Traditional keeping rooms date back to the 1700s and they’re making a huge comeback as a cozy hangout by the kitchen. A keeping room is a space adjacent to the kitchen where friends and family can gather to keep the cook company while they prepare a meal. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the h

The keeping room is a Colonial colonial concept but unfortunately has become a code word for "open concept." Let's put the "cozy" back in the keeping room.

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What goes around, comes around.

While the keeping room has historical roots, its purpose couldn't be more on point for today. It's a small seating area off of the kitchen where family or guests can hang out to keep the person who is cooking company. Erin and Ben Napier, the couple behind the popular show Home Town, shared their country home in Mississippi with us, which had a keeping room just off of their kitchen. At the link, Erin discussed how this charming space is where the family spends so much of their time…

cozy keeping room. Extending my cabinets toward front of house

Sitting area in breakfast nook

Today I thought I would end the year with a few "after" and "before" images of our kitchen and dining nook renovation!

Make the flow of conversation easy and inviting with these great open floor plans. Get inspired to have an open concept living room in your home to make the overall feel of your home open and cohesive.