What to do with 2nd kitchen (((PIP)))?

3Girls3xsTheFun

We are buying an old farm house and while most of it hasn't been updated, they did add a very nice new kitchen in what was the "keeping room." However, the house still has the original (?) kitchen in the rear - the door in the picture leads to the back yard. We aren't sure what to do with it. It functions, but I wouldn't use it since there's a newer kitchen. Any idea what to do with the space?  Here's a pic from the listing: 

 

 

 

cakergirl

If I were you and if it wasn't completely awkward I would keep it as a kitchen but maybe stage it as more of a pantry. I would use it for storing things you don't use often (extra paper products, cleaning supplies, small appliances you get out just a few times per year)  My husband and I have a few too many hobbies (cake decorating for me, beer home brew for him, and vegetable freezing and canning for the both of us) so the spare cabinets, countertop fridge and stove would be extremely useful for us, as these hobbies take up a lot of space. You could easily make it a craft or hobby room if you are into that sort of thing, it get rid of the appliances and add some extra shelving in their place.

 

do you have a formal dining room? If not you could get rid of the appliances, change up the countertops to something a little less kitchen-y, change some of the cabinets  to glass/chin hutch type doors and use it as a true dining room

 

ir if you have money for a major investment you could always take advantage of the plumbing and wiring by converting it to a large bath and closet if it is in close proximity to any of the bedrooms. 

3Girls3xsTheFun

I like the idea of staging it as a pantry and using it for storage. I'll probably get rid of the fridge and add shelving. I like the older look of the house so I dont want to do too much updating, but I also don't like wasted space. 

There is already a full bath on the main floor, as well as a huge formal dining room.

My other idea was to turn it into the mud/laundry room -- since plumbing is already there. That would be more of an investment and probably a little down the road as there are more pressing renos to be done first. I have 3 kids and I imagine that door will be their main entry/exit to the house since it's closest to the driveway.   

But I don't know if it would be weird to walk into the laundry room from outside... I guess I could "hide" the washer and dryer behind something.. it would give me a lot of folding space, which would be great with all the laundry I do

Thanks! 

 

mattandbekah

I would use it as a mudroom type area, complete with a second sink.  We have a mudroom, and I LOVE it.  It is still in transition, but it is great to have a spot to take off shoes, clean the dogs paws, etc. without all of that dirt coming into the house. 

gymbugmj2k

I agree - that second kitchen is GREAT!  You can use it as:

1. Outdoor kitchen (keep all your BBQ supplies, quick drinks, plasticware etc) for when you're entertaining or working outside.

 2. Mudroom (remove appliances, store cold weather and rain gear, etc)

3. Pantry (canned goods, paper products etc)

4. Craft area 

5. Gardening shed/area 

 

soooo many useful things to do!  I agree that having a second fridge is key - especially if your kids and family enjoy time outside.  They and their friends can quickly run in to get snacks/drinks without disturbing too much in the house.

Jim&Jaime

I see this as a great asset for outdoor entertaining. Prep, drinks, serveware, etc.

breerod

I cant see the picture , Does the door go to your back yard? If so I think it would be fine to have a washer / dryer in there. Or you could  turn it into a mud room and keep the fridge/ sink in there. I would take out the stove & other appliances if you won't be using them and maybe add extra cabinets or put something else in their place. Try hobby lobby they have a bunch of cute decor to help turn the kitchen into either.

garnet10

My husbands grandma is a little old Italian woman and keeps a whole second kitchen down in her basement. It's her secret to hosting huge family dinners making feasts appear out of thin air without any dirty dishes in sight. All the magic happens downstairs, and then things are just brought upstairs to stay warm in the oven. I would consider it a huge plus for entertaining, messy projects. I also don't think it would be odd to have it be kind of a multipurpose room as well.