They can be so cozy and wonderful for gathering a small group in the kitchen. If you are planning to renovate or build, maybe you’ll be incorporating one into the kitchen design. As for me, I keep toying with the idea of a built-in banquette for ours. Banquettes are so charming and such a lovely opportunity to bring softness with upholstery and pillows in addition to providing flexible seating. Let’s peek at some favorites and pin the breakfast nook design ideas we love.
![Breakfast nook in a magnificent sunny English home by Imperfect Interiors. #breakfastnook #englishcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/english-country-breakfast-nook-imperfectinteriors.jpg)
Banquettes & Breakfast Nook Design Ideas
Thinking About a Banquette?
My own breakfast nook is unique in that it is situated within a three-story turret. Directly above this space is this exact configuration as a sitting room in the primary. Below it is an unfinished turret space in a fully exposed lower level.
![Breakfast nook with turret and Thomas O'Brien Elizabeth chandelier in gilded iron - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench #breakfastnooks](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/001-hello-lovely-studio-amber-lewis-loloi-zuma-ocean-rug-20.jpg)
It needs more coziness, and I have been taking my time deciding on window coverings. During the day, I love all of the light. Since I’m not a fan of the angles in the architecture, I would probably opt for a simple banquette below the two windows across from the patio doors.
![Hello Lovely's fall kitchen with modern French serene style, light gray cabinets, Viatera Muse counter, and gold lighting. #modernfrench #serenekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/fall-kitchen-hello-lovely-studio-010.jpg)
Time will tell!
![Hello Lovely's breakfast nook in a kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #breakfastnook #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-breakfast-nook-banner.jpg)
Need Ideas for a Breakfast Nook?
If you’re an intermediate DIYer or have the budget for a custom design, wouldn’t this curvy example be incredible?
![Exquisitely designed breakfast nook by Suzanne Kasler (architecture by Pursley Dixon) in MILIEU magazine's spring 2021 issue. #breakfastnook #interiordesign #suzannekasler](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/breakfast-nook-milieu-spring-2021-suzanne-kasler-pursley-dixon.jpg)
A banquette can even save the day. Can you imagine having this narrow space to work with for a dining room? Look what happens when a luxuriously brilliant bench plays a starring role in a Paris home:
![Beautiful narrow dining area in a Paris home with velvet banquette - design by Raphael Le Berre and Thomas Vervaud. Photo by Stephan Julliard in Veranda magazine. #parisdiningrooms #banquettes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/raphael-le-berre-thomas-vevaud-paris-banquette-sstephan-julliard-photo-pierre-frey-teal-velvet.jpg)
As you can already see, “breakfast nook” is a little bit limiting. Every meal and dining areas outside of the kitchen can be graced with a nook. I love this idea of creating a dining area and anchoring with an expanse of mirror:
![Thomas Hamel - banquette seating; photo: Anson Smart - in Veranda magazine. #banquettes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/thomas-hamel-sydney-banquette-anson-smart-photo.jpg)
Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent have a similar configuration:
![Herringbone flooring in an exquisite luxurious sophisticated dining room in the New York City townhouse of Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent. #herringbonefloors #sophisticatediningroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-dining-room-manhattan-townhouse-nate-berkus-jeremiah-brent-ad.jpg)
Space Saving Banquettes and Nooks
Here’s another innovative way to design a dining nook where decorative tile frames the banquette:
![Sig Bergamin designed dining area with banquette; photo by Bjorn Wallander for Veranda magazine. #banquettes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sig-bergamin-miami-banquette-bjorn-wallander-photo.jpg)
Wow! You can even create more architectural interest with framed art:
![Susan Ferrier design with banquette; photo by Erica George Dines for Veranda magazine. #banquettes #breakfastnook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/susan-ferrier-atlanta-banquette-erica-george-dines-photo.jpg)
Isn’t that stunning? And notice how much seating is possible in that relatively small corner!
Does a Banquette Need to Be a Built-in?
There are plenty of situations where it makes more sense to design or buy a freestanding piece of furniture for seating within a nook. Windows and existing architecture that is better left untouched are factors that may pair better with non-built-ins:
![Peter Dunham designed dining room with banquette (photo: Max Kim-Bee) in Veranda magazine. #banquettes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/peter-dunham-manhattan-banquette-max-kim-bee-photo.jpg)
A lot of folks are funny about benches and settees pulled up to dining tables, but I just love them when they’re comfy.
![Carolyn Malone and D. Stanley Dixon designed kitchen with banquette (photo Annie Schlechter). #frenchcountrykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/carolyn-malone-d-stanley-dixon-atlanta-banquette-annie-schlechter-photo.jpg)
One bonus is being able to more easily test the seating to be sure it is optimally comfortable.
![John Oetgen designed dining area with banquette (photo: Thomas Loof) in Veranda magazine. #banquettes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/john-oetgen-atlanta-banquette-thomas-loof-photo-benjamin-moore-black.jpg)
Even the right scaled sofa can become a banquette:
![Caroline Gidiere designed seating area with banquette (Brian Woodcok photo). #banquettes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/caroline-gidiere-birmingham-banquette-brian-woodcock-photo-james-f-carter-architect.jpg)
The color story in this next inspiration moment is unique:
![Jeffrey Bilhuber designed dining rea with banquette (photo: Thomas Loof) in Veranda magazine. #banquettes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/jeffrey-bilhuber-manhattan-banquette-thomas-loof-photo.jpg)
And here’s an entirely different mood with its cheery red:
![Celerie Kemble designed breakfast nook with banquette and red (photo: Francesco Lagnese) in Veranda magazine. #celeriekemble #banquettes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/celerie-kemble-manhattan-banquette-francesco-lagnese-photo.jpg)
Sometimes the simplest designs can have maximum impact and transform a corner:
![Amelia Handegan designed breakfast nook with banquette (photo Pieter Estersohn) in Veranda magazine. #banquettes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/amelia-handegan-charleston-banquette-pieter-estersohn.jpg)
Isn’t that animal print on the antique chairs the best!?!
Cozy Restaurant Style Breakfast Nooks
Architect Jeffrey Dungan creates these magical nooks…
Notice the sculptural lines here:
![Jeffrey Dungan designed kitchen with amazing architecture and breakfast nook banquette - Luxe Magazine.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jeffrey-dungan-kitchen-luxe-magazine-banquette-nook.jpg)
Don’t they feel like your own private restaurant?
![Jeffrey Dungan Architects designed breakfast nook in a luxurious kitchen - Farmhouse at Shades Creek.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/jeffrey-dungan-breakfast-nook-kitchen-booths-farmhouse-at-shades-creek.jpg)
Classic Built-in Bench Seating for Nooks
When your banquette is also a window seat…
![Cathy Kincaid designed breakfast nook with banquette (photo: Tria Giovan) in a Connecticut cottage.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cathy-kincaid-connecticut-banquette-tria-giovan-photo-connecticut-cottage.jpg)
There is so much room for customization with upholstery, prints, patterns, and pillows. I thought this was a beautiful combination of two different prints for the backrest and cushion:
The designer’s way with blue inspired this mood board:
![American style finds from designer Mark D. Sikes on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/american-style-finds-mark-d-sikes-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
And even if you’re a renter, a bench may be all that is needed for the beginnings of a cozy place for tea:
Storage underneath a banquette is a bonus:
![Leanne Ford designed white kitchen (Rinaman project) painted Delicate White by PPG.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Delicate-White-PPG-paint-in-Leanne-Ford-white-kitchen-Rinaman-window-seat.jpg)
Whenever I post an image of a cozy breakfast nook, I’ll hear from commenters who say it looks too cramped.
![Beautiful breakfast nook with banquette and custom oval table - Julia Berolzheimer's home in Southern Living (photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez). #charlestonhomes #breakfastnooks](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/julia-berolzheimer-charleston-home-southern-living-blue-kitchen-torrance-mitchell-breakfast-nook-banquette-pantry.jpg)
I feel like a lot of people miss the point that these spaces are designed to be places for intimate gatherings.
![Banquette, built-ins and ladder in beautiful Alison Victoria designed Atlanta loft on HTV's Windy City Rehab. Photo: Rustic White Interiors; Styling: Courtney Favini. House Beautiful.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/alison-victoria-brick-walls-loft-great-room-banquette-windy-city-rehab-rusticwhiteinteriors.jpg)
Ideas for Designing a Nook That Fits You
The most important thing I can tell you about creating a small dining space like those represented here?
![Scrivano episode kitchen breakfast nook with bnquette! Tranquil Tudor cottage renovated on HGTV's Fixer Upper by Chip and Joann. #scrivano #breakfastnook #banquette #checkfloor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/005-scrivano-cottage-hgtv-fixer-upper-epidosde-4-kitchen-built-in-banquette-black-check-floor.jpg)
Know thyself!
![Moody dark green painted paneled walls and furniture in a kitchen dining area with industrial sconces and bespoke design - deVOL.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dark-moody-kitchen-deVOL-NY-showroom-banquette.jpg)
You should consider how the nook will be used (for breakfast? for homework? for all meals)…
and how much seating is needed.
Collect lots of ideas to be able to communicate your desires with a designer or contractor.
If you’re a DIYer like me, maybe you’ll be able to create a mockup to see how a bench will look and feel in the space. (I plan to bring in an existing bench before I consider commissioning anything to be built.)
![JLF Architects - cozy breakfast nook in kitchen with warm timeless European charm. #breakfastnooks #rusticelegance #cozykitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/jlf-architects-cozy-rustic-breakfast-nook-kitchen-timeless.jpg)
I hope this gallery inspired you with fresh takes on this timeless idea.
There’s just something so utterly nostalgic and romantic about an informal place to linger on Saturday or Sunday.
![Come explore California Modern Farmhouse Style Interior Design Inspiration like this charming kitchen (Erin Fetherston) with midcentury and white elements! #modernfarmhouse #interiordesign #breakfastnook #kitchens #erinfetherston #midcenturymodern #californiastyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/california-modern-farmhouse-breakfast-nook-erin-fetherston-white-sofa-breuer-chairs-saarinen-table.jpg)
And there are endless ways of bringing your own unique aesthetic to the design.
![Elegant white farmhouse kitchen with Benjamin Moore Repose Grey cabinets, subway tile, gold accents, and reclaimed barn wood. Design: Finding Lovely. Timeless Tranquil White & Grey Kitchen Tour. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/002-White-and-Grey-Elegant-Farmhouse-Kitchen-Finding-Lovely-Breakfast-Nook-2.jpg)
Psst. If you love Repose Gray, you may also like Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray. They’re very similar, and I discuss them in THIS.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Something to think about….Climate control in the space! VIP!! Many of these spaces are lovely to look at, but in hot climates, you would roast at the table! Conversely, you may freeze with cold air. They all may look super cozy, but you won’t be lingering long if the space is not adequately cooled and heated!
Beautiful images! The first one is my all time favorite—I love everything about it. I think I’ll pin it again 😉🥰
Author
Yay! I love it so much. 🙂