For many home and apartment owners, kitchen space is at a premium. A blank kitchen wall can be a dispiriting waste of space. There are many things a homeowner can do to fill the space, while making it aesthetically pleasing and functional. Most of these embellishments don’t even need a great, expensive renovation. Alair Homes Hudson offers ideas to fill that blank wall:
A Hutch
The name comes from the old French for bin or chest, which is “Huche.” Now, it’s a cupboard put on top of a buffet. The cupboard part can be open or have doors. This versatile piece of furniture can be used as storage for dishes, towels, napkins, tablecloths and silverware. Not only can a hutch be used for storage, but also as a workspace or serving center. There’s a style of hutch to fit the decor of just about every kitchen.
All Purpose Wall
The wall can be fitted with open shelves, a small wall cabinet, a small floor cabinet, or a small bookcase. Things such as well worn cookbooks, a window seat, and a pet bed with small paintings or a chalk board above them can be utilized in this space.
A Wine Cooler
For connoisseurs of fine wine, a cooler full of their favorite vintages is just the thing to fill the space. Since white wines are generally served chilled, a rack holding reds can be placed above the cooler.
China Closet
While some people keep china closets in their dining room, they are perfectly appropriate for a large expanse of wall in the kitchen. Filled with the prettiest glassware and dinner service, a china closet can be the focal point of the room.
Beverage Center
The beverage center not only holds wines, but bottled water, energy drinks, soda or perhaps drinks a bit stronger than wine. A well-stocked beverage center might hold different types of glassware, different types of shakers, strainers, ice buckets, a blender and other accoutrements. It may even incorporate a wine cooler or a mini fridge.
More Pantry Space
A narrow wall space may be perfect for a narrow pantry to store those overflow dry goods and nonperishable items.
Another Counter
A counter built in an empty wall can serve as a food preparation area or a breakfast bar, especially if it’s built beneath a window.
A Window
A window can be placed in an empty wall that faces the outdoors. Some enterprising homeowners even have windows placed in walls that face other rooms or hallways during a renovation. The window can be a tidy little double sash window, a narrow window that stretches from the floor to the ceiling or a fixed circle.
A Serving Center
Another idea if the homeowner is considering a true renovation is to replace the empty wall with a built-in serving center, such as a place for the espresso machine.
A Tiny Home Office
The spare wall can be transformed into a small home office with a laptop or desk computer. Meal planning books, calendar and other items that keep the household running smoothly can be placed here.