What is a keeping room? Designers explain why you need one
Recently, trends have been less about new ideas and designs and more about bringing back vintage and traditional features. And while there have been a lot of aesthetics and furniture pieces from bygone eras making a comeback, there’s a whole room returning to our homes – the keeping room.
It’s a concept that died out for years, but it’s reemerging in homes of every style, creating a cozier seating room to accompany your kitchen ideas. In many ways, it’s like your kitchen’s very own living room.
Here’s everything you need to know about this revived kitchen trend – and why it could be the feature you need to completely transform your home and the way you use it.
What is a keeping room?
(Image credit: Salvesen Graham)
A keeping room is a small, cozy space or room off the kitchen for guests, family, and friends to relax and socialize before dinner is ready to be served. ‘The keeping room is the ultimate place to unwind in any home,’ explains Parker Kennedy, founder of design firm Pique by PK.
By having the keeping room either connected or opposite the kitchen means the host won’t be too far away or cut off from the rest of the family or friends as they cook, but it also keeps the kitchen chaos free. It’s kind of like the first foray into an open plan kitchen.
‘These entertainment-centered, cozy rooms are where most of my clients enjoy their favorite book, watch TV with the family, or debrief after hosting extended family for holiday dinners. These rooms bring family together while adding to the overall personality of any home,’ adds Parker, who has designed keeping rooms for many clients.
What’s the history of a keeping room?
A charming keeping room Pique by PK completed in a historic Uptown New Orleans home.
(Image credit: Pique by PK/Laura Steffan Photography)
While many traditional features of the home tend to originate from Europe, keeping rooms were a staple of homes in the southern parts of the United States, with many of their roots beginning in New England.
They were created to be cozy living spaces to gather with family and partake in hobbies, and as they were often the room nearest the main fireplace, they were often the warmest part of the home.
But this is also the very reason they began to fall out of fashion. As housing and heating developed, there was no longer the need to center the rooms of the home around a single fireplace. Formal living rooms took precedence, and more recently, open-plan kitchens, so the keeping room disappeared from layouts altogether.
So, why are they now a dated kitchen trend comeback? ‘In the digital age, homeowners are eager to build and remodel their homes to forge a greater sense of connection,’ explains Parker.
‘My clients want keeping rooms in their homes as a designated place for the family to gather and connect. This vision often guides the design of these spaces into a very warm and inviting space that welcomes conversation and comfort,’ he adds.
How to design a keeping room in 2025
(Image credit: Studio Peake / Alexander James)
Even though keeping rooms are a hallmark of historic homes, the way they are designed and used today has evolved. They are no longer a room located for its warmth, they are now desired for their social aspect, relaxing atmosphere, and sometimes for informal hosting.
‘The keeping room should absolutely reflect the personalities of those in the home. Furniture should be curated yet comfy, and it’s one of the few rooms where I’ll encourage clients to include a large TV on the wall,’ suggests Parker.
‘This is also the best space for family photos to be displayed, and a room where a gallery wall can really thrive. Ultimately, the keeping room should be styled for the use and needs of the family, and the design of these rooms is often the most fun for that very reason.’
What’s the difference between a keeping room and a family room?
(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)
You might be wondering how a keeping room differs from your living or family room. But think of it in the same way you would if your home has a sitting room and a snug room, for example. A keeping room acts the same way, creating a cozier, more informal gathering spot, while the sitting room is more formal.
‘Many homes, both historic and new-build, have adopted the keeping room as the “internal living room,” meaning that living rooms are more and more used for hosting guests, have a more formal flair, and are large enough for groups to comfortably socialize,’ explains Parker.
‘The keeping room is instead more intimate and allows for family members in the home to debrief and connect after dinner on a long day or over coffee each morning,’ he adds. The family room is more curated, while the keeping room feels more personal.
Shop keeping room essentials
A keeping room should be the perfect balance of stylish, cozy and personalized – after all, it’s the intimate, relaxing space for the whole family and loved ones. So, there are a few furniture and decor pieces worth introducing to elevate your space.
Remember, the keeping room is directly associated with the kitchen, so make sure there are some design cues or some sort of thread running through both so they feel cohesive and connected. It could be a color, finish, pattern, or even a design style.
A keeping room is for relaxing, so a foot stool for putting your feet up at the end of the day is a must. This fringed design is made from velvet in rich, luxurious color.
The cozier, more intimate design of a keeping room makes it perfect for family photos and gallery walls. And pretty frames like these are an essential element.
A drinks cabinet is a fun way to bridge the gap between the kitchen and keeping room. This wooden design feels elevated and appropriate for a living space.
Woven Block Print Square Throw Pillow
Part of Target’s Threshold™ collection designed with Studio McGee collection, this throw pillow is a cozy yet timeless choice for a keeping room.
Lighting is a great way to connect a kitchen and a keeping room – especially wall sconces. This brass design is sculptural and functional, perfect for both types of room.
Textured Basketweave Knit Throw
No keeping room is complete with out cozy additions like a throw blanket. This large knitted blanket comes in four colors, perfect for evening relaxation.
It’s clear to see why keeping rooms are making a comeback – they cater to the idea that kitchens are becoming more social spaces while still providing distinct zones for cooking and relaxing. And after recent discussions on whether you should put a couch in the kitchen, it feels like the perfect continuation to create homier kitchen designs.
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