The idea of a breakfast nook has a vintage appeal.  Carving out a space in the kitchen to create a nook means that you can sit and read the paper in the morning while your kids eat breakfast at the same table. The breakfast nook doesn’t just have to be for breakfast. Weekend lunches and casual weekday dinners can be eaten in the nook too.  And the nook can be a great place for homework while mom or dad makes dinner.

 

Some kitchens are designed with a small alcove or seating area just off the kitchen. The kitchen counter or island may divide the eating space from the main part of the kitchen. These spaces can typically accommodate a small table and maybe four chairs.  Placing an area rug made of indoor/outdoor fibers can make the eating area feel like its own space.

 

To make the space feel more like a nook, a built-in booth or banquette can be added.  If you have high windows, like in the breakfast nook pictured here, you can put a booth or banquette underneath the windows. You can capture a vintage feeling with a formica topped diner style table and vintage lighting.

 

Banquette seating can create more space and more seating than just chairs. An L-shaped banquette creates the feeling of a booth at a restaurant.  Banquettes are also more comfortable than straight back chairs, inviting you to linger over a crossword puzzle or a cup of tea. Additional storage can be put under the banquette for large platters or extra linens that are rarely used.