Who would have guessed that a tentative banquette idea would spark so much conversation? We saw over 800 comments in just a few hours—insane, and so much fun. We’re loving every suggestion and perspective you’ve shared, and we’ll keep you updated at every turn. There are lots of details to weigh, and nothing is set in stone, so plans will probably evolve minute by minute. You know we’ll happily talk through each change as it happens.
While I should technically be painting office cabinets (but keep getting distracted by the blog), I wanted to share a wonderful rendering that a talented reader named Amber sent our way. Her Photoshop skills really helped bring the idea to life, at least visually:
Doesn’t that make it easier to picture? Of course, many elements could change—the counter color or material, the table shape and finish, the light locations, flooring, cabinet colors, and whether there are open shelves behind the banquette instead of closed cabinetry. In other words, nothing in the rendering is a final decision, but it’s a useful jumping-off point and makes it easier for us and for you to envision possibilities. Huge thanks to Amber for sharing her time and talent.
One of the biggest questions early on was whether a banquette would visually block off the room. The rendering helps clarify that a built-in banquette will not obscure the space any more than the table that was there before. The banquette seats will be roughly the same height as standard dining chairs, so people sitting there will still have a similar sightline across the room. Likewise, the countertop behind the banquette will be about the same height as the other base cabinets, so the overall feel should remain open and connected—everyone can still see over the cabinets, with the possible exception of the smallest household members. To give you a sense of scale, here’s a playful photo of John pretending to sit in the new spot:
After seeing the render and standing in the space, we’re considering adding two small stools along the back of the banquette so that the countertop nearest the kitchen could double as casual seating. That might be handy for morning coffee or a quick snack, but it could also be valuable prep space when we’re cooking. We can imagine using that ledge to stage appetizers when entertaining, too. For now it’s all hypothetical and flexible, and we really appreciate all the helpful ideas you’ve sent so far—who knows where we’ll land.
Some readers suggested orienting the seating to face the work area of the kitchen instead of toward the hallway and fireplace. We weighed that option, but we like the idea of the banquette backing up to the counter and also prefer the two best views to be the framed wall and the fireplace. Besides, I’d rather not have to look at a sink full of dirty dishes while I’m relaxing in my nook. Because the fireplace sits in the corner of the room, flipping the L-shaped banquette to face the other way wouldn’t solve the balance issue as effectively as the current orientation. The sketch below helps illustrate why the setup we’re leaning toward makes the most sense (top image: the configuration we want; bottom image: the flipped alternative):
Hopefully that sketch clears up why the fireplace works better with the layout we’re considering. Sorry for not including a drawing like this earlier—sometimes a simple diagram makes everything click.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I really must get back to painting those office cabinets. I picked up Benjamin Moore Advance paint last night after hearing good things about it for cabinetry, so I’m eager to try it out. If things go smoothly I’ll share the paint details and progress photos early next week once the coats are down and dry. Anyone else tackling a cabinet painting project right now—or dreaming about a banquette in their kitchen?
Psst—We just announced this week’s giveaway winners. Check the blog to see if you’re one of them!