40 Basement Kitchenette Ideas February 4, 2023 – Posted in: Design, Home Improvement, Lifestyle – Tags: basement design, basement kitchen, kitchenette

As years go by and trends change, people are becoming more and more clever as they explore different kitchen styles and concepts. As of late, people are turning their basements into full-functioning living areas and are adding the practical design of a basement kitchenette.

Whether you’re renovating a basement rental apartment or guest suite or want to create a space for the whole family, a basement kitchenette can provide a place to cook, store drinks and snacks, and help create a homey basement space. Area constraints and a shortage of natural light can make designing a basement kitchenette more difficult but not impossible.

This guide will help you through the process with clever ideas and helpful pointers and aid you in creating a stylish, functional basement kitchenette that will impress pretty much everyone.

Behind an oak pool table, Iron and wood backless barstools sit at a light gray basement bar island lit by glass and brass mini pendants. A round mirror hangs adjacent to stacked light gray floating shelves mounted to a white shiplap wall over light gray shaker cabinets donning oil rubbed bronze hardware and a black countertop. — Photo Credit: Brooke Wagner Design

What To Expect When it Comes to Cost

Whatever your reasoning is for wanting to build a kitchenette in your basement, we are sure that your first thought is, “how much is this going to cost me?” So whether you have an adult child living in the basement until they find a job, a mother-in-law moving in, or even if you’re considering converting your basement into a rental unit as a side hustle, the cost is probably the most important factor in your decision.

Given their small size, one would think that a kitchenette would be a quick and less expensive reno compared to a full-size kitchen, but you may be surprised to learn that kitchenettes can cost $45,600 on average. This cost can be substantially lowered, depending on the situation, size, features, and finishes that you choose. Also, if you are handy yourself, you may be able to save some money by doing the work yourself.

A plain, basic kitchenette may cost only a few thousand if plumbing and wiring are easily available. However, if you need to install new plumbing and wiring, kitchenettes cost $45,000 on average.

renovated basement with small kitchenette grey sectional sofa stairs stair rail modern chandelier wood cabinetry and open shelving — Photo Credit: Rini Kundu Interiors

To assist you in calculating how much a kitchenette project will cost, here are a few cost factors to consider:

Plumbing

If you want the most value out of your kitchenette, you will want to ensure that there is a sink, so this is where plumbing comes in. A sink is standard even in the most basic designs. The average cost to install a new sink in a room with existing plumbing ranges from $100 to over $1,000.

You’ll need access to your home’s water supply and drainage to install one. So, if your kitchenette is near a bathroom, you’ll pay less to install a sink than if you’re installing one in an area that has no close access to plumbing. So it’s wise to take great consideration to where you place your kitchenette.

Modern-Basement-Kitchenette-20834 — Photo Credit: Erica Bryen Design

Pre-existing pipes in your home influence the cost. Homes with old pipes require more complicated and, therefore, more expensive plumbing jobs. The age of your home can play a big role in your final bill.

Electrical

If you want to outfit your kitchenette with electricity for items like an electric stove, refrigerators and microwaves, you’ll need to wire electricity to the area. You’re off to a good start if the room is already wired. The average cost to install an electrical outlet is just around $141.

If your kitchenette is further away or you are starting from scratch, you’ll need to pay for extra wiring and labor time. On average, new wiring and labor cost between $6 to $10 per square foot.

Basement kitchenette features blue cabinets paired with glossy white quartz countertops and a tan and green mosaic tiled backsplash. Basement kitchen boasts metal lattice upper cabinets flanking stacked stainless steel shelves over a farm sink with clear see through candy drawers to the left and a white dishwasher to the right. — Photo Credit: Millhaven Homes

Appliances

Appliances are another major cost factor, but you do have the freedom to decide how much and elaborate you want to go with your appliances. Top-of-the-line appliances can be in the thousands, but for a basement kitchenette, you can go with a basic model of refrigerators, stoves, etc. to save some cost in your budget.

Open concept space with blue kitchenette cabinets and wooden countertops finished with brass hardware and a brass gooseneck faucet sink. A marble and brass bar table with a pub height showcases a set of brown molded leather barstools for an updated and stylish touch. — Photo Credit: Elements of Style

Cabinetry and countertops

Cabinetry and countertops are the areas where you can really play with your budget. It’s more inexpensive to install prefab than custom units. A small prefab cabinet from IKEA costs as little as $108, whereas custom cabinets from a high-end cabinet designer range between $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.

So if you’re looking to save some money, do some shopping around and see where you can get the best deal for your cabinetry.

Also, countertops vary in price depending on the material. Here’s a short rundown of the prices of favored countertop materials per square foot:

Stainless steel: $80-$225
Marble: $75-$250
Porcelain: $60-$100
Engineered quartz: $55-$155
Butcherblock: $55-$200
Granite: $45-$200
Tile: $18-$35
Laminate: $15-$40

Remember that these cost ranges are averages. High-end options like distinctive slabs and handmade tiles may exceed the upper end of these ranges.

Contemporary candy themed kitchenette in basement features wall mount candy dispensers and candy art on silver foil wallpaper, candy jars on black and white marble countertop over white cabinets with glass and brass pulls and dark wooden floors. — Photo Credit: Widell Boschetti

Permits

Before you start knocking out walls, you will want to make sure that a basement kitchenette is even permitted in your area. Depending on your city or housing jurisdiction, you may not be allowed to add a second kitchen.

The reasoning behind this is that governments often don’t want a situation where you’re turning a single-family dwelling into a multi-family property without going through the proper steps. They might allow you to build a kitchenette, but it might not be able to have all of the features you want.

If your area allows kitchenettes, you’ll need to obtain a permit for the addition. Permits can cost as much as $1,000. To determine what permits you need and how much they’ll cost, check out your city or county’s home construction ordinances. If you aren’t sure where to look, ask a local contractor.

Don’t skip this step — if you build without a permit, your jurisdiction could hit you with a hefty fine and require you to apply for a retroactive permit that’s double or even triple the standard fee.

Candelabra Home Loom Barstools at a navy blue bar island designed ina basement wet bar finished with white subway tiles, gray grout and white quartz countertops. Ivory and blue mosaic floor tiles add a charming look to the basement — Photo Credit: Timber Trails Development

Consider the Value

While we have just hit you with all the cost factors, one factor that you can now look at positively is the value. Sure, kitchenettes can cost a pretty penny, but they’re a worthy investment for many homeowners. On top of appreciating the benefits of an another cooking area, you can increase your home’s value and marketability.

Burnham Design - Fabulous basement features a wall covered in flags beside kitchenette filled with Big Chill Refrigerator beside white cabinets topped with black countertop framing sink under window dressed in bamboo roller shades. A farmhouse dining table is lined with red metal dining chairs atop a World Market Black and White Striped Dhurrie Rug. — Photo Credit: Southern Living

Homes with accessory dwelling units that include kitchenettes are in high demand. Kitchenettes are also popular with buyers looking to run a short-term rental or an AirBnb location.

So taking this into consideration, the cost of your basement kitchenette addition could pay for itself over time.

Basement features long wet bar lined with industrial barstools across from bar sink under flatscreen TV flanked by windows. — Photo Credit: BIA Parade of Homes

When conceiving your design for a basement kitchenette, you will want to keep in mind how maintainable it will be. When designing, use materials that are not difficult to clean. Tiles and vinyl are excellent ideas for the floor.

Wood is not an ideal option for the basement kitchenette since it is assumed the basement is the most humid part of the whole house. If wood is the look you crave, you can get an LPVinyl that has the look of wood. Quartz is the most acceptable type of countertop since it requires low maintenance. These low-maintenance materials will save you in the long run when designing a basement kitchenette.

Cabin style basement with a wet bar showcasing black fabric and wood barstools at a dark gray island with concrete countertops. Shiplap backsplash lifts the lighter neutrals while warm hues fill the wet bar with dark cabinets, stone floors, and rustic wood support beams. — Photo Credit: Martha O’Hara Interiors

For a pool of unlimited drinks and a display of delicate glassware, you can try this clean, modern, and contemporary kitchenette bar. It features grey symmetries and the classic touch of glass hanging cabinets where the wine and bar glasses are displayed.

Its most upscale feature is the stunning gold and white pendants. This definitive look will never go out of style.

Gray basement bar boasts Gabby King Barstools placed at a gray peninsula topped with a white and gray countertop lit by two glass and brass pendants. The stools face a television mounted to a gray grasscloth wallpapered wall between glass front cabinets finished with glass shelves. The television is positioned above a sink with a stainless steel pull out faucet fitted above gray cabinets. The bar is completed with glass and bras wall shelves showcasing an assortment of spirits. — Photo Credit: City Homes

You can create a space that is unique and inviting as you are. Create an at-home bar experience with your kitchenette if you love to entertain. You and your friends could certainly enjoy this space for years to come.

Hang out and kick back in this well appointed basement featuring brass pendants hung above a u-shaped wet bar fitted with recessed white shaker cabinets with brushed brass hardware and a white marble countertop as a small sink paired with a satin nickel faucet placed in front of brick backsplash tiles under built in shelves. In front of the wet bar, a pool table sits on a blue rug illuminated by a glass and brass accordion linear pendant as a wall is completed with floor to ceiling Rolling Stones wall art lit by custom lighting and a brown abstract painting. — Photo Credit: Great Neighborhood Homes

Elaborate basement kitchenettes are becoming such a trend. If you have the budget, you can go as expansive as you wish with your basement kitchenette. These luxury basement kitchens are not for everyone, but they certainly have us swooning.

Sleek basement bar features black cabinets paired with gray granite countertops and a gray geometric tile backsplash. A flat panel tv is flanked by shelves and a microwave to the left and a dark gray paneled refrigerator to the right. Contemporary bar boasts a pair of Altamont Metal Pendants illuminating a gray bar island fitted with a sink and lined with cream leather bar stools. — Photo Credit: Bria Hammel Interiors

Fabulous basement game room features built in wet bar boasting flatscreen TV flanked by alcoves filled with stacked glass shelves across from island with raised bar lined with gray velvet barstools illuminated by gray glass light pendants. Basement is fitted with a wine cellar with floor to ceiling built in wine racks finished with glass walls and doors situated across from a foosball table. — Photo Credit: Anik Pearson

If you have a medium-size or large basement, one of the kitchenette ideas that you can establish in your basement is a pub-style one. For this, you should highlight the bar elements more.

Include elements like a long countertop, stools, pendant lights, and hanging glass cabinets with wood trims. You can seamlessly integrate the mini ovens and the small fridge into the floor cabinets.

Stirling Mills Interior Design - Arteriors Henson Barstools sit at dark stained wood island finished with a gray countertop and face rustic glass front cabinets fixed beneath wood beams and beside a flat panel television mounted over the wet bar's sink. — Photo Credit: Jane Beiles

Combining a basement kitchenette with a laundry area is perfect for those that are maybe putting in a basement apartment or a granny suite.

White and gray laundry room in a basement designed with gray shaker cabinets and a white quartz countertop finished with a sink and chrome faucet under a window. — Photo Credit: Hazel and Brown

Simplicity is a factor not to be overlooked in a basement kitchenette. This simple cupboard style here and gorgeous Caledon green cupboards make this space perfect!

A small farmhouse apron sink is the ideal addition to this space.

Cottage basement laundry room featuring green inset cabinets surrounding a fridge completed with a small farm sink and an oil rubbed bronze gooseneck faucet. — Photo Credit: Mindy Gayer

Ikea Docksta Table in a second-floor landing kitchenette is paired with green and gray distressed dining chairs surround white and gray decor. Gray subway tiles create a neutral backsplash around upper cabinets with frosted glass front doors displaying light blue kitchenware. An under counter wine cooler is flanked by white cabinets with steel hardware under marble countertops presenting a luxurious touch to the landing kitchen design. — Photo Credit: McKee Builders

When choosing things like wall color, choose neutral colors. White, beige, and gray are colors that help create an airy and light atmosphere. They also help in making space look bigger. After deciding what primary color you will use, contrast the colors when painting the backslash, cabinets, and countertop. A countertop that has a warm tone, white walls, and gray cabinets could make the right combination.

small basement kitchenette with stainless steel drawers and white cabinetry bowl of lemons popcorn and couch — Photo Credit: McGill Design Group

If you love a punch of color this bright green basement kitchen isn’t lacking. This space proves that a lack of natural light doesn’t matter when you choose a bold color and the proper lighting.

Stylish white and green kitchenette is clad in white and green hexagon backsplash tiles fixed behind glossy green floating shelves mounted beside stacked green lacquer cabinets and over green lacquer lower cabinets finished with a glossy green countertop. — Photo Credit: Creative Tonic

Blue kitchenette with a farm sink and stainless steel dishwasher in a cottage pool house features a split AC system above blue cabinetry. — Photo Credit: AGK Design Studio

Gray basement wet bar is lit by glass and brass pendants hung over a gray peninsula fitted with polished nickel hardware and a calcutta quartz countertop. A gold picture frame sits beneath glass and brass pipe shelves mounted to a wall covered in gray grasscloth wallpaper lined with gray crown moldings. A television is fixed between glass front cabinets boasting glass shelves and over a sink with a stainless steel pull out faucet positioned above gray cabinets. — Photo Credit: City Homes

Of course, you can select traditional wood storage, but you can upscale it by adding granite or marble countertops on it or mosaic glass accents to your hanging cabinets.

You can also go for ambient lighting instead of traditional canned lights. As for the walls, they can be an assortment of ceramic tiles and blocks. Add a splash of bright colors on the painted portions of the wall and use laminated wood for more glow on the floor.

Chic basement bar features Aesthetic Muse pendants illuminating a built-in bar topped with grey quartz and lined with backless blue leather barstools with silver nailhead trim. Basement bar boasts ivory shaker cabinets paired with gray quartz counters and an beveled mirrored subway tiled backsplash from The Fine Line Tiles flanked by paneled refrigerators. Basement is fitted with a built-in reading nook filled with gray and blue cushions finished with a wood lattice frame. — Photo Credit: Soucie Horner

Basement kitchenette features white shaker cabinets paired with white marble countertops and stainless steel brick tile backsplash. Kitchen cabinets are suspended over sink with bridge, gooseneck faucet situated next to glass-door beverage refrigerator. Polished nickel, industrial pendants illuminate kitchen island lined with Restoration Hardware Vintage Toledo Bar Chairs Polished Chrome. — Photo Credit: Titus Built

Well appointed gray basement wet bar features gray walls illuminated by two black industrial pendants hung from a dark gray ceiling over an industrial pub table seating four round back French counter stools. Behind the table, lighted glass front cabinets flank a custom lit shelf fixed above a small sink with a polished nickel faucet fixed to a black quartz countertop. The countertop is mounted against a mirrored backsplash and accents gray shaker cabinets finished with oil rubbed bronze hardware and a glass from beverage fridge. — Photo Credit: Callahan Interiors

The use of movable furniture in the basement kitchenette is also an incredible idea. There are times when one might require a little more space. During such occasions, some furniture can be moved to create space for the a number of chosen activites.

Basement kitchenette designed with floor to ceiling board and batten walls, a cereal station and a round white game table with wicker game chairs. — Photo Credit: Rebecca Foster Design

Basement wet bar with black lattice front cabinets features a glass front beverage fridge and oak floating shelves gray glazed offset tiles. — Photo Credit: Amy Storm and Company

A finished basement kitchen can serve as an inviting, cozy, and extra space for entertaining visitors. For this, go for the fresh and classy look of an all-white basement kitchen.

Basement wet bar with tongue and groove walls and white cabinets with concrete panel doors. White paneled kitchen cabinets with concrete countertops and concrete sink with polished nickel wall-mount faucet kit. Glass-front mini-fridges, white wood paneled dishwasher and recycled glass vases. — Photo Credit: Hickman Interiors

Black and white basement wet bar is fitted with a white island accented with a polished black marble countertop seating three brown leather counter stools lit by two mini black dome light pendants. Black metal shelves are mounted in front of a window and over white cabinets topped with a black marble countertop fitted with a sink with a polished nickel faucet. — Photo Credit: Laney LA

This gorgeous basement boasts a wet bar fitted with brown oak cabinets topped with a white quartz countertop finished with a sink and an oil rubbed bronze gooseneck faucet. The faucet is mounted in front of blue geometric backsplash tiles and beneath glass front cabinets. A tall wine fridge is recessed beneath a single brown oak cabinet. — Photo Credit: Threshold Interiors

Contemporary basement bar features dark brown cabinets paired with gray quartz countertops and a brick backsplash lined with a flat panel tv illuminated by track lighting. Three industrial pendants hang over a dark brown bar island lined with gray bar stools placed next to a glass wine cellar. — Photo Credit: Refined LC

A bar is a good option where people can sit and dine, but they are not very convenient for large families. If possible, people should leave a larger space for a dining area. This makes formal dinners more comfortable. When one has friends at their place, they will feel more comfortable if there is a dining area vs a bar.

Four black Tolix stools sit in a basement at a white l-shaped island topped with a concrete waterfall countertop holding a round sink with a polished nickel faucet. The island is positioned in front of a wall covered in floor to ceiling wainscoting. — Photo Credit: Timber Trails

Often, people get tempted to include almost everything in a kitchenette. One should not fall for this temptation. You may find that a lot of the items are not used and that you wasted your money. You’re not creating a full kitchen, just a convenient place to have a second cooking area or place to prepare food.

Fantastic wet bar/kitchen area in bright open basement! Gray tiled floors, wood paneled bar, granite counters and open shelving. — Photo Credit: Veranda Interiors

Consider not putting more than four appliances in the kitchenette. The coffeemaker, a mini-fridge, and a microwave are some of the most important. If the kitchenette is big enough to accommodate more appliances, go for it! But it’s important to remember that this is not a fully functioning kitchen, so sometimes, overdoing it can create too heavy and bulky space for a basement.

The cutlery in the kitchenette should not be exceeded. Required cutlery only should be kept in the kitchenette. This makes maintenance and access even easier. Also, only necessary food items should be kept in the room. Foods like beverages and some snacks are among the few needed foods in the place.

Basement bar features a round wood and concrete pedestal table accented with a white faux fur stool and white upholstered chairs. — Photo Credit: Reena Sotropa

When one keeps everything simple, enough working space is left. The room also looks neater. Unlike the central kitchen, where everything is stuffed in multiple places, the kitchenette should be where someone can conveniently enjoy a cup of tea.

Oil rubbed bronze hardware and a black marble countertop accents white plank cabinets fixed beneath a staircase and fitted with a sink and a polished nickel deck mount faucet. A white shelf is mounted to white shiplap trim over the sink. — Photo Credit: W Design Collective

Although the kitchen has its distinctive style, it should also blend with the rest of the basement. There should be a smooth transition from the kitchenette to the rest of the basement. One should settle for one theme throughout the basement and ensure that their kitchen blends with the rest of the basement.

Small yet well appointed basement snack bar boasts three black French bistro barstools positioned in front of a small peninsula lit by two small Hicks pendants while white shaker cabinets are fitted with brushed brass pulls and a glass front beverage fridge tucked under light gray waterfall countertops accented by a black and white art piece and a bound sisal runner. — Photo Credit: Style at Home

In a basement, making the best use of space is always suggested. You can have an extra counter coming out of an L-shaped kitchen and use it as a dining table by putting bar stools around it.

Beautifully designed basement kitchenette features gray shaker cabinets accented with oil rubbed bronze pulls and an ivory quartz countertop fitted with a round sink and polished nickel faucet fixed in front of gray stacked backsplash tiles. A glass front upper cabinet is flanked by gray cabinets beautifully complementing blue walls. The kitchenette is completed with a popcorn machine. — Photo Credit: Kristin Peake Interiors

One of the most difficult aspects of installing a basement kitchenette is ensuring proper illumination. If your basement lacks windows or natural lighting, adding recessed lighting to the ceiling is an intelligent alternative. You can also add glass block-style built-in LED panels to spread a warm glow from above, giving the sense of natural light while being bright enough to illuminate the working area.

Fully furnished basement wet bar boasts leather barrel back chairs placed on a beige woven rug flanking a gray oak coffee table positioned between facing tufted shelter arm sofas. The ceiling, accented with rustic wood beams complementing wood pillars, is illuminated by recessed lighting and pairs well with a dark stained wood island seating Arteriors Henson Barstools. A flat panel television is mounted behind the wet bar island and between glass front cabinets. — Photo Credit: Jane Beiles

An open-concept kitchen is possibly the most desirable trend of modern times. It’s a great use of space and helps you avoid extra beams and builds. It makes your kitchen look spacious, along with the area it opens to. If you are crunched for space, an open-concept small basement kitchen is the best for you.

Two brass drum pendants hang over a blue kitchenette island matched with light gray linen counter stools placed at a white quartz countertop holding a sink with a polished nickel gooseneck faucet. A flat panel TV is mounted to white brick tiles between peacock blue and gold cabinets stacked over peacock bleu cabinets and a glass front wine fridge. — Photo Credit: Amy Storm and Company

Additional Tips for Adding a Basement Kitchenette

Focus on the Must-haves

Before you begin purchasing any appliances or countertops, it’s vital that you create a list of your must-haves. It’s ideal to sit down and write out a list of your must-have elements for your basement kitchenette. Figure out what your non-negotiables are before you begin renovating. This will save you in the end from ending up with a kitchenette that you are not happy with.

Less is More

Always begin with the less is more approach. Kitchenettes are small, so it’s best to lean toward fewer appliances and clutter in your space if feasible. Opt for only a few cups and dishes to satisfy your needs, and stock up on snacks and drinks you intend to use sooner rather than later. If your kitchenette is likely to be used for entertainment purposes, there’s no need to fill your little storage space with non-essentials.

Storage is Key

From bar carts to open shelving, storage space for your kitchenette is a must. You want to ensure that you have all the space you need to store food, drinks, dishware, and cleaning supplies for your needs. In addition, you don’t want to have to excuse yourself from family gatherings every five minutes to retrieve an item from your main kitchen. Ensure you that you include enough space to store everything you’ll need for your kitchenette.

Basement boasts a built in wet bar next to a black pool table placed in front of a wall fitted with charcoal gray wainscot trim. — Photo Credit: City Homes

Basement kitchens are a great way to use empty or ignored spaces in your home. They make the perfect addition for entertainment or ease for those who love to party or use their basement for recreation. Depending on your needs, this renovation could be costly. However, there is potential for it to raise the value of your home down the road. So, figure out what works best for you and enjoy your new space!

Factors to Consider When Setting Up a Basement Kitchenette

Safety – taking in mind the kitchenette is in the basement, security should not be disregarded. Smoke alarms, escape routes, and sprinklers, among other local codes regarding basement precautions, should be used to deliver safety.
Air circulation – since you will be cooking in the kitchenette, air circulation should be among the top priorities. Proper air circulation will not only make it safe for people dwelling in the kitchenette, but also it will make the room more comfortable to stay in. If a contractor is consulted, they can tell the different options one can go for.
Size – a kitchenette is a bit smaller than the traditional kitchen. However, there are still size differences in kitchenettes. Some kitchenettes are small, although they have all the necessities; some electrical appliances, a tiny counter, and a wall cabinet that fits well.

For more ideas on furniture for your basement makeover, why not check out Denzilla’s Mobel Oak collection and the classic minimalistic Nordic collection?

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