Who knew a half-baked banquette idea could bring on the chatter like that? Over 800 comments within a few hours time? Insanity. We’re loving all of the ideas and suggestions that you guys are throwing into the pot and promise to keep you posted every step of the way! There are definitely a lot more things to consider and nothing’s set in stone, so I think we’ll probably change our plan by the minute. But you know we’ll gab incessantly about it to anyone who’s willing to listen as we go.
In the meantime, since I should be painting office cabinets (but haven’t had a second to tear myself away from the blog), I thought it would be fun to share this awesome rendering that a sweet (and apparently very good at Photoshop) reader named Amber sent our way:
Now can you kind of start to picture it? Of course lots of things might be different (the counter might not be that color, the table might not be that shape/color, the lights may change/move, the floor will change, the cabinets won’t be brown and have eyeballs on them, there might be open shelves on the back of the banquette instead of just cabinetry, etc). Basically nothing that you see up there is “for sure,” but it definitely helps us start to picture it. So we thought sharing it might help you guys too. And a big wet kiss goes out to Amber for her ninja-like photoshop skillz.
I think the hardest thing for people to “see” before this rendering (us included) is that the banquette won’t block any more of the room than the table that used to sit there did. And people sitting at the banquette will have the same open POV that they would have had at the table (since the banquette seating will be the same height as table seating). And the countertops behind the banquette will also be around the same height as the base cabinets in the room. So hopefully it won’t feel closed off at all (everyone can see over base cabinets… well, except for Clara and Burger). Look, here’s John faux sitting in the new area now:
Now that we see this we’re thinking it could be cute to even add two small stools to the back of the banquette so that the closest-to-the-kitchen countertop could be used as a casual seating area too. Not sure though, because it might also be great prep space. And I can definitely picture us using it to set out things like appetizers if we’re entertaining. It’s all complete speculation and guess work at this point! But thanks again for all of the suggestions this morning. Who knows where we’ll end up!
On and there were actually a few folks who thought seating that faced the hallway and the fireplace was less intuitive than something that faced the work area of the kitchen, but we like the counter being the close part to the work area, and also think the two best views of the room are the frame wall and the fireplace. Plus I’m not mad at the fact that I wouldn’t have to look at a sink full of dirty dishes when I’m relaxing in my nook. Haha. Also because that fireplace is in the corner of the room, turning the L to face the other way (with the seating looking back at the prep area of the kitchen) wouldn’t solve the balance issue that the L-shaped arrangement does when it faces the fireplace. Hopefully this sketch makes more sense of the reasons why (top setup: what we want to do, bottom setup: what it would look like flipped):
See how that fireplace in the corner would make way less sense that way? Sorry for not including a sketch like this in this morning’s post for ya.
Anyway, you’ll have to excuse me, I have some office cabinetry to paint. I bought some new stuff last night (Benjamin Moore Advance paint) and I hear it’s awesome for cabs, so I can’t wait to pop back in with all those details – probably early next week if I ever get all those coats done and snap some photos. Anyone else painting cabinets? Or dreaming of banquettes?
Psst- We just announced this week’s giveaway winners. Click here to see if you’re one of them!
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
So glad you went with Advance! I’m pretty sure you’ll love it. In fact, I almost didn’t comment because I would rather you go paint than read this. (hehe)
Kia Sunda says
As an interior designer I love this idea, I think it will work great for you guys and provide you with a wonderful space to enjoy eating casually in the kitchen without being too “in the kitchen”. If you get what I mean… Really looking forward to watching this project developing
YoungHouseLove says
You have no idea how much this sentence excites me: “As an interior designer I love this idea”
Haha, thanks for the vote of confidence!
xo,
s
mribaro says
Sorry if this was mentioned before, but I think the round table calls for the rounded banquet area (it could still be L-shaped on the outside). From your favored sketch with the L-shaped banquet and the round table I conclude that the person who gets to sit in the corner, is the furthest from the table, and ends up with lots of breadcrumbs in his/her lap :S
YoungHouseLove says
Oooh I know what you mean- that could look really pretty! A rounded inside edge of the banquette but the L shaped exterior. I can picture it!
xo,
s
Janelle D says
interesting idea!
Janet in AR says
I’m not sure you would prep on it with your main kitchen so far away. But it would be a great buffet and work space when doing special projects the kids. Stools can be moved to the corners when in the way.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Should be fun to see where we end up…
xo,
s
Amanda E. says
Just curious: do you ever feel like you’re opening your lives up to a democracy when you post these? *laugh* I think that you’re being super gracious and kind but I could see how it could get a bit… frustrating, I guess, being kind of jazzed about something (or even just pondering something) and feeling like you have to defend it against a bunch of people.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, nah. We know sharing our lives means that we get lots of suggestions – but it’s actually really fun for us. We’re geeks for chatting about different possibilities and hearing what others would do if it were their house. Of course we remember that at the end of the day it’s our house, so we have to ultimately go with what excites us the most (and we know things like banquettes in the middle of the room aren’t everyone’s cup of tea- haha). But it’s always fun to hear what people are thinking. And a lot of times they come up with genius ideas that we never would have thought of on our own!
xo,
s
Kris says
I’m sorry, I just do not like this idea at all. And now with the Photoshop rendering, it looks like a receptionist desk.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we totally get that not everyone would do this in their kitchen! Some folks love islands or tables or even loveseats and armchairs in there- and freaks like us like L-shaped banquettes apparently! It’s definitely one of those personal preference things!
xo,
s
Sarah says
The photoshop of John eating at the banquette is my fav! lol!!
Cindy says
Sherry, I am loving the banquette idea. Totally. And I’m sure you could work out some under-the-bench storage space that can be accessed through the back of the banquette.
Whatever you do, I can’t wait to see it!
Raquel says
Your blog is my “light at the end of the tunnel” type thing. My hubs and I are both architects and bought our first love (in good Petersik fashion) back in February and have been DIYing ever since. This weekend, after our big central air retrofit was finished, we finally get to insulate our faux attic space (16 to 12 inches tall) with blown-in cellulose insulation and I keep having nightmares about that stuff engulfing and suffocating me. Because the space is so shallow, I’ll be the one up in the dark, scary attic doing the “blowing”. I hope I survive to see how your new office turns out! ps. really like the kitchen nook idea, my vote goes for facing the fireplace, all the way!!
YoungHouseLove says
You’ll survive! I know you will! Good luck with everything!
xo,
s
Molly K says
First of all. OMG that picture of John pretending to sit at the table is killing me!!! hoooo!
We are kind of in a similar slow and steady kitchen remodel ourselves so I appreciate these posts. We have a long counter breakfast bar thing-a-ma-jig that we would like to replace with an island of some sort more in the middle of the space. We already painted cabinets and walls and removed our giant ugly brass fan. Flooring, lighting, new appliances (omg bisque oven and fridge and black microwave here too – was that a thing in the 80s or something?) left to go.
I will look forward to what you do next to hopefully learn some tips in our space.
Before and progress picture here if you’re interested:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mitchandmolly2008/6014992387/in/photostream
Also, just my two cents – I think the banquette would be great in front of a fireplace. A certain feel an island definitely wouldn’t give you. As you say, “cozy”.
YoungHouseLove says
What an awesome before and after! Love it!
xo,
s
Iomay says
Great job Amber!
I had a hard time visualizing it but thought it would be cute and now I really like it! I think given the right dimensions the space could definitely still be used as a prep area (even if it’s just for small tasks) and a great little area for those who like to hang out with the chef can sit too!
From Scratch says
That looks so cool! Plus, you could use the counter space for buffets, etc…. Way cool.
Love the coziness of eating facing the fire. I can totally picture a cup of tea/coffee, a fire going, and reading the paper. Ah… Lovely!
Rebecca says
Wow! I absolutely LOVE it, and I think it’s something you simply must do given that you have that fireplace in your kitchen. I mean, you should really maximize such a nice feature as much as possible, and this is the perfect way to do it!
jenna says
Looks like I’m out numbered here, but I’m still not digging it yet. Liked the idea of open shelves on the back side. That might make it feel better. It just seems so bulky and not as useful as that original island was. Regardless of what you decide I love that your sharing it all with us. God home design seems to be all about being open minded.
Good luck!!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, there definitely could be shelving on it- this is just a rough rendering, so a lot could change as we go!
xo,
s
Katrina says
Definitely try a 3D mock up. When our SIL gutted her kitchen they did this and it made a BIG difference in what they decided to do in the long run. Chef John could then decide if the prep area would be useful (or too far away from the cooking action), if it would block flow from the proposed doorway to the family room, etc. I do like your idea of it being a hybrid banquet/island counter with stools. Definitely a unique idea – do you think you would have ever gotten there without the help of your designer friend?
YoungHouseLove says
Never in a million years. Haha.
xo,
s
Gretchen says
What kind of measurements are you envisioning? How wide are the countertop parts of the banquettes? I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to do this in my house!
YoungHouseLove says
Not sure yet, we’ll have to make cardboard templates to see what works!
xo,
s
Rad Designing says
Hated the idea for like .032 seconds but i am totally digging it! It would definitely be super cozy with a nice little fire and still have a nice place to munch. Please please do this! I really cant wait to see what you guys come up with! Definitely stick with the round pedestal table… that would really soften up all the hard edges. Do it!!
Chris H says
I was one of the previous commenters that thought it would be better the other way (opening toward the kitchen), but those pictures/diagrams do show the error of my thinking. Always good to sketch it out. I also like the stool (or something like that) idea.
Emily D. says
I loved the banquette idea after the first post. Now I lurrrve it!!! If Pinterest didn’t keep telling me their servers were busy I would have pinned one of your inspiration pics to my dream kitchen board already. Thank you for making my imaginary culinary abode even more beautiful!!
Reenie says
Great job Amber!!!
I love it :)
Kit Lang says
I meant to tell you the last post but got distracted by work (curse that work interfering with my fun!) that I LURVE this idea and really hope you do it!
I printed off every one of those pictures for my own inspiration board as we’re currently designing OUR kitchen. )
:)
Stephanie says
I can’t see your photos anymore either…HELP!
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry guys! We’re wondering if more offices are just blocking them. So sad. Wish we had change something so we could change it back, but when it comes to photos they’ve been hosted/uploaded the same way for the past three years!
xo,
s
Janice says
Not sure but it kind of reminds me of a L-shaped desk. Just seems a bit wee out of place with the decor and flow of the kitchen. what about using a more casual design with sofas and round table with chairs? Sort of what you would see at Starbucks or something.
YoungHouseLove says
I dunno, I think we like the idea of the prep space (which can also be buffet space) and all the cabinetry. Built ins = our jam. But we know not everyone’s on that crazy island (or banquette) with us. Haha.
xo,
s
Krysta says
I didn’t comment on the first post, but I was completely on the same page with the bar stools behind the banquet idea. It’s like getting your cozy nook & island all in one nice pacakge.
Jen M says
first/top sketch in this post is definitely the winner… then you can use the counter more for cooking and food prep and both the fireplace and hall entry won’t feel ‘blocked’ since that side would be open to the table/seating
Sarah says
I LOVE IT!
I can totally envision the counter for appetizers and bar stools for extra seating! I can’t wait to see what you guys end up creating.
I also think it would be rad to do the opposite of your kitchen cabinets/counters on the nook. You know, dark cabinets and light counter for some extra POP! :)
-Sarah
YoungHouseLove says
You’re totally speaking my language. That sounds so pretty!
xo,
s
Megan says
I think making the banquette work will be a game of inches, but I think with the right scale and proportions it will look awesome. I grew up eating at a breakfast nook just off the kitchen 3 meals a day. We NEVER used our dinning room, ever. I think this is set-up will be really functional for you guys. You’ll have a small, cozy eating space for everyday meals, a nice spot for Clara and future babies to color or do homework while dinner is being prepared and the counter space will make for a great holiday buffet so guests can grab their food on their way to formal dinning space. I think it’s a win all around.
Becky says
I didn’t respond to the other post but the drawing at the very bottom is the alternative I had thought of.
Nancy says
Ah! That little visual really helped. I retract earlier comments about the table facing the hall. The counter as it shows in the great mock-up would provide and excellent buffet for putting all the hot food so that only plates and utensils need to be on the table. And they are still easily reached from in the cozy nook and from the kitchen side. I changed my mind.
Becky says
I just thought of this. How about a curved floating baguette? It would echo the curves in your dining room table but it wouldn’t be exactly the same. The back of the curve would be to the hall doorway. You could even do a fun fabric for the bench with pillows made out of the curtain fabric that you used in the dining room.
YoungHouseLove says
Always another possibility! Although we worry with a round dining table next to a round banquette it could be too much. We’ll have to see where we end up!
xo,
s
Nikole says
I love the L-shaped banquette idea! The fireplace makes so much sense once you add the banquette to this space, and you can just imagine kiddos coloring or working on homework at the table while you cook dinner, or a family board game night in front of the fire. So fun!
Jennifer (iffles) says
I have to admit, I was bit unsure of the idea until seeing this, and now I’m really warming up to it! Hooray for helpful readers!
Christine says
Amber’s got game. That rendering is amazing!
Sarah says
I totally love the banquette!! As others mentioned on your last post, I didn’t love the island (it seemed too far away from the kitchen work triangle to be very useful) but I think the banquette is so fun with so much usefulness! What could be lovelier on a winter morning than eating breakfast in front of the fire?!? I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
Samm Spangler says
Hey guys!
First off, kicthen looks AWESOME..
Second, I just wanted to drop you a quick little money saving tip since I saw that you were using Benjamin Moore paint to do your cabinets…
Right now on coupons.com, under “Household”, they actually have a coupon for $5 off a gallon of Benjamin Moore paint! You can print off the coupon 2x max but I thought you guys might put it to good use!
Enjoy!
oh PS- It should show up under your zip code, but if it doesnt, try 75206… I’m possitive it will be under that one :-)
have fun!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much! I saved a little money when I bought this gallon (wahoo!) so I’ll have to share that secret (didn’t find any coupons so I went rogue…).
xo,
s
my honest answer says
“I think the hardest thing for people to “see” before this rendering (us included) is that the banquette won’t block any more of the room than the table that used to sit there did.”
That’s true. But what does get blocked is people sitting in the middle seats around banquettes. Everyone has to shuffle out to let someone leave the table.
I think you’re going to say ‘but we won’t use this table often!’ in which case… why have one? You’ve got plenty of space in the dining room.
But of course, it’s your decision. We are going to have to have a banquette, but only because we don’t have room for chairs to slide out along both sides of the table. With a banquette you can put the table up against a wall leaving a lot less room than with chairs. I guess that’s what I think they’re for – small spaces where chairs wouldn’t fit. If you look at your pinterest pictures you’ll see most of them are against walls.
YoungHouseLove says
What I was actually going to say is that I envision only two people in it a lot. Haha. Just one on each side. So no middle person would be blocked. I guess I picture Clara and future bro/sis doing homework or projects in there or just John and I having coffee in the morning once the kiddos go off to school. And if we all sit down for a family meal at night in there, people don’t traditionally get up a lot at a casual meal, so we’ll all eat and scooch outta there together at the end. Haha. But who knows how we’ll actually end up using it or where we’ll end up!
xo,
s
Kristen says
Yep. The opening to the dining room made a huge difference to me – I love it.
Bree says
If this comes to fruition, I think shelves along the back would totally rock. Just think… more shelf space for cute ceramic animals.
Anne says
Do it! Do it! Do it! Go team Petersik! I love it and totally had it envisioned on the last post but Amber just made it even better!
I love the suggestions for bar stools on the dining room side and some open shelves to display cook books etc. (With a fun color painted in the back like the built ins?) That sharp L corner probably would put a bunch of bruises on my hip cause I’m clumsy like that but a curve probably would make it sexy!
I’m totally jealous right now cause I am in love with this idea!
Laura says
I love it. Really appreciate the photoshopping and wish I had those skills to use for my own decorating planning! We are mid-remodel in our kitchen and really wanted to do a banquette in the corner (the idea came magically to my husband, pretty sure in the middle of the night)! We had Lowes price it but building it with (EIGHT!) lower cabinets to match the kitchen got SO expensive, so we scrapped it for now and just will have our regular table over there…I hope you guys do this project before we get back around to it so we can get some pros/cons and dos/don’ts from you!! And maybe DIY tips if we dare!
miriam says
I was one of the many with problems seeing the photos this morning, but now I can see everything! No idea what happened– we use McAfee anti-virus at work if that makes a difference.
I love the banquette idea– we grew up with one, and as a kid I used to love sitting in the corner. I definitely see the top as a great place for a casual buffet setup (or a place to dump your bags and keys when you come home, which is what would happen in my house…)
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I wonder if McAfee just had to realize we’re not trying to hack your computer and then it let our pics through? So weird! But so glad the pics are back!!! Hoorah.
xo,
s
Lida Mathews says
Wish I could do this with my kitchen—my galley kitchen is nothing to sneeze at (and doesn’t function too well with more than 1 or 2 people or four legged children in it either) – but I love the idea!
Lida
P.S. I can see the header and I love it! :)
Kathy says
I love the kitchen ideas! I know that you want to keep that hall doorway, but have you or your kitchen designer considered the extra space that would be created if you used that wall and part of the diningroom wall corner to created a banquette? It would still be facing the fireplace and there would be more walking room through/around the kitchen. You would still have the doorway to the livingroom next to the fireplace. If you’re planning on adding to your family, the extra breathing room might make sense down the road. Just another thought…I know you’ll come up with the perfect solution eventually. :-)
YoungHouseLove says
We actually brought up closing that doorway to her and she liked this idea better. She pointed out that the hallway will feel dark and closed in from the other side (so true) and that we have such a big long kitchen (it’s 25′ long) that we don’t really need to create more wall room for stuff. She also mentioned something about a kitchen rule that not everything should be pushed around the perimeter, so she liked something floating in that zone to counterbalance the U shaped prep are on the other side without anything in the middle. I guess it kind of makes sense in the same way that in other rooms you don’t want all the furniture pushed against the walls.
xo,
s
Penny says
Hi,
Last year I knocked out a floor to ceiling pantry that also acted as the “wall” between kitchen and dining room and that really closed in my already small kitchen. I knew I wanted an island but was unsure of placement, size, etc. I went to our local Restore and picked up some junk cabinets for $15 and created an island out of them. I then put an old closet door on top of them and covered it with shelving paper. I lived with this for about a month and it clarified for me exactly how big I wanted the island, where to place it, etc. It was enormously helpful as I am a very visual person and I need to really see something to understand it. (Photoshop just wouldn’t work for me by itself.) I know that you are talking about a banquette,not an island and mocking up a cardboard model, but there is nothing like the real thing if you can come up with a cheap way to “fake it”.
I will be following eagerly, along with the rest of your fans:)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a great tip Penny! Maybe we can find something cheap to act as a stand-in to figure out exactly what we want!
xo,
s
Lesley says
chalkboard paint would look cool on the side we can see in the pic..Im sure Ms. Clara would love that
YoungHouseLove says
You’re the second one to mention something for the bean on the side of it. Could be so much fun!
xo,
s
Amber Anderson says
I go to lunch and come back to my picture being shared! You all move fast! I LOVE that you added John. Hilarious! Totally LOLing here!
When I was putting this together I thought about adding shelves, a new light fixture, stools, table centerpiece, etc., but decided I’d just go simple. Oh, and do you recognize the opening to the dining room from your inspiration picture? =o)
Gotta go get a napkin to wipe the slobber off my face from the wet kiss.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, John wanted to sit in that pretty room you made for us so I tossed him in there. And I did notice that room looked familiar off through the door! Too funny!!! Love it. Thanks again so much Amber!
xo,
s
liz says
Can you share more about the BM paint, Did you get the satin or the high gloss? I’m about to paint my kitchen cabinets and I have heard that it is really good paint, but I’m not sure about what to get since they do not have the semi gloss.
YoungHouseLove says
I got the satin. I’ll share a lot more on it after I actually use it and have tips!
xo,
s
My Boys' Teacher says
Maybe. :)
Still not sold. It is just psychologically so heavy. Regular furniture of the same square footage is psychologically lighter. You just KNOW those banquets weigh a ton and are immovable when you look at them.
I would throw a peninsula with stools onto the existing main kitchen and set up a couple of armchairs or some love seat/armchair combo with cafe tables or a coffee table in front of the fireplace a la Starbucks. They are psychologically so much lighter because you know they can MOVE.
Not criticizing! We are in the middle of planning our new kitchen and I assume you are like me and want any free ideas I can get.
megan @ a life's design says
I love a good nook and am considering if for a place in our kitchen and posted inspiration photos today {http://alifesdesign.blogspot.com/2011/09/nook-look.html} Can’t wait to see what you two do!
YoungHouseLove says
Gorgeous, Megan! Love it (and your blog in general) so much!
xo,
s
Courtney says
Amber did an awesome job on the rendering!
Just wanted to add my two cents to all those suggesting bar stools on the kitchen facing side. Our kitchen peninsula is counter height with an extended lip on the great room side. We have three saddle seat stools that tuck right under the counter and we’ve used it tons as a buffet. It works really well for us! {You can see our kitchen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trec_lit/5456384638/ }And you could always add the shelving on the dining room side. Some glass doors (like others have suggested) would make it look really polished when you are sitting at your dining room table.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with as well as the big desk reveal!