A breakfast bar is a great place to have a special moment with your family or to gather with friends for drinks or for brunch. It's a versatile space that can be used for a quick snack, a cup of coffee, dessert, or so many other occasions. You can also use it to pay bills, do homework,  read a newspaper, work the crossword puzzle, play cards, and do some remote work. So many uses — but sad to say, many homeowners overlook the possibilities when it comes to jazzing it up. Given the right kind of an overhaul, it could be a place where you'd want to spend more time.

As open-plan kitchens continue to prevail in modern home design, the breakfast bar is more important than ever as a social hub, where the family can gather for daily meals or special get-togethers. Furthermore, if you're listing your home among Beavercreek homes for sale, spiffing up the breakfast bar could transform it into an eye-catching addition that could help you sell your home.

1. Choose a breakfast bar design.
   Of course, it all depends on how big your kitchen is, as to what shape of breakfast bar you can fit in your kitchen. Whether it's an island, U-shaped, or L-shaped, you'll need to make sure the design goes with the flow of your kitchen appliances and the general layout. Be careful not to choose a design that's going to create awkward spaces where people are hemmed in.
   
   
2. Let the light shine in.
   If you're lucky enough to have a place where the natural light can shine in on your breakfast bar, then relocate next to the window. A nice window with a view to the garden is a great place to be early in the morning when you're having a cup of coffee, no matter what the season.
   
   
3. Speaking of lighting. . .
   One of the best ways to liven up your breakfast bar is to install some distinctive lighting. Go shopping for some cool pendant lights and space them evenly across your breakfast bar. If you're planning on doing some close-up work, that is, reading or doing the crossword, then be mindful about lighting that can actually help you see better. But by the same token, avoid lights that blind or overwhelm or might be too hot.
   
   
4. Replace the countertop.
   If you already have an island or counter space that's suitable for a breakfast nook, think about replacing the countertop with something striking. A butcher block or granite countertop will be functional and hold up well to any use, but have fun and let your creativity run wild.
   
   
5. Shop for extraordinary stools. 
   All too many breakfast bars are paired with stools that are merely functional (and perhaps cheap!) and do nothing to accent the space. Eye-catching stools are out there, be they rustic antiques that might need a little restoration, funky, attention-grabbing models that push the boundaries in color and design, or sleek, ultra-modern designs that will have your visitors talking. And while looks are important, make sure breakfast bar stools are comfortable or no one will want to sit there. Consider retractable stools if space is at a premium. You can also try mixing and matching stools; there's no rule that they have to match.
   
   
6. Store more stuff in the breakfast bar area.
   If storage is at a premium in your house, you may want to design your breakfast bar so you can use it for storage with drawers or cabinets.

Our REALTORS® have many ideas for improving your home. Contact Wright-Patt Realty today.