via Amber Interiors
Everybody loves a good dining nook. But, these special nooks have increased in popularity recently. Can you guess why? I’ve mentioned before that more and more people are living in cities, which means smaller spaces. Dining nooks are the perfect substitute for that big dining table, without sacrificing a special design moment. Today, I’m teaching you how to design the perfect dining nook, no matter how small or large the space.
How to Design the Perfect Dining Nook
via Amber Interiors
First off, what is a dining nook? When I think of a “nook”, I think of a little corner of happiness. A nook doesn’t have to be a corner, though, it could just be a small designated space for something. Back when I was a senior at the University of Cincinnati, I lived in an older 3 family home with a super small dining nook. It was a magical space, flooded with light, with the original built in hutch with old glass. Happy times, except when my landlord wouldn’t turn on the heat and we almost had to call the EPA to report her. I got bronchitis twice in 3 months. This got dark; let’s look at more nooks!
via Elle Decor
WHAT A NOOK. This nook screams happiness. It features a small table and 2 chairs, but because it is in a corner, you can add some sort of banquette seating (in this case a sofa). That’s the beauty of corner nooks: you can build banquettes along the wall perimeter and make the space look HUGE. Tricksters.
via Bright Bazaar
I’m sure you’re familiar with Will Taylor of the colorful and fun Bright Bazaar blog. This is the dining nook at his old apartment. Notice the round table, double chairs, and bench seating instead of a banquette. This is also in a corner, but if you’re renting, you can’t really do built-ins. If this is your situation, a DIY banquette that’s not attached to the wall or a cool bench does the trick. Homemade Modern is a favorite resource of mine for DIY furniture.
via House Beautiful
via House Beautiful
Ok, now we have some larger examples featuring a full oval table instead of a small circle. So, you see, whatever the size of your space, you can create an intimate moment flanked on the wall of your kitchen. How much more interest is added to this space with the upholstered bench as opposed to continuing with chairs? So much more interest! Adding a dining nook is also a good idea if you are at the opposite end of the spectrum with a large kitchen that feels cold and impersonal. Nook it up, yo. Comfort timezzzz.
via Architectural Digest
So, you see, a nook doesn’t have to be all “country”; it can be bright, bold, and perfectly modern to suit your tastes. How to design the perfect dining nook is all about creating a space of balance, harmony, and intimacy. Oh la la. You want your nook to look as welcoming as possible, so don’t skip the textiles! Add throw pillows, upholstery, a blanket, anything to add even more comfort.
And there you have it! Did you learn how to design the perfect dining nook? Let’s recap: either a round or oval table, a couple chairs, either a banquette or bench, and textiles. There’s the recipe for success; it’s a very loose formula so don’t be scared to get creative and get cozy! And then make a bunch of pancakes, because if you’re not brunchin’ at this nook, I don’t know what you’re doing.
Do you have a cozy nook? Let me know!
-Kristen
You might also like…
