Kitchen Design
19 Ways to Create a Cozy Breakfast Nook
No rude awakenings here. Start your day the gentle way, with a snuggly corner for noshing
Whether you're drinking your orange juice and reading on a bleary-eyed weekday or gathering with the whole family for pancakes on Saturday, a breakfast nook is an ideal place to start your day. A mix of built-in booths, banquettes, chairs, tables curved or rectilinear, dimmable light and throw pillows makes for cozy spots where you can get a jump on things. Breakfast nooks also work hard the rest of the day as homework stations and intimate spots for candlelit dinners. See if these supercozy breakfast nooks make you start rethinking your kitchen layout.
Create a separate booth. Custom millwork separates this design from standard ones, and from the rest of the kitchen, creating a snug spot for omelets and coffee.
Go for a high banquette back. The back of this booth creates a partition wall, making the booth a respite from the more utilitarian areas of the kitchen.
Try a three-sided booth. This means scooting around the table when larger groups are involved, just like in that special booth in a restaurant. Thick tufted upholstery cozies up this airy space.
Tuck the booth into a bay. Windows on three sides create a light-filled space that will help your body wake up in the morning. If you need to add on to gain eat-in space in your kitchen, try a bay window for a cost-effective microaddition.
Make the most of a corner. This tucked-in banquette maximizes eat-in seating; the round Tulip Table keeps things open. While many banquettes are custom pieces, ready-made versions are available.
Browse ready-made banquettes
Browse ready-made banquettes
Cut the countertops off before they hit the wall. This saves a corner for a banquette and two chairs. This room also uses a thick wall cleverly, creating a recessed display cabinet and a shelf for cookbooks.
Design around a bench. This works well for longer, rectangular dining tables. Cush up the corners with throw pillows; this means the bench can also become a prime reading spot.
Use an island as part of the banquette. Some Houzzers have noted they prefer a kitchen table to an island for eating; combining the kitchen table and the island this way lets you enjoy the island workstation and layout while keeping a traditional kitchen table.
Use stain-resistant fabrics. You can have them custom treated or choose from all of the fabulous outdoor fabrics on the market.
Old-fashioned diners have the right idea; vinyl is easy to wipe down and keep clean. Cheerful green mixed with bamboo chairs, a leaf print and pink accents give this booth some Dorothy Draper pizzazz.
Mix prints on the seats and booth backs. The combination snazzes up the booth in this white kitchen, making it inviting.
Go curvy. A round pedestal table and corresponding curved banquette create a pleasing eat-in spot in this bay.
Consider warm colors. Contemporary style and cool chrome finishes are warmed by autumnal hues in this comfortable nook.
Throw in farmhouse style. The whitewashed trestle table in this kitchen adds rustic texture and style.
Shop farmhouse trestle tables on Houzz
Shop farmhouse trestle tables on Houzz
Don't give up when space is tight. A small pedestal table can tuck in almost anywhere, and a tight two-person banquette cozies it up.
Bring in personal touches. Framed children's artwork personalizes this easy-breezy kitchen nook.
Learn more about this kitchen nook makeover
Learn more about this kitchen nook makeover
Choose special lighting. Moravian star light fixtures hung at varying lengths add a touch of whimsy overhead. Install a dimmer for your nook lighting so you can turn off the main kitchen recessed lights and control the mood for meals.
Make the most of storage potential. That space underneath built-in banquettes is prime real estate. Use it to hold less-used linens, cookware, art supplies and more.
Mix textures and scales. These oversize metal propellors artfully stand up to the expansive white wall; red vinyl and printed throw pillows add to the nautical feel; a dark wood table and woven stools contrast with the white booth and upholstery. It all adds up to to a stylish spot.
Keep the kids in mind. Minimalism meets parenthood in this clever contemporary breakfast nook. Soft cushions, bright colors and a chalkboard create a kid-friendly zone. As most parents know, this will result in dust chalk on the upholstery, so if you go this route, plan your fabrics accordingly.
More: How to Love Your Kitchen More, Right Now | More kitchen guides
More: How to Love Your Kitchen More, Right Now | More kitchen guides
