You know what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day! There’s something that just makes this ritual more enjoyable when eaten around a breakfast nook.
Popular in the 1920’s and crazed for the extra seating they provided in bungalow-style homes, breakfast nooks, also known as ‘alcoves’ are coming back to life in 2022. Whether you’re renovating or just wanting to revamp that unused space in your kitchen, here’s everything you need to know for a functional and aesthetic nook space in your home.
Consider the space
Whether you’re working with a square meter space or have half a room to play with, it’s important to include textures and fixtures that work with your rooms ‘feng shui’ and the overall theme of your home.
Create the illusion of space in your nook by utilising materials that encourage depth. Finding a unique glass or acrylic table setting or adding a reflective surface such as a feature mirror within the nook are artistic yet purposeful ways to make a space appear larger than it is.
If you are transforming a larger space or an open floor plan, which are common for contemporary builds, a breakfast nook is a great way to add extra seating, create a central ‘meeting place’ within the home and can add more definition to your kitchen.
Utilise lighting
Take advantage of natural lighting within your home and create the perfect nook centralised around a window. Known as bay window breakfast nooks, these are probably the most common nook setting as the natural light creates a welcoming and airy space. Complement the natural light with comfy pillows or oval shaped dining tables to add some Parisian dining flair.
Is your nook space a little more on the dark side? Adding an artful ceiling light or statement lighting can add charisma and warmth to a darker space.
Seating and upholstery
The beauty of a breakfast nook is that you have the option of adding in-built seating or for a less permanent option, you could simply find furniture that fits the space. Custom nooks that blend with your creative style add a touch of coziness to any kitchen. If you’re tailoring the seating for your space, chose upholstery that is easy to clean and even better, machine washable. If you want your pillows to not shift around while in use, consider adding zips to the covers and to the bench seat.
The fabric colours that you choose should complement the rest of your kitchen, but earthy hues including royal blue, dark green, brown and hints of beige can be worked into any space.
Storage
Looking for the perfect spot to stash away your crock-pot or just need a little extra cupboard space in your kitchen? Building a breakfast nook with built-in storage that is covered by flip-top covers will provide you with the storage that you need! Adding in cabinets or drawers into the bench seat itself or creating shelving around the nook are great ways to create dimension and functionality to your space.
The best part of adding a breakfast nook into your home? The ability to make it your own! Have fun with creating a space that is both practical and inviting for you and your family.
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