Basement kitchenettes are starting to gain popularity as more and more basements are turned into warm living areas.  We are seeing many homeowners including a kitchenette or some type of beverage center in their basement renovation plans.

In almost all cases, a basement kitchenette is a small part of a larger basement living area. For example, you might have a family room in the basement with a kitchenette built at one end.  Maybe you have a theater area with a kitchenette nearby where the family can enjoy some refreshments; or even a guest bedroom with a kitchenette–giving the occupant some additional privacy and saving them the trouble of using the main kitchen. It could also be part of an entertainment area, or a basement bar or anything else you have in mind.

Before we delve deeper into this new trend, what is a kitchenette? It is a simple small kitchen used for basic food and beverage preparation activities.

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MOVIE NIGHT

CDA Interior Design

This is all set and ready to go for the next movie night!

TUCKED AWAY

HOM Solutions,Inc

You don’t need a ton of space to have something great-looking and functional.

GREAT SPACE

Case Design/Remodeling Indy

This kitchenette is a great extra area to have in a basement.

SIT AND RELAX

StoryBook Rooms, LLC

You have everything you need here.

SOFT & SERENE

rchitectural Designs

Pretty blue/gray color on these basement kitchenette cabinets.

CABIN CHIC

Tipping Development, Inc

Perfect wet bar for your cabin get-away.

BASEMENT WONDER

Sebring Design Build

What a great area to have in your basement. Cabinets are so rich and warm.

BEACHY TIMES

Francesca Owings Interior Design

This room has a subtle beach feel. Great lighting in the wet bar area.

SMALL KITCHEN

Kenorah Design + Build Ltd.

While technically a kitchen–this concept could be easily transported into a corner of a basement as a kitchenette.

WARM & INVITING

Weidmann Remodeling

This kitchenette features warm cherry cabinets and a gorgeous stone backsplash.

Planning For a Basement Kitchenette

The most important part of setting up a basement kitchenette is the planning stage. Any successful home improvement project begins with thorough planning. It is important that you coordinate with a contractor early on. This blog will help you make the right decisions and save money right from the get go.

First, what is the state of the basement? Finished or unfinished? If you already have a finished basement, your work is much easier. It’s all a matter of designating a space for the kitchenette and setting it up.  On the other hand, if your basement is still a catch-all for your old junk; there is plenty of work that needs to be done before you can even think of setting up the kitchenette.

Here are other important issues you need to think about when setting up a kitchenette in basement:

Ventilation – You cannot have cooking fumes and odors getting trapped in the basement. Proper ventilation is essential both for safety and comfort. Discuss with your contractor to determine which type of ventilation is best for your kitchenette.Safety – With a kitchenette in the basement, you cannot afford to take safety for granted. Find out what the local code is regarding basement renovations and take adequate safety precautions including sprinklers, smoke alarms and escape routes.

COMFY & COZY

Old World Kitchens & Custom Cabinets

No problem relaxing in this basement–great kitchenette!

FRESH & FUN

Classic Kitchens & Interiors

What a fresh & fun space. Those light fixtures are so different!

STORAGE GALORE

TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders

What a great basement kitchenette area–so much storage!

STAGGERED

Fine Wood Cabinets

What a unique design!

Size – A kitchenette is by definition smaller than a standard kitchen. But there still are size variations among different kitchenettes. On the compact end, there are really small ones with the most basic of necessities: a small counter, a small wall cabinet and perhaps an appliance or two. It is small enough to fit into one corner of the basement. You can also go a bit bigger, taking up one end of the basement. Here you have a few more appliances and a larger working space as well as storage; but still not at the level of a normal kitchen. The right size will depend on your budget, family size and basement size.Storage – In a kitchenette, storage demands are not many. You can make do with a few wall cabinets combined with floor cabinets below the countertop. The amount of storage will depend on the size of kitchenette and how heavily it is used. If you use it to entertain friends regularly, more is better.Appliances – Even a kitchenette needs appliances for proper functionality. The biggest challenge with kitchenette appliances is space. Most likely you will not have room for a full fridge, microwave, and oven in that small space. So decide which appliances you need most. Once you decide, buy them in smaller sizes. You can even get appliances like the fridge and microwave recessed into a cabinet to save space and create a cleaner look.  We found some helpful information at Remodelista regarding smaller scale appliances.

GROOVY LOUNGE

Joshua Lawrence Studios Inc

This kitchenette definitely has a lounge vibe.

CONTEMPORARY COOL

Christopher Developments

Love the blue accent tile and how it is tied into the rug.

BARN DOOR BAR

Sebring Design Build

This basement kitchenette featuring white cabinets has just what you need to host some great parties or enjoy a movie with the family.

FIRED UP

Pizzale Design Inc.

What a great gathering spot.

Dry Bar Vs. Wet Bar – A wet bar is defined as one with running water and a sink, however it does not always have to serve alcoholic drinks. A dry bar is simply a beverage center and has no running water. So who’s the winner between wet bar vs. dry bar? It all depends on your preferences and budget. A wet bar will likely prove to be more convenient, but will be more expensive to build because of the plumbing required for the running water.Lighting – Finally, plan your lighting with both aesthetic and functional goals in mind. On the aesthetics part, decide what look you want–warm, elegant, cool etc. and use lighting to achieve it. You can also use puck and strip lights for decorative effect on various areas of your kitchenette. On the practical side, make sure the overhead lighting will provide adequate illumination. Add under-cabinet lights to further illuminate the working area.

Take some time to look through our basement kitchenette round-up.  We’ve also included some photos of wet bars and other beverage/food preparation areas to help with the conception of your new space!

TLANTA WET BAR

Trademark Building Company

This taupe/gray cabinet color is not something you see every day. Nice layout–like the crisscross wine storage.

SLATE MOSAIC

Stacy McLennan Interiors

Beautiful slate tile wall.

COTTAGE CUTE

Blue Sky Building Company

What a cute & functional area tucked away in this cottage.

PORTLAND INDUSTRIAL

Mosaik Design & Remodeling

Love the backsplash and cabinet handles.

VIBRANT BACKSPLASH

Sebring Design Build

This is such a unique wet bar area.

DARK & HANDSOME

Pineapple House Interior Design

So nice that this wet bar includes a built-in espresso machine.

Basement Kitchenette Design Tips

1. Easy Maintenance

One of the things homeowners ignore when designing a basement kitchenette is maintenance. Simply because you have added space to your home does not mean that you have to saddle yourself with even more endless cleaning. Keep things simple and use materials that are easy to clean. For the flooring, materials like vinyl and tile are great. Wood is not so advisable considering that a basement is likely to be more humid than the rest of the house, which makes it a bit harder to maintain. For the countertop, choose laminate, quartz, recycled glass and other low-maintenance materials.

2. Go Neutral

When it comes time to paint the walls, neutral colors are better. Colors like beige, gray and white create a light and airy atmosphere that can be helpful in space where space is limited. After you have chosen the main color, use the cabinets, countertop or backsplash to create a contrasting accent. For example, off-white walls with gray cabinets and a warm toned countertop. Hopefully this kitchenette image roundup will provide inspiration on what colors will work best for your project.

3. Movable Furniture

Another great idea for a basement kitchenette is to use movable furniture. This allows the space to be quickly reconfigured and can even be made smaller when you need extra room for some other activity. This comes in handy for smaller multi-purpose basements.

4. Include a Larger Dining Area

While the bar provides a good place for sitting and dining, it does not always work so well for large families. If you have the space for it, consider adding a larger dining area to the side. This provides more comfortable sitting for formal dinners and can be handy when you have friends over.

WOOD & BRICK

Michael Schmitt Architect pc

Love the open wood shelving.

COTTAGE

Élysée

Nice & clean–you have everything you need here.

DOUBLE DUTY

Sebring Design Build

Not one, but two wine fridges–great wet bar area.

STAINLESS STEEL

Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

So striking!

COLORFUL KITCHENETTE

Cre8tive Interior Designs

This kitchenette is so bright and cheerful!

DARK AND RICH

Sebring Design Build

A great expansive wet bar area! Perfect for entertaining.

OPEN CONCEPT

Thompson Remodeling

Open & sleek. You could easily add a microwave and you area good to go!

CATCH A WAVE

East End Country Kitchens

Fun beachy/wavy backsplash tile.

CRAFTSMAN

Designs by BSB

Love the blue color on these craftsman cabinets.

HAMPTON STYLE

DHD Architecture and Interior Design

Wonderful pop of color. Very contemporary.

BURNER

Three Legged Pig Design

This smart basement kitchenette even includes a small burner.

SUNNY SUITE

Moss Building and Design|Moss Home Services

This in-law suite boasts a great kitchenette.

COLLEGE

Charlie Allen Renovations, Inc.

Parents renovated a part of their townhouse as a small apartment for their college-age daughter–sweet!

INVITING

Steven Dailey Construction

First thought: this kitchenette seems so warm. What a great addition to a basement. Great for guests or grabbing a quick snack while watching TV.

BEACH HOME

Mari Woods Kitchen Bath Home, LLC

Great bright beach home kitchenette!

MULTI-PURPOSE

Cullum Homes Design/Build/Renovation

Washer/dryer not too far away so you can also be productive!

HIDE-AWAY

Poggenpohl Wigmore Kitchens

Great that you can hide this neatly away.

COMPACT

Mesh Architectures

Small and compact, but gets the job done!

CABIN CHIC

Visbeen Architects

Beautiful basement kitchenette in this cabin off the lake. Love the color of the cabinets.

ENTERTAINMENT HAVEN

Sebring Design Build

This looks like such a warm and welcoming space to entertain friends and family!

5. Keep to the Basics

It is tempting to try and include everything in a kitchenette, attempting to turn it into a full mini-kitchen. But instead of a full functional kitchen, you will be left with a stuffy and cluttered space that no one enjoys. Instead, keep everything to a bare minimum.

As for the appliances–no more than three or four large ones. The most important ones are a mini-fridge (or a full one if you have the space), a microwave and a coffeemaker.  If you have the space, you may be able to add a few additional small appliances.

Do not be tempted to go overboard with the cutlery.  It will make it easier to maintain the kitchenette. The same goes for food items. Keep only a few snacks, beverages and things like coffee and tea.

Keeping things simple ultimately leads to a better and more practical space. While the main kitchen is associated with lots of stuff and lots of work, the kitchenette becomes a convenient quiet sanctuary to enjoy a cup of coffee or treasured family time.

6. Blend in with the Rest of the Basement

While the kitchenette should have its own recognizable signature style, make sure it blends with the overall basement style. The transition from the rest of the space should be smooth.  Try to have one overall theme (vintage, modern, country, mid-century etc.) covering the entire basement.

Many home improvement projects today are about creating personal areas away from the everyday bustle of the house. There are renovation ideas such as man caves, kid-caves, wine cellars, personal galleries and so on. The basement kitchenette joins this list as a space designed not so much for its practical uses, but for its benefits as a personal or family retreat to relax and recharge.

This is an image roundup post, curated to showcase and promote other reputable contracting companies’ and their amazing work.  To have any of the images removed, please reach out to us and we would be happy to do so.

Other Great Articles to Read:

Basement Heating Options to Keep Your Family Warm & ComfyBasement Subfloor Options DRIcore Versus PlywoodHow To Hide Or Remove A Basement Support Post With Ideas

The post 45 Basement Kitchenette Ideas to Help You Entertain in Style appeared first on Luxury Home Remodeling | Sebring Design Build.

There is no shortage of modern basement ideas to borrow from. Unfinished basements tend to get filled with every old and unwanted item in the house from worn out furniture to childhood memorabilia. Unfortunately, this is letting precious square footage go to waste. The basement is a perfect space that could be transformed into a warm and welcoming area for your family and friends to enjoy.

A basement redesign, though time-consuming and cost-intensive, not only adds to your living space, it can also increase the value of your home. Additionally, it allows you to explore ideas that you often can’t apply to your main living space.

You could set up a game room or play area for the kids, theater room for family and guests, a wet bar or even an extra bedroom to host visitors. You’ll find plenty of wonderful ideas in this blog to finish your unfinished basement space!

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ELEGANT

Cupboards Kitchen Bath Discounters

The hardwood floor, together with the exquisite furniture make this basement elegant and tasteful.

ENTERTAINMENT

IS Architecture

This basement is for an adult who knows how to work hard and play hard.

CHILL

J. Silver Design Build LLC.

A spacious basement that can accommodate your friends and family.

GRAY & WHITE

Granite Homes

Watch your favorite TV series on this crisp and modern basement.

OFFICE SPACE

Vibe Design Group

A great out-of-the-way area to get some work done or a great space for a guest.

COZY

Urban Abode

This modern basement area is the perfect space to relax after a stressful day.

BOOKS & MUSIC

VIF Studio

Basements aren’t only for pool tables and wine bar. If you love books and music, you will love this idea.

RTISTIC

Centre Sky Architecture Ltd

We love the textures and intricate details of this modern basement.

STONE WALLS

Ryan Duebber Architect, LLC

 Renovated stone walls with cement parging and damp proofing.

MEDIA ROOM

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

Sleek entertainment at the comforts of your own home.

Balance of Functionality and Aesthetics

A big focus of contemporary finished basement designs is cost control. The basement is a relatively big space and renovating it will not be cheap. Usually homeowners don’t want to spend too much on a space that they don’t deem as crucial as the kitchen or bathroom.

Many homeowners, with the help of their contractors, are resorting to modern minimalist remodels. The ideal modern finished basement balances between aesthetics and functionality. The space need to look good and feel warm. At the same time, it also needs to be comfortable and livable in such a way that it can be put to a variety of uses.

HIP & HAPPY

Mimi Wilson – MW Design Group

Owners want a room that reflects their personality. Hence, the fun and exciting vibe here.

GORGEOUS

Locati Architects

A modern basement with recessed electric fireplace.

DENVER

Jon Eady Photographer

A lot of great contemporary elements in this space in Denver. Take a look at those cool lights above the bar.

3form

Savvy Interior Design

Unique lighted resin side panels (3form) on the bar.

Focus On What Your Family Needs

The best way to figure out how to put your finished basement to use is to determine what your home is missing.

If there are kids around, they are likely running out of room for their toys. If you work from home, you may need an isolated and quiet space where you can get some work done. If you don’t have a dedicated guest bedroom, the basement is the perfect place to set one up.

Maybe it’s just great extra space, a blank palette—there are so many awesome ways you can use the basement. A movie room, game room, family room or kitchenette can provide a special place for the family to bond and have fun. Man caves and/or woman caves have become trendy and there are plenty of modern basement cave ideas available to inspire your own private space.

Related: 43 She Shed & Woman Cave Ideas: The Ladies Answer to the Man Cave

CRAFTY NOOKS

MATT architecture LLP

Great colorful working spaces for the kids!

RELAX

Dwelling Designs

This modern basement space would make a great woman cave. Maybe share a glass of wine (or two) with the girls.

WHITE OUT

Titan Contracting Services

White and bright in this basement theater room.

CHEERFUL

Grande Interiors

The bright colors definitely perk up this modern basement.

Multipurpose Basements

The expansiveness of an unfinished basement can be a curse. In a renovated basement, it is a blessing. Instead of piling it up with junk, you can fill it up with multiple spaces that add more value to your home and your family’s life.

Bedrooms – A common strategy is to set up a couple of extra bedrooms in the basement for guests. This is especially beneficial for families that love to entertain on a regular basis. You can easily have guests stay over without disrupting the family space above. Basement bedrooms can also come in handy if you have older kids that cannot share bedrooms any more. Plus, you could also add a small kitchenette and bathroom for convenience.Children’s Play Areas – When looking at modern basement design photos; one common idea is to set up a play area for kids. This area often consists of soft flooring, such as a rug or wooden floor, and colorful easy-to-reach storage for toys and games. You can use colorful and playful décor to separate it from the rest of the basement space.Entertainment – In another area of the basement, you could add a play area for adults. This usually includes adding a home theater, setting up a pool table and a dart board on the wall. You can also get a ping pong table if pool is not your thing. Another great idea is to set up a video game center.Bars – While everyone is having all this fun, there will be a desire for refreshments. Don’t forget to set up a full bar or wet bar where you can stock juices and other beverages for the kids and something stronger for the adults. You can even combine it with a kitchenette where you can prepare a few snacks.

Also don’t forget: home gyms, wine cellars, theaters and craft rooms. The ideas are endless. Your goal should be to get as much value from the space as possible. If your basement living space is small, use it to fill a void such as an extra bedroom or additional organized storage space. If it is big, find several fun ways you can utilize the space and add value.

Don’t forget to check out these ideas too: 45 Basement Kitchenette Ideas to Help You Entertain in Style

BOLD & EXCITING

Realm

Such bold choices of color in this basement theater!

SLIDE

shton Woods

A slide that takes you from upstairs to the basement–how fun is that?

WORKOUT

Sebring Design Build

The floor is so cool!

STRIKE

Fusion Bowling

A bowling alley in your basement! We can all dream right?

QUA BLUE

PPDS

A great color to brighten up a modern basement bedroom. That mosaic glass tile wall is amazing!

YOUNG & CHIC

Mosaik Design & Remodeling

Perfect basement for the teenagers to hang out.

Décor and Furnishings

Basement decoration is generally easy thanks to the open space. It is a good idea to begin with a general theme in mind. Do you want a minimalist ultra-contemporary look or a more laid back traditional decor? Do you prefer warm colors or the space-creating effect of neutral hues?

Once you decide the overall style you want, you can go ahead and choose the various colors and decorations you will use. This is easy if you have set up a single room only such as a bedroom. If you have multiple areas set up in the basement, you need to make sure that the décor of each clearly defines it and sets it apart.

In choosing the best décor for the basement, try to create some sense of continuity with the rest of the house. Start by creating an open stairwell leading from the rest of the house. It makes the basement feel open, lighter and connected to your home. Next, make sure that anyone descending the stairwell isn’t jarred by the contrast in décor with the space above. As much as you need to create defining styles for different sections of the basement, ensure there is a flow from the décor above to the one below. Otherwise, your basement is going to feel like some far off disconnected place and not part of your home.

If you have to use a vastly different style from the rest of your home, then create a transitional space that connects the two spaces. The stairwell and the space immediately around can be used to ease the transition to a new environment.

As for the furnishings, the expansiveness is again, your friend. You can afford to set up oversize furniture without worrying about space or movement. Make sure the furnishings blend with the overall style of the basement. As with decorations, you can use furnishings to differentiate separate sections of the basement.

OPEN & SLEEK

Sebring Design Build

A clean & modern basement space.

FUNKY FAMILY

lleycat Arch

This family room space has some fun contemporary furnishings and who doesn’t love a Murphy bed!?

CRAFTY

California Closets of Louisville

Whether in a basement or not–this modern and bright craft area provides some great inspiration for a craft area in any basement.

PLUSH PURPLE

Urban Abode

This could be a wonderful woman cave.

BAR NONE

Sebring Design Build

A modern & sleek corner bar area.   Nice lights!

OVERNIGHT GUEST

Synthesis Design Inc.

This layout along with the fireplace is smart idea for a modern basement guest bedroom.

Storage

If your basement is going to look modern and clean, storage is essential. Whether you are setting up a bedroom, play area or family room, you are going to need a variety of storage spaces.

To retain the modern minimalist look, we recommend built-in shelves and cabinets. Try to include a wide variety from wall cabinets to pull-out drawers and wall shelves. Make sure that everything is easily accessible. For kids areas, go with low storage options that they can access without needing your help.

If you have special items such as wine bottles or art pieces, you’ll need special types of storage that can protect your precious items while still displaying them properly.

If you need to store big items such as large appliances or bikes, make sure they don’t look messy and cluttered. For things like bikes and Christmas trees, racks will keep things neat.

Be extra careful about wooden storage. If you are going to use it, make sure your basement has no moisture seepage problems. If the risk of damage is high, go with metal and plastic shelving. Additionally, choose non-wood storage for delicate items such as art, clothing and books.

ROCK & ROLL

Michael Abrams Limited

Musician’s man cave.

COMFY & COZY

Living Edge Design

Grab a blanket and some pillows and snuggle up with that favorite movie and beverage. Great design feature–recessed shelves/nooks.

DEBUNKED

Titus Built, LLC

Fun bunk areas to hide away in.

MANLY

Just Basements

This contemporary basement bar/lounge/theater with all the black and gray makes it the perfect man cave.

TAKE IT EASY

Variations Interior Design, LLC

Perfect place to enjoy with friends.

SPORT CAVE

Iron Mountain Remodeling

This looks like a sport lover’s dream!

FINISHED BASEMENT

Baobab Design

Looks like the perfect basement to just kick back in. Plus that mural is cool.

HOME

THEATER

Platinum Series by Mark Molthan

No lack of activities in this basement.

COOL

RD Architecture, LLC

All the concrete and gray makes this basement space feel crisp and cool.

PING PONG

Gaetano Hardwood Floors, Inc.

Amazing space to relax an entertain in. So bright for a basement–looks like the outside feeling is brought in.

FAMILY ROOM

New Wave AV

A great place in this modern basement for the family to share movie memories.

PLAY

Poss Architecture + Planning and Interior Design

A wonderful wide and open kid cave that will provide hours and hours of fun!

MASCULINE LOUNGE

Just Basements

Nicely designed space. Love the pop of red color on the wall.

MODERN KITCHENETTE

Sebring Design Build

A well-designed basement kitchenette that is perfect for entertaining.

GIRLS NIGHT

Marshall Design Group

This modern basement seems a little more feminine. The pool table appears hot pink and the other colors are more soft. Looks like a great woman cave!

MAN CAVE

Jauregui Architecture Interiors Construction

Another great man cave. Great lights over the pool table.

STAGED

Sebring Design Build

An awesome addition in this basement to show off the talents of the musician in the family.

KICKBOX

Cezign

Great basement studio.

MINIMAL

usturban Homes

Very contemporary and minimalist.

STAIRCASE

E/L STUDIO

Awesome storage in this staircase.

OFFICE & GYM

Meghan Carter Design Inc.

What a really good idea. One side is an office the other side is the gym. Plus this homeowner is a personal trainer–perfect. Love the bench!

FAUX WOOD

Sebring Design Build

No excuses if you have a workout room like this one in your basement–right?

COLORFUL RETREAT

wad + Koontz Architects Builders

Love how these homeowners used all the color within the books to decorate the room.  Plus there’s some yummy treats in that bowl.

DIVIDED

Maric Homes

Really like the wall divider & fireplace.

MODERN MEDIA

Realstone Systems

This modern basement space is so warm and welcoming. Beautiful fireplace and that video screen is amazing.

SIT & RELAX

Sebring Design Build

A bright & cheerful area to sit and relax with family and friends.

COLORFUL

Moshi Gitelis – Photographer

What a fun space to enjoy a movie.

LOUNGE ACT

Ku Interior Design

Some great parties can be hosted here!

OTTAWA

Southam Design

Soothing basement in Ottawa. The stone wall is stunning. Nice sliding door to separate the areas too.

LUXURY BASEMENT

Stephen Clasper Interiors

Just WOW!

BASEMENT BAR

HTR Basements

Get a full stock of drinks in this awesome basement bar.

dditional Tips

Check what basement specifications your local building department requires. In most places, you need to have at least one exit in case of emergencies. Some places also require fire safety measures to be put in place.Tackle the plumbing and wiring first before you begin any decorations. It would be a shame if you have to tear finished walls or flooring later on.If you are setting up a media room or play area, consider adding sound insulation to keep the noise from going into the space above. This insulation will also come handy if you want to insulate the basement from the noise above and outside.Add an air purification system to keep the basement smelling fresh.If you are going to add a window well, you also need to take security into consideration. Either install a secure locking system or add a window alarm system. You can also do both.

This is an image roundup post, curated to showcase and promote other reputable contracting companies’ and their amazing work.  To have any of the images removed, please reach out to us and we would be happy to do so.

The post 72 Really Cool Modern Basement Ideas appeared first on Luxury Home Remodeling | Sebring Design Build.

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