Breakfast nooks are cute, nostalgic additions to a kitchen. Usually paired with a bistro table, they often spark dreams of enjoying a nice cup of coffee on a nice morning or reading a book by candlelight in the evening. They’re great for any size kitchen- big or small and offer an informal space for families to eat during the week. Not only do they offer extra space for seating, eating and working, but they can provide more storage, and give purpose to an otherwise under-functioning corner.
The key to the perfect breakfast nook is functionality, comfortability, coziness, and style! It’s important to make sure you love the look of your breakfast nook, and that it matches the style of the rest of your house is key- if you have more of a modern style, try an all-white or monochrome table and chair set. If you have more of a farmhouse kitchen, lighter colored wood furniture would go well. Marble tabletops are also very popular.
Secondly, find a spot for your new nook. Next to a window with natural lighting is ideal- as it improves mood and alleviates feelings of stress and anxiety, in order to help you relax. Though “nooks” can fit into any size space, consider the size of your kitchen and how big you want your nook to be based on what you want to use it for and how many people will be using it at a time. For bigger families, a corner nook with an L-shaped cushioned bench provides plenty of seating and comfort. Install cubbies or drawers on the bottom half of your bench for storing anything from books and homework supplies to extra cooking gadgets.
Often times, these spaces are used for much more than just eating. For families with children especially, breakfast nooks often become a common area in the house, where your family members will spend a lot of time working or playing. You may find that your children begin doing their homework, drawing, and even doing science projects in this area. In this case, it is important to choose materials that are easy to wipe down, and stain-resistant. Breakfast nooks are ideal for providing an informal area for families to gather, and not have to worry about messing up your formal dining room.
Breakfast nooks add a fun, homey feel to a house and provide an open, inviting area to do everything from eating meals, doing homework with your children, and paying bills to family game night. They offer more countertop space which can serve as extra room to prepare meals, in order to free up storage for other items in your kitchen. The layout of these nooks are completely customizable and can adapt to fit your space!