At America's Best House Plans, we offer a wide variety of house plans that feature keeping rooms. Although keeping rooms originated in colonial times, they have evolved over the years to incorporate modern concepts. Many people are now familiar with keeping rooms, but if you missed your history lesson, let me explain. In colonial times, keeping rooms served as multi-purpose spaces. They combined the kitchen with a fireplace or hearth, and adjacent to that was a small sitting or living area. In these times, houses were small, and these rooms served the family in multiple ways. The keeping room provided heat, served as a dining area, and even a sleeping space for the family during cold New England winters. Older children often had a sleeping area above the keeping room, taking advantage of the rising heat.
As our lifestyles have changed, modern families no longer rely on daily chores for survival, and we don't sleep in one-room spaces. Our homes have grown larger, and we have come to expect separate spaces for various activities. A keeping room offers a space for families to gather at the end of the day. With the growing demand for open concept home plans, the keeping room can provide additional living space separate from a den or family room. In some cases, it can even replace the traditional family room. This allows homeowners to keep an eye on their children while preparing meals and easily communicate with family and friends while entertaining. The saying goes, "the kitchen is the heart of the home," and keeping rooms have become some of the most frequently used spaces in the house. They also add value to the home, as they provide a gathering space near the kitchen.
Homes with keeping rooms can be customized to fit the needs of each family. When choosing your home plan, consider how your family will use the keeping room. Will it be the main living space adjacent to the kitchen, or will it serve as a cozy nook with a larger family room or den located elsewhere in the home? You can also incorporate media features like televisions, computers, or music systems, or create a quiet space for family conversations, games, or homework. At America's Best House Plans, we can provide assistance and ideas for any type of keeping room you choose to incorporate into your home. Keeping rooms are versatile and can multitask in the busy world we live in. The key is to outfit them intentionally, with flexibility and comfort in mind. This space will surely become treasured, along with the kitchen, as the heart of your home.
