(Pinterest.com)

I'm preparing a design plan right now for a client that wants a banquette in her kitchen.

(Pinterest.com)

I've always loved the feel that this kind of seating brings to a kitchen/dining room. It's welcoming and comfortable. I especially like the idea of storage underneath the banquette. Especially if you have a small space and storage is a problem.

(Pinterest.com)

Bench seating is a great way to solve a problem with form and function if space of your dining or kitchen room is small. You can maximize your kitchen space by building your own kitchen banquette seating.

(Pinterest.com)

Definition of banquette seating, a French word for “bench”, is a long upholstered bench/seat placed against or attached into a wall of a space.

(Pinterest.com)

The curved banquette is also so attractive and works beautifully with a round or oval table. The fabrics on a banquette can make the kitchen have such personality and class.
I discovered the below photo's from a project that I finished about 4 years ago and thought you might enjoy the before and after shots of the room.

BEFORE

(Photo by Ruthie Staalsen)

AFTER

(Photo by Ruthie Staalsen)

Amazing what a change the banquette made to this space. It use to be a "catch all" space and now it's a room that is used for gatherings. The table opens up into an oval shape and they can pull in the additional chairs when they have more people they need to seat! It's a great space now for better entertainment and the client was so happy to get a buffet for all her linens.

To see more before and after pictures of my work, visit my website DecRenew Interiors.

(Reihl Designs)

I love a kitchen that has a little sitting area. We all gather in the kitchen and it totally makes sense to have a couple comfortable chairs in the kitchen for those that you are entertaining.

Most kitchens these days allow for a kitchen table to be in the kitchen. However, if you have two eating areas in your home you have options.

(Apartment Therapy)

If your kids are grown and you really don't have a need for a table then I'd suggest you get rid of it and turn the area into a sitting area.

(Horchow)

Purchase 2 comfy chairs and if you have room, get some ottomans too. Create a wonderful area where you can curl up and read or chat with your husband or with a friend.

(House Beautiful)

Or you can go all out and create an entire sitting area. You should USE the space in your home. If it's not working for you with table and chairs, make it an area for great conversation.

The above eclectic mix has such style.

(Traditional Home)

I'm still in the stage where I need my kitchen table. However, I'm in the process of trying to find great comfortable chairs to go with my farm table.

This photo above is ideal! A wing back chair, wicker chairs and a sofa! Conversational and practical for family meals as well as incorporating the table so it's functional for the family meals.

(Richard Taylor Architects)

It's not always possible to have extra furniture in your kitchen but this kitchen looks like there is plenty of room to have a table and a sitting area.

(Style at Home.com)

This kitchen definitely has a "gathering place"

Sweet!

Just because your "eat in area" is meant to be for a table doesn't mean you have to do it that way. Mix it up and make your home work for your lifestyle!