Ideas for Unused Kitchen Space
In many homes, the kitchen serves as the command center, making it a busy, crowded space. Homeowners often wish for a larger kitchen to better accommodate the many activities that wind up taking place in the room. If you are lucky enough to have extra space in your kitchen, there are several ways to use it, so you increase the functionality of the room and make multitasking easier when necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
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Dining Area
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For a kitchen with extra space, adding a dining area is likely the most practical option. While your home may have a formal dining room, it might only be used on holidays and other special occasions. Creating a more casual dining area in your kitchen makes cooking and serving dinner easier on a daily basis, because you do not have to trek back and forth between the kitchen and the dining room.
Your options for adding a dining area depend largely on the space available. If there a large open space in your kitchen, add a basic table and chairs set to accommodate your family. A banquette, which is a table that features bench seating, may be added to the corner of a kitchen, while a breakfast bar may be added to an existing island. Even if your unused space is small, a bistro-style table can be set up to provide a dining area for two people.
Home Office
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Converting the unused space in your kitchen to a small home office area allows you to monitor your meals while taking care of other tasks, such as paying bills, catching up on e-mail and online shopping. It provides a space for your children to do their homework as well. If your unused space is large enough, add a small desk that can house a computer, printer and whatever other equipment that you find necessary. If your unused space is more limited, dedicate a section of counter top to your office set-up by adding a chair or stool. Install shelves nearby for additional storage and place a corkboard or wall calendar above the work area so you can keep track of appointments and deadlines.
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Pantry
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If your kitchen lacks adequate storage space, turn the unused space in your kitchen into a pantry. This can provide plenty of additional storage and keep your kitchen looking neat and tidy. Depending on the amount of space available, you can add walls and a door and create a walk-in pantry or create an alcove where shelves may be added if the space is more limited. For an instant, budget-friendly pantry, purchase a large bookcase and place in the corner of your kitchen to hold boxes, cans and jars of nonperishable foods.
Laundry Facilities
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You may find it convenient to use your unused kitchen space to house your washer and dryer. As with a home office, having your washer and dryer nearby allows you to multitask so you can get a load of laundry done as you prepare your meals. Many washers and dryers are compact and easily fit in an alcove or corner of your kitchen. However, if you prefer that your appliances not be seen, a custom-built cabinet may be installed around them, so they are hidden from view but still accessible when you need to use them.
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References
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