olldcan Your right, I see your dilemma, the banquette seating area isn't quite right. When that type of seating is on three sides it can be extremely difficult to get in and out of and generally just a pain. Not great for resale either. I would prefer to sit in a chair, always and would only have two sides with banquette seating and the other two with chairs if this remains. Built as drawn, the table is really on the large side. Your banquette and dining areas are quite small and the kitchen is separating the two spaces that should be one. I'd reposition the kitchen to the dining room end, enlarge the raised bar, say yes to the island and open the space up so that the 12x10 dining room and the 7x7 banquette are a sizeable space to have a table with free standing chairs. I don't see that you have the space for a wet bar by the mudroom closet (which also seem a little strange) as the plan sits now but repositioning the kitchen and joining the eating areas might offer a space for that. Lots of things to think about, I'm hoping an Architect with some design software chimes in on this discussion for you, best of luck.

houssaon Here is a nook that looks to be about 4 feet by 6 feet: .Phinney Residence kitchen. Another one a bit larger: Two Time Award Winning Kitchen.

From a comfort point of view, I like this one that uses a banquette and chairs: Kitchen View I love the retro vibe of this banquette: Brookline Residence.

You have a square table, which is a bit unusual, but I don't think it would chage the functionality of the nook. You could comfortably sit eight with two chairs at the open end.

Mark Carson Thanks for the prompt response olldcan. We cannot move the kitchen to the dining area as it would be cost prohibitive. The section circled in the picture as well as the mudroom / closet adjacent to it are only drawings at the moment and can be seen as a blank slate. Even the half wall that separates the great room from the banquette area is optional. We thought the mudroom / closet might be a good idea so we can stash coats / shoes / broom etc. as this side entry acts as our main entry. As I said, we are wide open. We can also slide that side entry door to anywhere on this wall if necessary.

Anne Gibney I like your design. If you would use a round or rectangle table that can expand when having company you would have more space to move around for day to day. If you are worried about to being too tight, keep the banquette along the half wall and window, then leave the wall by the mudroom clear so you can have versatility in chair placement. I am not sure about having the bar so close to the table, could be awkward while entertaining. Plus you are right next to the large open kitchen. I have a breakfast nook with angular have windows. I am using freestanding settee and chairs with a round expandable table.

Anta Design Studio take a look at attached 2 options

Dytecture Hi Mark, this would be my suggestion. Shift the exterior door towards the raised bar. Replace the mud room with a small closet by the door. Banquette seating with windows and opened to the Great Room.

olldcan Hi Mark,
Thanks for the clarity on what can and can't be done. All things considered, I think Dytecture has offered the best solution to you. (he's such a smarty) You still keep the mudroom, some banquette seating but aren't trapping the table in with the extra walls. It's just really nice to have the option of adding an additional table or two if your having many guests. If you plan on cooking up that huge fish, you'll need to have many people coming for supper..LOL.Sliding into a banquette seating arrangement can be difficult for many, young and old. This arrangement offers the best of both.
The wet bar could be located adjacent to the peninsula, next to the pantry and/or the panty be enlarge to be more like a butlers pantry, which would include a small sink and bar fridge, maybe even a built in ice maker. Just a thought. Search up butlers panty here on Houzz for some great ideas.

Mark Carson You all are the best. Great ideas!!!

Anta Design Studio before you remove your mud room, consider your home value with and without it. by removing mud room you are basically creating additional huge dining room with very long L shaped bench and one small table for 4 people.
Dytecture is offering interesting solution, but if you push your door towards the bar and remove raised bar you will be seating in front of your cook top. also that last chair will be unused most of the time because of close proximity to door.
just adding my 2 cents to all great ideas offered.