The kitchen serves as the nucleus of the home for countless families. As the de facto gathering spot for family members and friends, the space should feel welcoming. One of the best ways to bring people together in your kitchen is by creating a perfect breakfast nook. But how should you go about it? Read on for our definitive list of breakfast nook tips to make your kitchen even cozier.
Identify the Perfect Space
The best thing about breakfast nooks is there is no wrong way to create this inviting space. You can create a nook anywhere you have space. Areas by windows are popular, but if that’s not available, just find a small area where you’re free to let your imagination run wild.
Select the Perfect Style of Breakfast Nook
Scrolling for breakfast nook ideas can give you a great sense of the styles available. In general, there are three main types.
- Built-in Breakfast Nook These have some permanent, built-in seating, but they may leave room for an additional bench or a couple of chairs. These typically feature at least one bench or table permanently affixed to the wall and floor. This style may be best suited for rectangular areas that lean towards narrow.
- Freeform Nook As the name implies, this is just an area of the kitchen with no defined form or boundary. Freeform nooks are popular for those who don’t want to have to construct permanent seating or dining. Examples include small tables (often round or oval) tucked in a corner, frequently by a window. This style is attractive in small kitchens, as they allow for flexibility with seating arrangements.
- Defined Booth Nooks These are built into the home, with immovable dinette tables and seating. Booths are much like those you’d find in restaurants. A booth style is best suited near a window so that the natural light can prevent the space from feeling cramped or dim.
There are benefits to all three types of nooks. So when in doubt, lean on your experienced interior designer to help determine the type that will work best with your budget and space.
Create Your Version of Cozy
Creating a new breakfast nook can be a whole lot of fun. That’s because it doesn’t have to match the style of the rest of your home. Perhaps you want a rustic feel, even though the rest of your home is modern. Likewise, you can make your nook bold, bright, and cheery, even if the rest of your home leans towards neutrality and subtlety. Suffice it to say, if there’s one area of your home where you can go big, bold, and outside the proverbial lines, it’s in your breakfast nook.
Focus on Functionality
One commonly overlooked feature in nooks is functionality. So be sure to plan for how you’ll be able to use the space before you finalize it. Small spaces should have tables with pedestal bases or benches that serve as storage areas to maximize usable space. Likewise, you’ll want to avoid large buffets or hutches in small spaces. In larger areas, you’ll have more freedom. Just be sure you’re not blocking pathways or making it difficult for people to get in and out of their seats.
Have Fun Mixing It Up with Furniture and Cushions
After you’ve settled on an aesthetic, have fun mixing up your furniture and cushions. If there’s one design rule for creating these cozy spaces, it’s there are no rules. You don’t need to buy a set of matching chairs. You don’t need each seat to have the same cushion. Think of nooks as a haven for fun and creativity, as you mix and match colors and textures.
Be Careful of Clutter
Because of their smaller size, nooks are prone to looking crowded or cluttered if you try to add too many decor items. So, go easy on tabletop décor, artwork surrounding the area, and other design accents.
Design the Perfect Breakfast Nook with Samantha Lee Designs
When you’re ready to create a cozy, welcoming breakfast nook, Samantha Lee Designs is ready to partner with you. Our Eugene-based interior design team will help you bring your loveliest dreams to life. With years of experience, a flair for finding the perfect pieces, and a friendly, efficient team of experts, Samantha Lee Designs has created havens for Oregon homeowners for years. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.