have a seat, on my banquette.

Here is our dining room, as is.

Now, you can see it’s small, though I like the word “cozy”.
{ Notice the gilt frame? }

 

 

When we first toured our now home, I immediately saw banquette seating in the small space, because the benches would push seating to the walls, maximizing both spots at the table and the path to the kitchen.  Also, the benches would serve as additional built-in storage, having either a “toy box” top opening or pull out drawers.  Their cushions and pillows would add softness and texture to the room’s palette and the best part of the whole project?  I foresee it being completely DIY.

Here are a few inspiration images and what I’ll draw from them.

{ I love the expansive built-ins surrounding the alcove seating, creating a pocket of focus.  I love too the…oversized frames, bronze sconces, variety of fabrics, whimsical chandelier, color palette and contrast between the dinner table’s dark wood with the white bench. }

{ The arch above the window seating is soft and cottage-like.  As are the open shelves adjacent, similar to our own.  I love the mixture of neutrals painted on the wall, cabinets and island. }

{ Playful way of hanging cushions, functionally.  Great mixture of country textiles. }

 { A clean, simple way to execute a breakfast nook. }

 

{ A banquette can be simulated by over-scaled upholstered benches, rather than those appearing to fade into the wall.  Seating at the same table can be, maybe should be, different!  And love the roman shades in the background. }

{ Yes, I’m drawn to navy stripes.  But beyond them, I like the high back, smooth upholstering around the wall, which is wonderfully detailed with glass cabinets and wainscoting. }

 

 {White and windows.  (Enough said!) }

{ I love this one.  Everything except the sterile metal chairs.  Distressed table, French dishtowel inspired fabrics, ha, and the hydrangeas! }

{ It’s actually a sofa! }

{How wonderful is the deep gray blue woodwork?  And the display recess wall?  And the cushion fabric? }

 { Besides the gilt frames, I like the display cabinets above the seating area, displaying that in a small space, you should feel fine storing things up the wall.  Oh, and I like the hearth too;) }

 { Earthy minimalism.  I bet this room is in California! }

{ The benches mixed with the reclaimed wood table!  Paired with that floor and those French doors?  Winner. }

 

{ I love the contrast between the lacquered black chairs and table with the white beadboard benches. }

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My ultimate hope is to knock down the wall between the dining room and kitchen, allowing the casual eating area to be visually connected to the work space.  But I think I can successfully start the dining room project before we get to the kitchen remodel.

Here’s my to-dos:

Materials for L-shaped banquette (One side will be below the window, the other below the existing painting.) 

need:

*plywood

(large for main boxes, narrow for framing out for built-in look)

have:

                *wood glue, staple gun & staples, saw, sandpaper

*beadboard paneling for walls (possibly that is.)

*fabric, batting & foam for custom cushions.

*sconces

*fabric for new café or roman curtains.

*fabric for dining chair slipcovers.  

(we have 6 dining chairs, I’ll keep 3 in the space, opposite the banquette)

*possibly new chandelier, or at lease new glass for our current one.

 &

***pray that our table is the right size for this project...  (ok, so I’ll make it the right size.  or else!)

****to get in gear and do all of the ^

image credits: 1234567891011121314