Close Menu
Opple House
    What's Hot

    Before You Renovate: Hidden Plumbing and Wiring Issues DIYers Often Miss

    May 9, 2025

    How to Design a Flexible Home: Using Extendable Tables and Modular Furniture

    May 9, 2025

    From Beginner to Pro: How to Tackle Complex Diamond Painting Kits

    May 9, 2025

    6 Home Improvement Ideas That Add Value and Comfort in 2025

    May 9, 2025

    A Deep Dive into LTX Studio: The AI Tool Changing Content Creation

    May 9, 2025

    33 Creative Farmhouse Wooden Crate Decorating Ideas

    May 9, 2025
    Facebook Instagram
    Facebook Instagram
    Opple House
    • Home Decor
    • Interior Design
    • Home Improvement
    • DIY & Crafts
    • Gardening
    • Real Estate
    Opple House
    Home » Blog » 10 Ways to Style Your Small Keeping Room Off Kitchen
    Interior Design

    10 Ways to Style Your Small Keeping Room Off Kitchen

    Austin MarshallBy Austin MarshallMarch 26, 20259 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    10 Ways to Style Your Small Keeping Room Off Kitchen
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Small keeping rooms often present a big challenge. I know this firsthand—my kitchen’s adjoining space seemed impossible to decorate at first.

    In this article, you’ll find simple ways to transform your small keeping room into a space you’ll love spending time in. I’ve tested these ideas in real homes (including my own), and they work even when space is tight.

    You’ll learn how to:

    • Select the right furniture that fits your space without overcrowding it
    • Use color effectively to make the room feel larger and more inviting
    • Add personal touches that make the room feel special and uniquely yours

    By the end of this article, you’ll have clear steps to turn your challenging space into a cozy spot that enhances your home and daily life. Let’s get started with simple changes that make a real difference.

    Beautiful Ways to Style Your Small Keeping Room Off Kitchen

    A small keeping room connected to your kitchen can become a cozy, functional space that enhances your home’s flow and provides an extra living area.

    These beautiful spaces—historically used as warm gathering spots near the kitchen hearth—now serve as versatile transition areas between kitchens and the rest of the home. With thoughtful styling, even compact keeping rooms can become favorite family spaces.

    1. Define Your Room’s Purpose

    Define_Your_Rooms_Purpose

    Start by deciding what you really need from this space. Your keeping room can serve many purposes. Do you want:

    • A quiet reading corner?
    • A spot for morning coffee?
    • A place for kids to play while you cook?
    • A small dining area?

    Pick one main use or, at most, two. My keeping room works as both a coffee spot and a reading nook. Trying to make a small room do everything often leads to a crowded, confusing space.

    Make this decision first. Everything else—furniture, colors, and storage—will flow from this choice.

    Tip: Don’t overdo it. One or two clear purposes will make the room more useful and easier to design. Pick one main use or, at most,t two.

    My keeping room works as both a coffee spot and a reading nook. Trying to make a small room do everything often leads to a crowded, confusing space.

    2. Select Small Furniture

    Select_Small_Furniture

    Big furniture in small rooms doesn’t work. Always look for:

    • Love seats instead of full sofas
    • Armchairs with slim profiles
    • Round tables instead of square (easier to walk around)
    • Benches that can be tucked under tables

    I found a small 48-inch loveseat that seats two people comfortably without taking over my keeping room. Think about scale, too. A few properly sized pieces feel much better than many tiny items that make your room look cluttered.

    See also  Dubai-Style Kitchens: How to Design a High-End Culinary Space

    Tip: Check furniture depth, not just width—shallow chairs and loveseats save space and still feel comfy. I found a small 48-inch loveseat that seats two people comfortably without taking over my keeping room.

    3. Use Built-In Storage

    Use_Built-In_Storage

    Hidden storage makes small rooms look bigger. Built-in shelves or cabinets along one wall can:

    • Hide everyday items
    • Display only your prettiest things
    • Use vertical space that would otherwise go to waste

    In my keeping room, I added low cabinets under the window. They store extra kitchen items but also serve as a window seat with cushions. Wall-mounted solutions save floor space, which is gold in small rooms.

    Tip: Match built-ins to your wall color for a seamless, less bulky look.

    In my keeping room, I added low cabinets under the window. They store extra kitchen items but also serve as a window seat with cushions.

    4. Create a Focal Point

    Create_a_Focal_Point

    Every room needs one thing that catches your eye first. Good options include:

    • A small fireplace
    • A striking piece of artwork
    • A bold patterned chair
    • A statement light fixture

    My keeping room has a small bookshelf painted in deep blue that draws attention and sets the mood for the space. Without a focal point, small rooms can feel flat and boring. With one, the space feels planned and pulled together.

    Tip: If your space is mostly neutral, a pop of deep color or texture can do the job without making it feel busy. My keeping room has a small bookshelf painted in deep blue that draws attention and sets the mood for the space.

    5. Choose Soft, Light Colors

    Choose_Soft_Light_Colors

    Light colors make walls seem to recede. Paint your keeping room in:

    • Soft whites
    • Pale grays
    • Light blues
    • Gentle greens

    I painted my keeping room walls cream with white trim, which makes it feel connected to but distinct from my kitchen. You can add color with smaller items like pillows and art. The walls and big furniture pieces should stay light to create a sense of openness.

    Tip: Match your trim to your kitchen’s trim color—it helps connect the two rooms visually. I painted my keeping room walls cream with white trim, which makes it feel connected to but distinct from my kitchen.

    6. Welcome Natural Light

    Welcome_Natural_Light

    Sunlight is your small room’s best friend.

    To maximize light:

    • Use sheer curtains or simple blinds
    • Place mirrors across from windows to bounce light
    • Keep window sills clear

    I chose simple roller shades that pull completely away from my windows during the day. A bright room always feels bigger and more welcoming than a dark one, no matter its actual size.

    See also  19 Modern Cabin Kitchen Ideas You’ll Love

    Tip: Avoid heavy window treatments—they can make the space feel boxed in. I chose simple roller shades that pull completely away from my windows during the day.

    7. Add Fresh Greenery

    Add_Fresh_Greenery

    Plants bring life to any space, no matter how small. Try these easy options:

    • A small potted herb near the kitchen entrance
    • A hanging plant in a corner
    • A slender fiddle leaf fig beside a chair

    My keeping room features a small lemon tree in a white pot—it adds color and a fresh scent. Even one plant can make your keeping room feel more finished and lived-in.

    Tip: If you’re short on natural light, look for low-light plants like snake plants or pothos. My keeping room features a small lemon tree in a white pot—it adds color and a fresh scent.

    8. Mix and Match Textures

    Mix_and_Match_Textures

    Different textures add depth without taking up space. You can combine these:

    • Soft throw blankets
    • Woven baskets
    • Smooth ceramics
    • Natural wood elements

    In my space, I paired a wool throw with a smooth leather chair and a wooden side table. This creates interest without clutter. Texture works like color to add character but without making your space feel smaller.

    Tip: Use textures in neutral tones to keep things interesting without overwhelming a small space. In my space, I paired a wool throw with a smooth leather chair and a wooden side table. This creates interest without clutter.

    9. Include Personal Items

    Include_Personal_Items

    Your keeping room should feel like it belongs to you. You can try displaying:

    • Family photos in simple frames
    • Books you love
    • Small items collected on trips
    • Artwork made by family members

    I have a small shelf with cookbooks and family photos that makes the space feel connected to our home life. Skip the generic store decor. Real items with meaning create a room that tells your story.

    Tip: Rotate personal items seasonally to keep the space fresh without buying new decor. I have a small shelf with cookbooks and family photos that makes the space feel connected to our home life.

    10. Ensure Easy Movement

    Ensure_Easy_Movement

    You should be able to walk through your keeping room without bumping into things.

    Remember to:

    • Leave clear paths (at least 30 inches wide)
    • Avoid placing furniture on walkways
    • Consider how the room connects to your kitchen

    In my keeping room, I angled the chair away from the kitchen entrance to create a clear path between rooms. No matter how pretty your room looks, it won’t work if moving through it feels like an obstacle course.

    See also  6 Best Mushroom Colored Ideas for a Perfectly Neutral Space

    Tip: Angle furniture slightly if a straight layout blocks natural walking paths. In my keeping room, I angled the chair away from the kitchen entrance to create a clear path between rooms.

    Conclusion

    Styling a small living room takes some thought, but it doesn’t have to be hard. The key is working with your space—not against it. Choose furniture that fits, keep colors light, add personal touches, and always prioritize comfort and function.

    The most important things to remember:

    • Choose furniture that fits properly for your specific space
    • Keep colors light and uplifting to create a sense of openness
    • Add personal touches that tell your story and make the space feel lived-in

    A well-designed keeping room becomes more than just an extra space—it turns into a favorite spot for morning coffee, quiet reading, family game nights, or simply catching up at the end of a busy day.

    Start with one idea from this list and build from there. Small changes make big differences in small spaces. And remember—your keeping room doesn’t need to look like a magazine photo to be perfect.

    What’s your biggest challenge with your keeping room? I’d love to hear about it!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Is the Difference Between a Keeping Room and A Living Room?

    A keeping room is smaller and located next to the kitchen, while a living room is larger and meant for entertaining or relaxing away from cooking spaces.

    Can I Use a Rug in A Small Keeping Room?

    Yes, a small rug can define the space and add warmth. Choose a size that fits under furniture without crowding the room.

    Should My Keeping Room Match My Kitchen Style?

    It doesn’t have to match exactly, but it should complement your kitchen in color, tone, or texture for a natural flow between the spaces.

    Is a Tv a Good Idea in A Keeping Room?

    It depends on your needs. If it’s a space for relaxing, a small wall-mounted TV can work without taking over the room.

    How Do I Make My Keeping Room Feel Separate from The Kitchen?

    Use a rug, different paint colors, or a piece of furniture to divide the space while still keeping it connected visually.

    Related posts:

    1. Striking and Modern Look with White Walls and Bold Black Trim
    2. Benjamin Moore Titanium: A Modern Choice for Interiors
    3. Meet the Top Luxury Interior Designer Dallas
    4. Lalique: Iconic Collections and Popular Pieces in Interior Design
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    Austin Marshall
    Austin Marshall
    • Website

    Austin Marshall is an interior design expert and holds a Master's degree in Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. With over 15 years of experience, he has led numerous high-profile design projects, transforming spaces into aesthetically pleasing and functional environments. Joining our website in 2020, he has consistently delivered articles that blend practical advice with creative design solutions. Beyond work, Austin is an avid traveler, drawing inspiration from different cultures for his design projects.

    Related Posts

    Interior Design May 9, 2025

    How to Design a Flexible Home: Using Extendable Tables and Modular Furniture

    Interior Design May 8, 2025

    Sherwin-Williams Gauntlet Gray (SW-7019) Exterior Review

    Interior Design May 8, 2025

    Reviewing Benjamin Moore’s Trending Colors

    Interior Design May 8, 2025

    What Is a Drop Zone: A Solution to Household Clutter

    Interior Design May 8, 2025

    24 Winter Home Decor Ideas to Warm Up Your Space

    Interior Design May 6, 2025

    How to Create a Foyer in an Open Living Room

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Don't Miss
    Renovation May 9, 2025

    Before You Renovate: Hidden Plumbing and Wiring Issues DIYers Often Miss

    Home renovation projects continue to surge as more people tackle improvements themselves. What starts as…

    How to Design a Flexible Home: Using Extendable Tables and Modular Furniture

    May 9, 2025

    From Beginner to Pro: How to Tackle Complex Diamond Painting Kits

    May 9, 2025

    6 Home Improvement Ideas That Add Value and Comfort in 2025

    May 9, 2025
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    About Us
    About Us

    We strive to provide high-quality, stylish home decor pieces to help you create the perfect look for your unique space. Our blog offers helpful tips and tricks to bring your dream home to life!

    Email Us: sophia@opplehouse.com

    Our Picks

    Before You Renovate: Hidden Plumbing and Wiring Issues DIYers Often Miss

    May 9, 2025

    How to Design a Flexible Home: Using Extendable Tables and Modular Furniture

    May 9, 2025

    From Beginner to Pro: How to Tackle Complex Diamond Painting Kits

    May 9, 2025

    Design Secrets Delivered to Your Inbox!

    Join 10,000+ home enthusiasts who receive weekly inspiration, DIY guides, and exclusive decor tips. Plus, get a free e-book

    Facebook Instagram
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2025 OppleHouse.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.