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caroline_sasser

Alternative to breakfast nook

4 years ago

Hi! Need advice on how to use this off-the-kitchen breakfast nook. I would love to turn it into a multi-purpose work space (office, crafts, etc), but I’m afraid it will look odd. We have a formal dining room that we love (see 3rd and 4th pic) but we are short on space and need an office! Currently, we are using a guest bedroom as an office, but want to turn that into a real guest bedroom… I DONT want to give up my dining room for an office… hence trying to find a way to use this nook! Thoughts

, suggestions, opinions needed :)







Comments (8)

  • 4 years ago

    I've been using my kitchen table as an office for years. And for me, it comes down to storage. You need a place where your papers go when you're done. You need a place for the printer and scanner--those don't have to be in the same room. You need a place to plug in your laptop w/o cords draped across pathways. You need some storage for pens, paperclip, staplers. If you have the right storage, it's surprisingly simple to use a kitchen table for office and eating area.


    Your stone wall looks like a great starting point. You could have cabinets, open shelves, or a combo there. An 18" to 24" deep cabinet for the printer. File drawers, or shelves with attractive file boxes. I use these in a couple coordinating patterns: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBNDAPU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1



    Make sure there is somewhere to plug the laptop in at the table where the cord won't string across a pathway. (Floor outlet under table is my dream, but DH is strongly opposed.) And make sure there's a dedicated landing spot for the laptop when you need to clear the table for eating or kitchen prep.


    With all of that said, I would also recommend a hybrid approach. Laptop, small storage for pens, staplers, and tape, and some file boxes with current projects in the kitchen. But file cabinets for long-term storage could stay in the guest room, to leave the kitchen more open. The printer can also live in the guest room or family room, unless you are doing a lot of printing.

  • 4 years ago

    I like that office! windows, access to the coffee pot...


    Do you need storage in there? Printer? Privacy? Desktop or laptop? Do you need a good background for video meetings? Will you have clients over?

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    it is small. something translated from this..freestanding...I dont see building in to the walls due to windows..... but using the flat area at stone wall and maybe partially around or just go for it if the table does not get used. any desire for even a small table? if you do a freestanding curved custom made it can be taken out by moving time if you leave. does the lack of quiet being near kitchen concern you? on the other hand you are near everything.. take blue tape and stick the angles/depth and everything down ..factor a chair or two and just see.

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  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    So make it an office nook! i would get a rectangular table as big as can fit, add your computer etc and one chair.

    Honestly, there is no way to diguise it.

    Can a desk go in your master? Are you having guests so often that the desk can’t stay there?

    That said, use your home in what works for you.



  • 4 years ago

    Lots of people have desk space in their kitchen. What a beautiful place to work in. I like the idea of a desk in from of the window. Perhaps on large enough for a printer etc.

  • 4 years ago

    What does "office" mean to you? Work-from-home office with a quiet place for zoom calls? Or home office with a place to store household paperwork? Permanent computer and monitor, or a place to set the laptop? Printer needed? Craft storage space?

    Since the space is small, consider whether the dining room (or another nearby room) can hold additional storage if there isn't enough room here. Even a printer can go in a closet elsewhere if it's wi-fi enabled, depending on how much you use it.

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks all!! My office just needs to accommodate me and my monitor. No printer or storage needed. I only have Zoom meetings but I can blur the background so it’s not obviously a kitchen

  • 4 years ago

    love the idea of a built in bench where you could store office-y tnings - a nice table (oval?) and 1-2 comfy chairs with wheels (for opposite the bench) and i think you're set - it will be a great spot with lots of natural light, lovely!

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