What Is A Keeping Room? 7 Ideas For The Hearth Room

Many new homeowners look forward to throwing a housewarming party. After all, it’s natural to want to share your new space with family and friends – especially after you’ve settled in and created a warm, inviting space that reflects your style and makes others feel at home. 

As the host, you may feel a little out of the loop if you’re stuck in the kitchen preparing meals or beverages while your guests are in another area of the house. This is where having a kitchen keeping room in your home comes in handy.

So, what is a keeping room? A keeping room is a space adjacent to the kitchen where friends and family can gather while keeping the host company. It’s also known as a family room or a hearth room. A keeping room helps hosts feel more involved with the festivities while catering to guests.

Why Is It Called A Keeping Room?

In the 18th century, it was common for the entire household to gather around the fireplace or wood-burning stove to keep warm. During that time, most of the cooking was also centered around the fireplace. This became a problem, as the area would get crowded.

Homeowners began including an additional room close to the fireplace. It served as a space for family and guests to socialize comfortably, while giving space to those cooking. Thus, the keeping room was born.

Nowadays, builders may call these spaces a flex room, free room, family room or hearth room.

Keeping Room Benefits

Having a keeping room in your home offers many benefits, including: 

• Providing an open yet secluded space: A keeping room is an especially attractive feature for those who don’t want an open floor plan. Rather than feeling like a continuous space, a keeping room is an additional secluded area close to the kitchen – perfect for hosting and spending time with family.
• Giving the host space: Friends and family often congregate in the kitchen during parties – after all, the phrase “too many cooks in the kitchen” didn’t come from nowhere. A keeping room prevents people from congregating in a crowded kitchen by giving guests an alternative space near the host.
• Increasing your home’s value: Keeping rooms are practical, giving homeowners more space at the heart of the home and potentially adding to the property value.

7 Keeping Room Ideas

Whether you prefer art deco glamour or cool grandmillennial decor, the beauty of a keeping room is that you can truly make it your own. These rooms can serve many different purposes depending on what’s right for your home, including keeping whoever’s in the kitchen company.

See our list of seven keeping room ideas below to spark inspiration and elevate your space.

1. Cozy Fireside Common Area

A fireplace has traditionally been central to a keeping room. Highlight this focal point and encourage conversation by adding oversized furniture on either side of the fireplace. Add depth by including other cozy elements, like:

• A large, tonal art piece
• A thick area rug
• Candles on side tables
• Throw pillows and blankets

Making sure your guests are comfortable is key for conversations around the fireplace. If your home doesn’t already have one, there are a few types of fireplaces you can choose from, depending on your style and functionality preferences.

2. Library Lounge

Ever dreamed of a home library filled with books you’ve collected over the years?

A library lounge is an enchanting way to use a keeping room. Use built-in bookshelves to line the walls with tales, and sheer curtains to let in natural light throughout the day.

To pull the space together, choose sophisticated furniture like leather lounges or big armchairs. Warm up the floor with a large neutral rug, and add lamps to side tables to complete the academia-inspired look.

3. Study Station

Turning your keeping room into a study station is a great way for parents to keep an eye on kids while they do their homework. Take advantage of the wall space by incorporating useful accessories like a whiteboard or calendar.

You can also set up desks with easy access to creative materials like flashcards, pens, pencils and markers.

Try decorating the study station with task lamps, plants and framed motivational quotes. To help focus, paint the room blue, orange or green.

[Click here for tips on painting your study station.]

4. Game Corner

Encourage quality time with friends and family by turning your keeping room into the perfect game night spot. Add your favorite games like Monopoly, Sorry!, Connect Four, poker, Cards Against Humanity (Family Edition), and other staples.

Keep your room functional by including a convertible table for easy entertainment. You could even invest in a pool or ping-pong table for more active game nights.

5. Entertainer’s Cocktail Lounge

Want to take your space to HGTV level? Incorporating conversation pieces into your keeping room makes this an excellent place for guests to get to know one another. These can be statues, eclectic art pieces or exotic plants.

You don’t have to spend much money to create that “wow” factor for your space. For example, a bar cart is a natural way to welcome guests into your home with a homemade cocktail.

6. Crafting Room

If you’re the DIY type, think about transforming your keeping room into a crafting space. Source containers and shelves to house knitting, sewing or scrapbooking supplies.

Use bold colors and textured wall decor to inspire creativity and liven up your space. To save money, scour your local thrift stores for unique pieces to upcycle or repurpose. You could find anything from furniture to art and rugs to add to your  crafting room.

7. Children’s Playroom

Need a space to keep an eye on the kids while you wash the dishes? Convert your keeping room into a children’s playroom to house toys, puzzles and gadgets for your kids to enjoy. Encourage imagination by decorating the room with child-sized tents and tables.

Reimagine Your Space With A Keeping Room

A keeping room is a versatile space for the heart of your home. You don’t need an open floor plan to have crowd-free company – make hosting a breeze by engaging with guests in your keeping room.

Thinking about renovating your space to include a keeping room? A personal loan with Rocket Loans^SM can help make your dream a reality.