How to Create the Perfect Basement Kitchenette

If you are lucky enough to have a basement beneath your home, there is the potential to extend your home’s footprint by converting it into a useable space. There are many different ways that you could use a basement, and this depends on your personal needs. One addition you could include in a basement conversion is a kitchenette. Here is how to create the perfect kitchenette for your basement.

Why Would You Need a Kitchenette?

Basements are a versatile space that you can use for many purposes. Whether you will need a kitchenette or not will depend on how you intend to use the basement. For example, if you only intend to use the basement as a workshop or for storage, then you will not need a kitchenette. However, this space has the potential for you to use it in many other ways. Ideal home says that a kitchenette can add an entire floor of living space. You could have this as a large family room, or divide the space into separate rooms, such as a TV room, a study, and a playroom. Alternatively, you can convert it to a guest suite or even separate living quarters for you to rent. With each of these options, a kitchenette is a great addition as you will not need to go back upstairs to make drinks or prepare a basic meal.

Things to Consider When Designing a Kitchenette for a Basement

According to Sebring Design Build, there are many practical considerations you need to make when adding a kitchenette to the basement. Some of these include the following:

• Design – Design is one of the most important factors for most people as they want the kitchenette to have aesthetic appeal. There is a vast array of designs available, and which you choose is a matter of personal preference. One tip is to choose light-colored units or ones with a gloss finish as these will reflect light and make your basement appear much lighter.
• Layout – The layout of your kitchenette can depend on the size and shape of the basement, along with how you want to allocate the space. For example, you may decide to run the kitchen along an entire wall of the basement or to fit a smaller kitchenette into a recessed area. If the basement is small and space is at a premium, you could choose to have a corner kitchenette. Another option is to have the units on one wall, and then also have a small island. This acts as an extra preparation space, a seating area, and a way of dividing the kitchen from the rest of the basement.
• Location – You also need to decide where in the basement you would like to position the kitchenette. This partly depends on how you intend to use the rest of the basement. You should also speak to the person who is fitting the kitchen, as there are some practical elements to consider when deciding where you will put a kitchenette. For example, a kitchenette needs power points, plumbing, and ventilation. Some parts of your basement may be easier to add these elements than others.
• Ventilation – Without proper ventilation, all the cooking fumes and odors will get trapped inside the basement. Therefore, you will need to have a source of ventilation fitted.
• Storage – Having enough storage is a key element of any kitchen. Although a kitchenette is smaller than a kitchen, it is still important that you have enough storage to meet your needs. Consider whether you need drawers, cupboards, shelving, or a combination of two or more of these storage options.
• Flooring – Décor cabinets suggests that you add laminate flooring in your basement kitchenette. This is moisture and scratch-resistant, and you can easily lay it directly onto a concrete floor. There are many styles available, including ones that mimic wood and tiles.
• Lighting – Natural lighting is often limited in a basement, so choosing great lighting is an important consideration. Recessed lights can eliminate dark spots and under-cabinet lights are a great way to light the countertops.
• Seating – If you have a small island or an extended piece of countertop, you should consider adding a few bar stools so that you can double-up the kitchenette as a small dining area.
• Appliances – Which appliances you need will depend on how you intend to use the basement. If you are only adding a kitchenette as a convenience to avoid returning upstairs but do not plan to use it as your main food preparation area, then you will need fewer appliances. A kettle, microwave, and a mini-fridge are possibly enough if you will only prepare drinks and snacks. On the other hand, if you are converting the basement to become a living space, such as a rentable apartment or granny flat, then you will need a full range of appliances. Choose slimline appliances or ones that are in-built as a way of saving space.

Can You Add a Kitchenette Yourself?

Although it is possible to add kitchen units to your basement if you have good DIY skills, there are many aspects to fitting a kitchenette that only a professional should complete. For example, any plumbing and electrical elements to the kitchenette require a qualified and experienced professional. While you can have a lot of input into the design, style, and storage options, it is best to leave fitting the kitchen to someone with the right experience.

Creating the Perfect Basement Kitchenette – The Final Verdict

While the aesthetics of your basement kitchen are predominantly down to personal taste, there are many practical considerations to make when designing your kitchenette. It is important to consider the kitchenette concerning how you intend to use the basement to make sure that it meets all your needs. The space you have available and the shape of this space will also impact your design decisions. If you take the time to plan your kitchenette properly, it has the potential to become both a practical and aesthetically pleasing element of your basement conversion.