Very sterile looking. I would get a backsplash with some color and carry the colors into the window treatment. For the window I would get an inset solar shade and then a faux roman shade in fabric. That eating area looks especially small. Not sure a banquet is the best idea.

Many different styles of backsplash depends on the look you want:

It is very white but not as sterile as it looks in the picture. The countertops and floors are not solid white. I am attaching close ups of them.

The first one is the countertop, second one is the floor.
I thought that if the countertop is not solid then I need a solid color backsplash?

I see two lovely gold chandeliers. Maybe it is the camera angle, but they seem to be installed very close together. I am not exactly sure of their purpose.

I am envisioning the banquette as you describe. I would want the chandelier to be somewhat centered over the table. The chandilier seems like it will be way off in left field.

So sorry, maybe I am not understanding. 😬

I would add handle to the uppers. With white cabinets fingerprints will be very noticeable and the handles will add another spot of brightness and color. Also, the space for your refrigerator appears to be perpendicular to the window. Will you be able to open the doors fully to remove produce drawers and shelves for cleaning?

@rebunky the chandeliers are 4 feet apart, the angle of the photo is off. They are centered to the room. There are 6 spotlights in the room as well, 3 on each side. The table will be in the corner that's why I didn't put lighting there.

@Valinta yes, we added 2 inches clearance so that we can properly open the fridge doors.

Needs some Colour !

IMO no banquette for that space I do not think there is room for a table and chairs or banquette there . Maybe a floor plan could help??? I see no reason for those chandeliers in any kitchen they do nothing except light the ceiling with really poor light . The space creams for color and back painted glass backsplash could really help . What are you using for venting ? Wahy such a tiny stove in the space ? Why 2 sinks ? I assume the upper cabinet doors are a touch to open plan ? You should have come here for help with the design for sure . Now add color

It would be helpful if you posted a to scale floor plan. Hard to advise you about having a banquette or not since we don't really know how much space and clearance there is. It is a lovely kitchen btw and as I believe you said is a blank canvas just waiting to be accessorized with color and pattern. As far as backsplash I will advise to work more with pattern than color. Many backsplashes attend to the the star of the kitchen whereas IMO they should provide more of a background.

As sterile, and cold as a hospital surgical room. Fake marble veining does not add warmth, Why do the same very white imitation marble for floors, as you have on the counters? Wood floors.would’ve added much needed warmth to the space.

A stainless, or some kind of accent hood, is much needed to break up all of that white. Also, that hood is not deep enough to cover the entire top of whatever stove will replace what’s there now, rendering it useless in capturing cooking effluents. Yeah, even if you get induction.

A banquet will be squooshed in that tiny space. Doesn’t appear enough room to accommodate benches, table, and people. Getting in and out of that space will require pushing the table out of the way, disturbing the people occupying the chairs

Add color to the walls. Not more white. Get a backsplash with color, too.

Ok. Thanks.

I do agree that the space needs color. But with a veined backsplash is that possible?

I am trying to upload the floor plan but it's not working, I am not sure why.

There is 52 inches between the pantries, where I want to put the banquette. The room is 12.5 feet wide, so when you subtract the cabinets, I still have over 8 feet of floor space in the width. Is that not enough for a small table?

I like the blank canvas - agree with @Norwood Architects i would be thinking about pattern (i’d also add some texture but that can come with seating)

Can I see samples of backsplashes with texture, so I know what your referring to?

As for not using wood, it is because it is an old house and I only did whatever was absolutely necessary before we moved in. The wood floors need to be replaced but it is something I will do in a year or two. The old kitchen had vinyl flooring and it was removed the original wood flooring was badly damaged. I needed a temporary solution until I redo the hardwhardwood floors. My designer recommended I go with porcelain tile. (I ended up dropping the designer as I realized that we do not have the same )

You need color and you need more space for a small table and chairs. You may need to eliminate the tall cabinets on one or both sides of the current table.

White needs something to contrast with. Even a bit of subtle cream gives the room depth. All white, no texture is too much.

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Adding some subtle color and texture to the backsplash and back wall with color on the window and in the chairs reduces the operating room feeling.

Hate to provide this information since you are so far along, but thought it might be helpful just in case you want/can change some things.

A banquette won’t fit into that small niche….what’s there size wise is not even functional.

Wonder if there is room for a narrow counter height table in the middle and would also be a great spot when entertaing.

Can you dine in an adjacent room and rethink how to use the niche (I’d place the fridge there and configure its old spot: coffee station, microwave, wine fridge, etc.

Otherwise, hope you have taken into account the fridge‘s proximity to window ledge and possibe denting.

Hope the hardware on bottom has a minimal feel or the visual weight will look off with nothing on uppers. .

Backsplash options are endless and it really depends on taste and how you want kitchen to feel. Suggest looking on line to narrow down (search modern backsplash choices on Pinterest). There are many considerations: texture, shape, color, pattern, and layout (vertical/horizontal) and be sure to test.

Finally, sorry to say, the two chandeliers are really awkward and suggest adding a potlight and one modern fixture that also provides better lighting.

Before you decide on a window treatment, consider privacy needs/functionality and I’d wait until the backsplash is installed and complement. If you use a fairly neutral backsplash, over the years you’re not committed color wise and it’s easier to select different decor combo.

@Jennifer

The floors and countertops are creamy, not white at all! For some reason the picture does not reflect the true color.

If I do add texture on the backsplash, would a creamy white fluted backsplash work?

As for color, which color do I bring in?

Try uploading a picture or two onto a site like Tilebar.com (it might help to take one head on to your range wall.) You can use the visualizer to get an idea of how different tiles would look in your space. I personally wouldn't use a tile with veining in your kitchen. As for what color to bring in, what colors do you like? With your cabinets and counters it seems like you could go in many directions. Be sure to order many samples to see tiles in your own light and space (check the return policies.)

What I am not understanding is why 52 inches is not enough for a banquette. We have a big dining room right next to the kitchen, the banquette and small table would be for breakfast and snacks only.

Regarding the light fixtures, the bulbs are not inserted yet that is why you don't see lighting there.

The handles are minimal.

Keep backsplash subtle…more texture than color. Your accessories can be color - window treatments, chairs ( if u do table) countertop items, etc. it will be easy to refresh that way. do what feels good to u as u r the one living in the space. I hope it will be everything u hope for. Enjoy your home

Hi @G G,

52” is too small for a banquette that is captive at both ends because you will have to pull the table out for anyone to access the seat, much as you do now. But it is done and no kitchen is perfect. Consider a 24” French Bistro table. I know it sounds small, but that might allow you to place it and have people scoot around it without pulling the table in and out.

Your space is a blank canvas and now you get to draw yourself into the space. Do you want to stick with neutrals? If so you can choose a lovely blonde wood top for the table and a leather cushion for the banquette. Do you want color and drama? Because a jewel toned cushion and oriental rug runners would look beautiful there.

Do you have inspiration images? Now is the time to pull them out. Whether you want a modern look, or something very French, you have options. Look for images of other white kitchens that inspire you.

Then look for items you can add to provide missing elements. For warmth, I love the brass bar below. That along with some cabinet hardware might look great. Find what speaks to you.

Here are the plans, I hope they upload, if that helps anyone.

Here are the closeup photos of the counters and floor.

Given you are not planning on having meals there, maybe a small Lshape configuration could work. Measuring/taping things out will let you know what’s possible.

@ Maureen

I can't do an L shaped because the space is between the 2 pantries.

A cute design

It always boggles my mind when I see how much space is needed for seating, but it isn't just the table and chairs that have to fit. People need to be able to get into the seat and sit across from each other without knocking Knees or stepping on each others toes. We're not airlifted and dropped into the space. We need clearance to get our butts down onto the seat.

How do you see this 52" working?

https://www.dimensions.com/element/breakfast-nook-clearances

The way it sits now someone would have to either step onto the table or crawl under the table to get to the back wall.

@ Jennifer

I was thinking of a putting the bench there, not for the adults, but for my 2 kids and then 2 regular chairs for DH and myself. A thought a 45 inch round table would be perfect. Again, this is not for formal meals but for quick snacks and breakfast, I have a big dining room as well.

might be best to complete the seaating area.... you obviously wanted a light/white kitchen...so whats left is the seating zone which could be used for contrast in a bold palette...actually works best with all the white you enlisted everywhere else. pastels or neutrals I dont think will do much.

Id much rather have a dose of the first scene in whatever color you fancy.....you don't have as many surfaces but you could do bold roman shades bold seating backs or covers a bold base to a table bold lighting above table etc. the 2nd and 3rd pics......just leave a blah feeling for your space with nothing to give focus really. Once you spend on what needs to be done for your seating zone pick a backsplash to continue the theme.....about anything can be found in tile to coordinate.

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I don't know...

I am so confused.

It's not like I made the layout myself. I paid a designer for this.

I took all white because I can't handle visual clutter but the end result it a little understated.

I thought if I would add a wooden table and some neutral color on the banquette, the end result will be nice, but now I hear that there's no place for that?

52” wide less a 45” table leaves 7” in total and 3 1/2“ on each side - doesn’t work. What did your designer suggest and did they know your needs?

A 36” table leaves 8” on either side, your kids would have to turn sideways to access lol! If you don’t center the bench, they have 16” (one will have to slide over/wait for sibling to move out). Would a 24” be considered.

There is room for a bench, the table just has to be a 24” bistro table. It is what it is.

I was wondering if the approach @suero shows above would work, and I'm afraid with 52" it will be too tight. I found this old thread (link) that discusses bench depth. It includes these images, which I thought might help.

if you want the seating to be of high value in other words...a destination..its user friendly..it fits in, and has presence .... I personally would consider removing the pantry cab in the corner. That would alleviate problems. But I dont know how much potential value this seating element has for you. can the far pantry cabinet go elsewhere?

It would be really hard for me to decide which one I want more. The pantry or the seating...

I think going with a small 24 inch table would be the best solution. We've been living in ththe house for 3 weeks now and there hasn't been more than 2 people at the table at once in any case.

Regarding the backsplash I will go around to a couple of tile stores today to see what they have. I'm thinking that a creamy white tile (the color of the countertop) with a fluted texture could work. I will pick up some samples and post them here.

Thanks!

I hate to hear that you paid a designer for this and they didn't mention that the space was too small for table and chairs. I homestly think the whole room would work better without the last pantry, it will feel more open, give you room for a small round table and 4 chairs and give you the opportunty to add a bit of color and warmth with the table and chairs.

Sadly, not everyone who uses the designaton "designer" is really a designer. Some states require a 4 year degree in interior design to use the designation "interior designer" but often people call themselves designers with little or no training or education in design and some who have all the class work simply aren't talented. It is an area of expertise that requires both practical application and artistic elements and the good ones are hard to find.

I love how serene your kitchen is, and am a fan of the repeating chandeliers. It gives the space an elegant feel. Handles on the base cabs will add a little something, and a rug will warm it up. I can't speak to the banquette dilemma, but came here to say your kitchen is really lovely. I would not select a high contrast tile— I could see a hand made tile (or a tile that reflects like one). I attached a blue pic, but I white could work as well depending on rug and WT. I might be tempted to tile/paper the niche wall if you can figure out some kind of cool rolling/sliding/drop down eating area solution.

How a bout a shelf and a tiny bench in front of it for 2 kids maybe to fit .

@ Patricia

That's what I was thinking but everybody is telling me that my space is too small.

Perhaps you could find a small oval table on casters.

This would be a fairly inexpensive experiment.

ETA (except for the Aerin light fixture. lol)

Those are great photos, I think I will look at tables like those! Thanks gardener!

Here's an updated photo now that the handles are in. I haven't made my final decision regarding the backsplash, but I am heading towards creamy white zellige style tiles.

I'll just comment on the small table. That is the size that we have in our kitchen. It works well for looking at recipes, reading while something cooks, or talking to the cook but staying out of the way. Two people also have room for a snack. For real meals we use our dining room table. I will comment that I had a very hard time finding such a small table so I had to up my budget.

That's gorgeous, yvonne! It's not likely this linked table is as nice as your set, but it's great return policy and not a bad price for an experiment.

GG, I would probably use one of the appliance boxes to cut a template the size of a table, and add a few chairs or stools around it to see if it's too tight. Also, I don't think the nighttime pics are doing this room any favors, with the black hole at the end. Would love to see a sunny pic. Your pull selections are perfect, as are the floors. Excited for you!