Regardless of the occasion, the kitchen is the most popular spot to convene in a home. Whether it’s a Sunday morning flipping pancakes or a Saturday-evening soiree with the neighbors, it’s likely ample time will be spent catching up in the kitchen. While people will gladly park it on bar stools to be part of the action, consider creating a more comfortable space for sitting back: the kitchen lounge.

Part breakfast nook and part living area, kitchen lounges are spaces directly off the kitchen furnished with sofas or comfy chairs. They’re perfect for reading the morning newspaper or keeping company with the cook at hand.

Check out these kitchen lounge area photos from Houzz.com