There you are, an hour and change into your 12th viewing of Star Wars, when that feeling strikes. No, it’s not the Force — it’s your stomach growling. And now you absolutely must have popcorn and something fizzy to drink to avoid going to the dark side, but you don’t want to pause the action until Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star. Good news: With a little creativity and a few small appliances, you don’t have to. Installing snack and beverage stations in underused spaces, such as the back wall of your media room, can open up new vistas of snacking convenience.
Reimagining Unused Spaces
Look for spaces near high-use areas with accessible outlets and, if needed, nearby water lines a contractor could tap into. With minor modifications, you might be able to add a mini-fridge to the corner of the sunroom, convert the linen closet next to the guest bedroom into a convenient coffee station for overnight guests — or even tuck one into that unused space under the stairs.
Office Refueling Centers
A wise man once noted, “All things considered, I’d rather work near my refrigerator.” Having caffeine and some light snacks nearby can fuel your productivity and put an end to procrastination — unlike that long trip to the kitchen that can turn into 10 minutes of cleaning and foraging, while also disrupting your concentration.
Stay in the flow with an office beverage station that might include:
- A compact single-serve coffee machine or espresso maker to re-caffeinate.
- A mini-fridge stocked with water and fresh fruit.
- A small cabinet for mugs, tea bags and coffee pods.
- A snack drawer with trail mix, protein bars and other healthy treats.
If you’re converting a closet, consider removing the door and installing open shelving. Use the upper section for supplies and the lower area for appliances. Task lighting under the shelves can give a sleek modern look while helping to prevent spills. But always consult a licensed professional for any electrical, plumbing or ventilation work needed.
Media Room Munchies
With the right setup, you can make it through all the Star Wars trilogies without tearing into your kitchen pantry like a Wookiee. Here’s all you need:
- A countertop microwave for fresh popcorn.
- A beverage center with a glass front to display drinks, or a full-blown wine cabinet to chill your favorite vintages.
- A beer dispenser to keep drinks flowing during the cantina scene.
- A blender for mocktails or margaritas.
- Small drawers for your Milk Duds and Junior Mints.
Look for appliances that run quietly to avoid disrupting your viewing: microwaves with sound-off options and mini-fridges rated for low noise. If you have plumbing access, installing a small sink with a water filter can also prevent trips to the kitchen when you need to rinse butter off your fingers.
Mini Morning Kitchens
For master suites or guest rooms, a morning kitchen can offer hotel-style luxuries such as:
- A built-in programmable coffee maker with “one touch for two” capacity.
- A mini-fridge for milk, juice, creamer and fresh fruit.
- A microwave to reheat pastries or make oatmeal.
- A cabinet or drawer for cereal, granola bars, napkins and utensils.
Enjoy your morning cup of joe from the comfort of your bedroom before facing the world — and your kids. For guests, you can offer convenience and privacy, allowing them to keep their own schedule.
Adding Convenience and Value
You don’t need The Force to give your home a lifestyle lift. The appliance Jedis at Aggressive Appliances can help you find the right spots — and the right appliances — to suit your needs and personal taste. Stop by one of our amazing live-appliance galleries to experience the Aggressive difference for yourself. Ask about our special promotional financing options, and explore our wide range of rebate offers.
Mini Kitchen All-stars
Just because they’re small and convenient, that doesn’t mean your appliances should be less than topflight. Here are some go-to options to consider.
The Summit ALWC15PNR wine cooler is 15” wide and 32” high, designed to fit under the counter so it’ll minimize visual clutter and save space. A European-style articulating door hinge and bracket kit allow for easy installation of custom trim panels to match your cabinetry, and the glass door lets you view your stock without opening. https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/Summit/sum/alwc15pnr.html
No need to leave the office for a Starbucks run when you incorporate a Miele CM6360OBCS into your workspace. This home-based barista makes two cups of coffee with a single touch and incorporates a milk container to whip up a creamy froth for a variety of specialty blends. You might want to put one in the bedroom, too, because with Wi-Fi connectivity, you can start brewing before you get out of bed. https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/Miele/mie/cm6360obcs.html
The Sharp SMC1174KS microwave is both good looking and well-behaved: You can silence its alerts so it’s the perfect match for a media room or a guest room installation. That means no beeping to drown out the dialog during sci-fi screenings or disturbing sleeping guests while prepping late-night snacks. https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/Sharp/shp/smc1174ks.html
