Transform Your Kitchen with a Cozy Keeping Room: Essential Details Explained
Chillin' Out in the Keeping Room: A Cozy Corner in Your Modern Home
Eons before the trends of open-plan kitchens and oversized islands, the keeping room was the heart of the house. Although its original purpose has subtly shifted, the notion of having a relaxed seating area close to the kitchen has once more caught the spotlight. Now, with interior designers breathing new life into this space, the keeping room is proving to be a genius addition to modern homes. Let's chat with the experts about this revival and the reasons behind its resurgence in 2025.
Daniel Joseph Chenin—an interior designer, architect, and the genius behind Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd.
Ryan McCarthy—an interior designer at IconByDesign
Loui Burke—an interior designer and home entertaining virtuoso
So, What Exactly is a Keeping Room?
Traditionally, a keeping room is a snug little area located near the kitchen designed for informal get-togethers and relaxation. It's a comfy nook where family members or visitors can hang out while meals are being prepared.
Confessing his love for the keeping room, architect and designer Daniel Joseph Chenin says, "It's that comfy, tucked-away spot near the kitchen where people naturally congregate, be it family catching up while dinner is being prepped, or guests lingering in the warmth of the space-without hovering over the oven."
Historically Speaking
The keeping room dates back to the Colonial era in America when the kitchen acted as the home's primary heat source. "It wasn't a luxury; it was survival," reveals Chenin. Families gathered here for everyday activities, from storytelling to sewing, as it was usually the warmest spot.
As home heating progressed, the significance of keeping rooms faded. But according to Ryan McCarthy, an interior designer at IconByDesign, even in the 18th and 19th centuries, homes in colder climates continued to keep them as a natural meeting point.
Why the Comeback?
The renewed fascination with keeping rooms falls under a broader shift towards relaxed, practical living. As Loui Burke, an interior designer and home entertaining whiz, puts it, "People seek areas that give a break from the main kitchen or living room and foster conversation without distractions."
But it's not just about comfort; a keeping room in today's home has practical uses too. "Personally, I'm adding one near my kitchen because we've got kids at home," shares Chenin. "I'd rather have them nearby while I cook than have them scattered throughout the house. It becomes a natural spot for them to read, play, or even help with prep."
Designing Your Keeping Room
Even in an open-floor plan, clever design choices can make a keeping room stand out. Chenin suggests using lower ceiling heights, adding paneling, or incorporating textured materials to give definition without causing a flow disruption in the home.
Liking to accentuate coziness, Burke recommends adding velvet cushions, wool throws, and a chunky knit blanket to the space. "A strategically positioned chair by the window or a cushioned bench encourages people to sit and unwind," he suggests.
McCarthy stresses the importance of high-quality, hardwearing furniture for this high-use area. Elegant chairs or counter stools can effortlessly connect the kitchen and living areas as well.
Lastly, personal touches give the room character. Burke encourages layering items like a woven rug, leather accents, or a curated bookshelf to make the room feel lived-in. "A keeping room should be a place people gravitate towards naturally," he concludes.
A Brief History of Keeping Rooms
The keeping room's history stretches back to Colonial America, during which homes organized themselves around a fireplace, the primary heat source in most households. The kitchen, being the warmest area, was where family members would congregate in an adjacent space known as the keeping room. This room served not only as a place to stay warm but also as a hub for daily activities like sewing, reading, and storytelling. [1][2]
As homes evolved and central heating became more widespread, the necessity for keeping rooms diminished. However, these spaces remained relevant in colder climates as natural gathering points throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. [2]
The Modern Revival of Keeping Rooms
Recently, keeping rooms have resurfaced in popularity. This rekindled interest stems from the desire for functional and inviting spaces within modern homes. Today's keeping rooms serve as extensions of the kitchen, offering a relaxed area where family members or guests gather while meals are being prepared. Unlike formal living areas, keeping rooms focus on comfort and convenience, often featuring:
- Comfortable seating such as sofas, armchairs, or built-in benches.
- Fireplaces for added ambience and warmth.
- Open layouts that blend seamlessly with the kitchen.
- Soft lighting and decorative accents to cultivate a cozy atmosphere. [1][2]
Key Features and Modern Design
Modern keeping rooms exude a laidback yet refined vibe, making them perfect for everyday use. Designers encourage adding personal touches like velvet cushions, wool throws, and chunky blankets to boost the space's coziness and inviting appearance. [2] Additionally, using hardwearing, stylish furniture can bring the keeping room in sync with the adjacent kitchen or living areas, fostering a smooth transition between spaces. [2]
Design Techniques such as lowering ceiling heights or adding paneling can help distinguish the keeping room without disrupting the open layout of modern homes. [2] The incorporation of natural materials and large windows can further augment the ambiance, providing natural light and warmth. [1]
Purpose and Benefits
The primary purpose of a modern keeping room is to foster connection and togetherness. For families with young children, it offers a secure space for kids to play or read while their parents cook nearby. It also functions as an informal gathering space for guests, allowing them to unwind while meals are being prepared without infringing upon kitchen activities.
- Daniel Joseph Chenin, a renowned interior designer, is a huge fan of the keeping room, stating that it's an intimate, tucked-away spot near the kitchen where people naturally connect.
- Keeping rooms gained prominence again in 2025 due to their functional and inviting qualities, with their design emphasizing comfort, coziness, and seamless integration with the kitchen.
- Ryan McCarthy, an interior designer at IconByDesign, suggests incorporating durable furniture and stylish yet hardwearing materials to accommodate the high-use area that a modern keeping room becomes.
- According to Loui Burke, an interior designer and home entertaining expert, a well-designed keeping room should draw people in with elements like soft lighting, textured materials, and personal touches, making it a place where people naturally want to congregate.
