Basement Kitchen
Benefits of A Basement Kitchen
The value of a renovated basement is now higher than ever. So many homeowners are using their basements as entertainment spaces where family activities take place. Therefore, installing a basement kitchen is a fantastic way of adding convenience to your basement space.
A Basement Kitchen Adds Convenience – Having a kitchen in your basement allows you to prepare and enjoy meals without having to go up to the main floor of the home. This is a convenience not only for you to enjoy while you live in your home, but it is a feature that will appeal to future buyers. Turning Your Basement Into a Separate Apartment
Once you have a kitchen in your basement, you can section off that part of your home and transform it into an apartment. You could then rent the apartment out (if it complies with the Ontario Building Code), bringing you additional income.
What You Should Consider When Installing a Basement Kitchen
Deciding on a major renovation project in your basement is a huge undertaking. Prepare by educating yourself on what to expect and how to adequately plan for installing a basement kitchen.
Ⅰ. How do you plan on utilizing your basement kitchen?
The first thing you will need to do is determine why you want to add a kitchen to your basement and set clear goals and expectations. This will inform many of your decisions throughout the process. It’s easy to get carried away in the creative process and shift from your original needs. Having a clear “Why” can help you refocus on your goals.
Ⅱ. Write down a list of priorities
Make a clear distinction between the things you would like for your new kitchen and the things you absolutely need. This will be largely influenced by the size of your kitchen space, how the basement is being used and budget. If the basement will be used as a game or family room, a simple kitchenette will be adequate. However, if your basement is a separate unit, you may need to have more amenities in your kitchen.
Ⅲ. Be flexible
Be willing to compromise on your wish list. As construction begins, you may run into some issues that will force you to make some changes to your original plan. Don’t allow this to discourage you; work around those changes and revise your wish list as you go.
Basement Kitchen Design Tips
- Pay attention to the maintenance efforts you may need to make Maintenance is often ignored once a new kitchen is constructed but it is only later homeowners realise that is important too. Basements are often used less than the main floor and that is why they attract more dust. This is why you should choose materials that are easy to clean. Also, the temperature in basements attracts humidity which is why an all-wood kitchen is not recommended. You should also go easy to maintain countertops like quartz or recycled glass.
- Avoid darker colours Since basements usually lack light, adding darker colours to the set-up may make it quite overbearing. At the same time, going for an all-white colour will attract dirt. You should choose neutral colours like taupe or beige to keep the overall style very light and breezy. You can also combine two colours to give your kitchen more definition. If you want to accentuate your basement kitchen design, you can choose a contrasting colour for the countertop and further define the kitchen with brass or shiny golden hardware.
- Avoid heavy-duty furniture You don’t want to renovate your basement kitchen every time you want to give your basement a twist. This is why instead of heavy dining tables and antique cabinets, go for function and light-weight furniture that can be moved around or easily removed if you want more space in your basement. You can also go for movable furniture to change the look of your basement whenever one gets boring. This is particularly one of the most common small basement kitchen ideas but can also be used for basements blessed with space.
- Invest in a dining area along with a kitchenette If you want to host a large gathering in your basement, you must have a dining area as well. Just a bar table would not suffice. You can also be creative and set up a patio vibe in your basement using patio furniture in your dining area. Not only is this a good way to ensure a comfortable seating arrangement but it is also creative use of lightweight furniture.
- Be space-conscious Do not make your basement kitchen as elaborate as your main kitchen. Keep only the basic appliances in your kitchen and the fancy makers and fryers can be used on the main floor. Heavy appliances may take up a lot of space and cause your basement to look very stuffed up. This is why you must keep your basement looking spacious.