Your window sills are too low to build in a banquette. If that's what you want, you'd have to replace all the windows so the sill is much higher. Maybe just put in a less formal table and chairs in this space for your breakfast area.

This is roughly how high the windows would have to be to accommodate a built-in banquette:

Moravian Star · More Info

And here's a more casual breakfast table/chairs with windows similar to yours:

Custom Home · More Info

Pipe dream?

The most you can hope for is a small scale lounge chair and an ottoman tucked near the fire.

I'd be looking for a unified flooring in the house, and say goodbye to the tile. A counter level breakfast bar too.

Casual dining table and very comfy chairs : ) in the bump

I was think banquets pulled away from the window as an option (rather than built in) but not sure if that would make it harder to do seating in other areas

Bellamare · More Info

The banquette is harder in, harder out. Get comfy chairs, a nice casual table and don't "box " yourself in: )

Nobody really wants to crawl over another human, to get up for milk.

Look again at the inspo you just posted. Not everything you see on the internet is a great idea in practice.

My first thought is, what a great dining area! Plenty of room to expand for big parties!

Have you considered repurposing the dining room instead? First floor bedroom? Office? Play room? TV room? Library?

Or, if you love your formal dining room, make this area a family room with sofa, TV, coffee table.

In my experience, ”some” changes usually trigger a series of unexpected updates* in order to achieve a more complementary and unified space. Be prepared…just in case and think about your budget so as to connect the changes.

1. Think about the homework space if that's a priority, as different ages want/need different things. Would it work better off to the side by window and consider how it can adapt to casual dining. You’ll probably want an updated fixture*

2. Would the seating area work better near fireplace with two chairs and it wouldn’t hinder enjoyment of a fireplace from anywhere in kitchen vs a dining table and leaves some breathing space. Look to complement the homework/dining area.

Given changes in these two areas, it will be important to tie in the stools* and lighting*.

If…interested, I’d consider painting* walls a light neutral, so you aren’t limited when trying to decorate and I think the space will really benefit. Have an overall plan in mind and look on line for inspiration.

@Maureen - Isn’t that the truth!! We do plan to update the kitchen space in a year or two so totally trying to plan for long term continuity. First step is fresh bright (white variation) paint.

Love the looks you posted

@auntthelma - It’s huge for what it is! I really like it and have been thinking of it more as a flex-eating space for homework and perhaps comfy seating for relaxing. The floor plan is interesting. The fireplace is double sided and shared with the living room - where we have the tv and will have kid games, etc. I’ve attached a bigger floorplan to show the adjacent room. I had considered for a while moving our small loveseat to the kitchen… because why not lol

At some point we will remodel the kitchen but want to see how the space works for us first.

Wouldn't think that a breakfast table and chairs would be desirable since you have a kitchen dining area. Will suggest to leave that area open and use it as circulation space.

With so much squareness that fireplace is huge that tiny picture on top of the mantle don't serve a purpose you can barely see it clear up there I think you need a mirror or some fabulous art that's as long as the fireplace up there or something in metal

Or some large sculptures would also be nice on the mantle

Thanks; agree the scale is way off.

I want to completely redo the fireplace mantle when we do the kitchen to modernize the look. Will be paining the rooms a great neutral soon as well, which will help

It’s kind of a no-man’s land now. A bit too big to leave open, and a bit too small to do anything with. I would not invest any money into it now if you are planning a kitchen reno in the next 2 years. When you do the kitchen reno, bump the peninsula into that space to make the kitchen bigger. A smaller dinette in the window would be cute. You can get banquette style furniture that is not built in if you still like that idea.

Question to the OP—what color is the wall paint? It is perfect. I know just where I would like to use it….

Sorry I wish I could help. It was that color when we moved.