Design Notes
Seating is a crucial element in the kitchen, as it serves as the primary hub for nearly all activities that occur in the home. Having a place to sit and talk while dinner is being made or to enjoy that morning cup of coffee makes the kitchen that much more inviting, as well as creating an environment just right for connecting with others. Ensuring there is ample room for everyone can be a challenge for both large and small kitchens, as you cannot simply add a chair or barstool wherever you want. Kitchen islands are a great place for incorporating extra seating options, but built-in seating, often referred to as banquettes, is a wonderful way to gain seats with style. Let’s discuss the benefits of incorporating built-in kitchen seating and explore ideas on how to integrate it into your design.
Benefits of Built-In Seating
Storage and square footage are two crucial factors to consider when designing a kitchen. Whether space is ample or limited, both need to be utilized effectively to maximize their usage. Storage is a key component, as it provides a place to keep things organized and can also be customized to serve multiple functions, such as a beverage or cooking station. Incorporating built-in seating into the kitchen allows you to gain not only seating but also extra storage, as well as maximize the use of your overall space. This feature truly shines in corners or along a walled section in the kitchen. If you have a corner, consider having a banquette built there, as it doesn’t take up valuable floor space and provides the perfect spot for kids to sit comfortably and do their homework. A custom bench seating like that also means you can make it hollow inside with a lid for added storage. You can keep things like reusable grocery bags, large totes, and even table linens all inside for easy access. You can trade out a lid for a drawer that can be placed on the side of the bench, or you can choose to blend them together. This option can also be used on walls with windows, as the bench will be directly beneath, allowing you to enjoy the natural light while sipping your morning coffee. Adding built-in seating to your kitchen, regardless of its size, ensures there will always be enough seats and space for the things that matter.
Built-In Seating Design Ideas
Typical areas for placing built-in seating are beneath kitchen windows or in corners, as these are often the least-used spots in the kitchen for cabinet design. Window seating is one of the ideal choices as the distance between the windows and the floor is the perfect height for seating. It also won’t hinder the natural light from coming in, plus this option can act as a bridge between a cabinet gap from one wall to the next, unifying the design. For those who enjoy thinking outside the box, consider opting for a floating bench. This look is more contemporary, and it doesn’t mean you have to lose storage; simply place some fun boxes or baskets underneath to complete the look. Did we mention that it’s also pretty easy to clean underneath this? If you have a small nook in your kitchen, you can have two benches built-in across from each other with room for a table between. This look is definitely a cozy one and instantly makes connecting with family and friends easier. If you have a wall directly behind the built-in seating, consider including a simple bookshelf tucked inside the wall itself, as it won’t interfere with headspace but can increase your storage for books, whether they are family recipes or your favorite genre you enjoy reading in the morning. There are numerous possibilities to create a unique and wonderful seating space in your kitchen by incorporating built-ins, so be sure to discuss this with your designer during your renovation.
Built-In Design Tips
Once you have chosen your spot and finalized your built-in design option, there are a few other things that need to be selected before it can be considered complete. Extra lighting is essential if you are building in a kitchen corner without windows. You can pick wall sconces that can be placed where the head won’t bump into them, or have an elegant chandelier that hangs from above. It can be one piece or a collection of smaller ones. Remember, light fixtures are their own work of art and can add an elegant or even fun touch to this space. If your kitchen is smaller, consider using a neutral color palette, as it helps keep things looking bigger and brighter, which is key to this space. If color, however, is an important aspect of the design, you can add a few pops of color through the bench cushion. Tables are another key element, featuring built-in seating, and can vary in size depending on the kitchen’s square footage. They are also not limited in shape to just a rectangle or square; round has now become an option, and they can be rustic like a live-edge or ornate with elegant patterns. Round does have one advantage: easier access. It is not hard to slip in and out of your spot when there is no corner edge to worry about. There is also the added bonus of taking up less space, which is important if the kitchen is on the narrow side.
Built-In Kitchen Seating
When it comes to the kitchen, there should always be room for one more, and built-in seating gives you the ability to increase your capacity by just a little more. Even if you have only a limited number of designated spots, there is always the option to add a chair to the outside of the table, swap out chairs for a bench, or simply add one more. They also make the perfect informal spot to gather for Saturday morning breakfast with the family, and it can make it feel more intimate as well. This “sets the table” for instant connection, which is something many homeowners are looking to achieve more in their homes today. They are also a very versatile design option since they can be built to adapt to just about any layout, whether that is a bay window or a small corner. Having built-in seating means no one needs to feel left out, and your kitchen’s functional capacity just increased. They are a practical option that is worth discussing with your designer, so be sure to bring it up at your next meeting.
Greenbrook DesignColor matters. It is a part of how we tell our story, especially within our homes. In the last few years, homeowners have ventured off the traditional path of neutrals, such as white, gray, and beige, to bring in pops of bold hues like red, green, and even blue. As the demand for brighter colors increases, both manufacturers and designers have risen to the occasion by creating and incorporating a more diverse color palette for their clients. Traditional products, such as tile, furniture, flooring, cabinets, and even glass, come in a wider selection of bold colors, which provide homeowners with the opportunity to blend a variety of bold colors and neutral colors together in a stunning final design. Although color is a fun element in the world of interiors, it can be challenging to determine the right amount and the various ways it can be incorporated into the home to create the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.
Walker WoodworkingHome is a reflection of you, and one of the best ways to do that is through color. Color is more than a collection of tints and shades; it has more impact on our mood than anything else and can influence the look of our home more than we realize. Color psychology has been studied for decades, with recent findings revealing just how powerful color truly is in the home. Size and style can change by simply selecting different colors for your furniture, accent pieces, or wall color. As color plays such a vital role in the atmosphere and presentation of the home, it can feel a little overwhelming or even intimidating to make color choices. We have compiled a list of 15 simple ways you can add color to your home.
There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
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