Banquette inspiration photo: BHG
Happy Monday! I hope you had a lovely weekend. Last week I shared a new idea for our kitchen that I’m excited about. If you missed that post, you can find the inspiration photos and my initial thoughts on the renovation.
Our current kitchen sits in a small back corner of the house. The sink is under a small window that looks out toward our neighbor’s new house and our side yard, which is also getting a makeover right now. That view and the layout have sparked several design ideas.
I’m determined to convert the current door into a Dutch door as part of the side-yard project. I’m looking for the right door and coordinating with the contractor so this change happens soon. I’ve been collecting inspiration photos to guide the design.
One idea I’m considering is moving the kitchen into the dining room so the sink would face the backyard and take full advantage of the view. The stove and refrigerator could go on the opposite wall; behind that wall is the basement staircase, so shifting it would be complicated. Keeping the appliances on that wall makes the most sense structurally.
Another option is to open the wall between the existing kitchen and dining room to improve flow. We could add the arched opening we’ve been dreaming about or remove the wall entirely for a more open-plan feel. If the stove moves into the dining room, that dividing wall becomes less necessary and could be opened up to blend the two rooms.
If we keep the kitchen in its current spot, that wall is needed for the stove, so removal isn’t ideal. But moving key appliances into the dining room opens up more layout possibilities. I plan to draw a floor plan so the changes are easier to picture.
One appealing configuration is a larger eat-in kitchen with counters around the perimeter and the dining table positioned across from the sink. That layout creates a comfortable, functional workspace while keeping dining close to the action.
There are pros and cons to every plan. Unless you’re expanding the house, you often have to be creative with the space you have. I can put together inspiration images and a floor plan for a full eat-in kitchen soon so you can see how that could work in our home.
One design I’m especially drawn to is a built-in dining banquette tucked into a corner. I’ve always wanted a banquette, and this house feels like a great opportunity to create one. A banquette would make the dining area cozy and space-efficient, especially paired with a narrow movable farm table and a couple of chairs.
Banquette inspiration photo: Amber Interiors
A corner banquette does mean some seats require scooting to get in and out, but the view from the bench—out the back window toward the yard and beyond—would be worth it. Banquettes are charming and great for saving space. If scooting isn’t desired, chairs can be used on the open side. Our bench wouldn’t be excessively long, so access shouldn’t be a problem. Built-in seating feels like the best solution for this smaller layout.
Choosing a banquette would mean giving up a separate formal dining room, but in return we’d gain a larger, remodeled kitchen with a beautiful view—something I value more. This approach also tends to appeal to modern buyers who prefer casual, open, and functional dining spaces. If a separate formal dining room is ever needed, a nearby bedroom could be converted in the future.
We could add built-in dish storage and a serving buffet on the back wall where the refrigerator currently sits, giving the kitchen a dining-room feel. With the stove wall removed on the right, there would be a clear path to the Dutch door and around the table, even when people are seated.
There’s also an entrance to the space from the hallway to the right of the fridge, so guests can come and go without walking through the main kitchen work area. A layout with good circulation avoids bottlenecks and feels more comfortable during gatherings.
That’s my current thinking. Ideas continue to evolve as we live in the house and learn what works best. Right now the banquette-in-the-corner option makes the most sense financially and spatially, and it would make everyday life feel more enjoyable.
I love the idea of doing dishes while looking out over water, mountains, sky, and sunset—those views make everyday tasks feel like a small pleasure.
We value the generous living room and don’t want to carve into it to expand the kitchen or dining area. We do plan to update the living room so the whole main floor feels cohesive.
Dining nook inspiration via BHG
It’s fun to reimagine a space, isn’t it?
More inspiration: My lifelong dream of a banquette.