A kitchen nook is a versatile seating area in the most frequently used room of the home. Tucked away in the corner, you often see them, underneath a window with a framed view of the landscape. It’s the perfect spot to sit in the morning, enjoying the sun’s glare and a drink of your favourite coffee bean. When you pair this monumental feature with built-in banquette seating, the cosy nook is transformed instantly into a comfortable, space-saving design full of style and function. It becomes even better with built-in storage and textiles to suit.
Our blog below shows how to create your perfect kitchen nook with built-in banquette seating and a space to enjoy on your own or with the family.
For our St Albans project, the dining area flows effortlessly from the open-plan kitchen, creating a warm and cohesive space for brunch days, quick meals and easy entertaining. Flanked by a comfortable bench-style banquette, this handcrafted area offers generous seating and clever storage. The thoughtful balance of texture and colour brings energy to the corner, while the hidden push-to-open drawers provide discreet storage for linens, tableware, and games.
Grounding the space is the solid oak table in a rich chocolate stain, paired with black metal butterfly legs.
Find the Right Spot in Your Space
Your kitchen layout is designed to flow with the space, and the nook needs to feel open and accessible. As previously stated, you will often find them beneath windows, and even between two walls, or as a subtle extension of your kitchen cabinetry.
A U-shaped banquette maximises seating and creates a sociable feel, perfect if you have the space. For tighter areas, an L-shape or straight run can work along a single wall. Always refer back to the flow of your kitchen and choose a layout that complements it. Our talented team can help you get the layout right.
Explore Built-in Options
Banquettes utilise awkward spaces and can be designed with plenty of storage to store placemats, board games and other kitchen essentials. They can include lift-up seats, deep drawers, or even hidden compartments. One of the benefits of a banquette is that you don’t need to leave space for chairs to be pulled out; your kitchen instantly gains room to move.
Match it to Your Home’s Style
The beauty of built-in seating is that it can be tailored to suit your aesthetics, whether it’s traditional or modern, it will pair perfectly. If your style is more classic country and shaker-style cabinetry, opt for panelling, warm woods, and soft upholstery in natural tones or florals. For a more contemporary space, sleek finishes, geometric lines, and clean fabric texture will enhance the design.
Consider a custom or carefully chosen table that ties the whole nook together. This is an important factor in completing the seating nook.
Make it Comfortable
Invite your guests and family to linger for longer on comfortable seating. Enhance the banquette with cushioned bench seats, plush back pillows, and soft textiles to provide a layer of comfort. To add an extra layer of comfort, dress the seating with oversized throws and even bespoke upholstered panels.
Fill the Space with Natural Light
Use the window to its full advantage by placing the banquette underneath. This will provide your home with an open and airy seating area and elevate it with a statement pendant light or wall sconces for a cosy ambience in the evening. Natural light brings comfort to the nook, so throughout the day, you have a bright and welcoming retreat to relax.
Make it Yours with Personal Touches
Once your banquette has been built and styled, it’s time to add your personality with items you love. Art pictures can be hung on the wall, and floating shelves can feature plants, books, and ceramics. Make it a space that is truly inviting and where the family gravitates towards for treasured moments.
Related blogs:
The Banquette – A Seating Staple Finding Its Way into Modern Homes
The Personalised Details You Can Add to Your Bespoke Kitchen
Transforming Your Kitchen into a Breakfast Haven
PF Kitchen Design Notes – Artistic & Influential Lay-On Shaker Open-Plan Kitchen, St Albans
With clever design and thoughtful materials, this cosy, corner nook can be transformed into a beautiful banquette to make memories any time of the day.
Are you thinking of adding a banquette seating area to your kitchen space? We’d love to help design a space that works for your lifestyle and home. Contact Planet Furniture today for more information on banquette seating.
