally used for entertaining guests and extended family members. Keeping rooms must be next to the kitchen, but can be located anywhere in the home. Hearth rooms, also known as keeping rooms, are one and the same due to their historical use of having fireplaces or being near the kitchen to keep guests warm. They are also sometimes called family rooms, flex rooms, free rooms, sitting rooms, or eat-in kitchens. Keeping rooms can be found in various locations within a home.

What is a Victorian keeping room?

The keeping room has been a part of house plans since the 1600s, when it was used as a combination kitchen and living room. It was the warmest room in the house, making it ideal for gatherings and mealtimes. In the 19th century, keeping spaces were integrated into Victorian-style homes as formal sitting rooms. Today, keeping rooms are typically located near the kitchen or living space and provide additional space for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day.

They can be used in various ways, such as an informal dining area, family gathering spot, private library, or home office. Modern homes often feature cozy couches, chairs, bookshelves, and decorative lighting that reflect the homeowner’s style. The name “keeping room” comes from the historical purpose of the space, which was used as a combination kitchen and living area where families gathered and stored food and household items. Today, keeping rooms are more used as entertaining or relaxing spaces.

Is a breakfast nook practical?

In addition to serving as a dining area, breakfast nooks can also be utilized as storage space for kitchen supplies. Many breakfast nooks are equipped with integrated benches that conceal storage compartments, providing a convenient location for storing items such as table linens, cookbooks, or small appliances. This multifunctional nook assists in the decluttering of the kitchen and the convenient and accessible storage of dining essentials, thereby enhancing the convenience and enjoyment of mealtimes.

What is a breakfast room in a house?

The Great Debate revolves around the pros and cons of having a breakfast room, a casual open-concept space off the kitchen, or a formal dining room. A breakfast room can be used for various activities, such as eating, homework, art projects, and bills. It is typically open to the kitchen and the rest of the home, making it easier to keep families connected.

Formal dining rooms are more traditional and can feel more elegant, with options for adding color or wallpaper. They are typically cut off from the kitchen and the rest of the home, creating a private space but making it difficult to stay connected.

Every family has different preferences, and some prefer a breakfast room off the kitchen, while others want a formal dining room to host family and friends. The frequency of use and lifestyle of the family can determine the best choice for each family. If a formal space is not used frequently, it could be converted into a den or office space, making it an easy customization option.

Do I need two living rooms?

A second living room can be a game-changer for various purposes, including hosting parties, family dynamics, and work from home. One space can be designated as the “party central”, while the other remains a serene retreat for quieter moments. For growing families with varied interests, separate spaces can be beneficial. For remote work, one living room can be repurposed into a home office, providing a dedicated space for productivity.

To make the most of the extra square footage, consider creating distinct atmospheres by exploring different design themes. One room can have a sleek, modern vibe with minimalist furniture and monochrome tones, while the other has a cozy charm with plush sofas, warm colors, and throw blankets.

Is it a good idea to have a breakfast nook?

A breakfast nook is a cozy and casual dining area that can be perfect for a quick cup of coffee or a family meal. These informal spaces are ideal for a variety of occasions, from a quick cup of tea to a fun meal with the whole family. Some ideas for breakfast nooks include placing a table by a window, adding a small round tulip table, and adding a cane dining chair.

If your breakfast nook area has an empty wall, consider adding framed art to it. A gallery wall is a perfect option for filling that space, as it includes the same neutral color palette as the table, chairs, pillows, and curtains. Style your gallery wall with art, family photos, or fun prints, and have fun deciding what you want displayed. Gallery wall styles and layouts are endless, so have fun deciding what you’d like displayed.

What is another name for a keeping room?

Hearth rooms, also known as sitting rooms or eat-in kitchens, are historically used for cooking and entertaining guests. They feature a fireplace as the focal point and comfortable seating, such as sofas or chairs. In colonial times, these rooms were used for sewing, reading, and food preparation. Today, they can be used for board games, television, video games, or other distractions. Baton Rouge real estate agent Meagan Cotten explains that these rooms are often near the kitchen, providing comfortable furniture for guests to hang out while cooking.

What is the difference between a keeping room and a hearth room?

Keeping rooms, also known as hearth rooms, have a history dating back to the late 18th century when they were built next to kitchens for warmth. Kitchens were typically the only place inside a home with a fireplace, and the heat extended into the keeping room, providing a place for people to stay warm during cold winter months. These small rooms were used by families to prepare meals, sew, or perform other household chores.

The first keeping rooms appeared in New England and can be found in historic homes in the South. Today, keeping rooms are still primarily casual gathering places, often found in older homes, but are being incorporated into new builds due to their cozy location near the kitchen.