Designing the Perfect Breakfast Nook
I'm not one of the lucky ones with a separate breakfast room for casual dining. All of our meals happen at the kitchen island, which we love, or in the dining room for larger gatherings. But my dream home will absolutely include a breakfast nook tucked near the kitchen, where we can enjoy slow mornings and easy weeknight dinners.
If you're planning one of your own, here are the five essentials we always come back to when designing a breakfast nook.
Design: Sherrell Design Studio | Photography: Madeline Harper
A Table That Suits Your Space
When you’re working with a nook, it’s important to consider scale. Round tables tend to work best in tighter corners because they allow for easier movement, while a banquette paired with a rectangular table makes the most of a narrow wall. Think about the flow of your space and always measure twice before ordering.
Lighting That Sets the Mood
A single statement pendant or a pair of sconces above the table does more than overhead lighting ever could. Look for a fixture that feels equally at home over morning coffee and an evening glass of wine.
Seating With Comfort and Character
A banquette is my favorite starting point for a nook, since it adds built-in storage and a cozy, tucked-away feeling. If a banquette isn't in the cards, mix upholstered chairs with a bench for texture and visual interest rather than matching every seat.
A panoramic view of a kitchen and breakfast nook designed by Barbara Westbrook
Layered Patterns and Textures
Cushions, draperies, wallpaper, and even a small area rug bring softness to what might otherwise feel like a hard-edged corner of the kitchen. A breakfast nook is a wonderful place to have a little fun, mixing pattern, color, and texture in ways you might hold back from in a larger, more formal room.
I recently spent some time with the my friends at Perennials, going through their newest collection of hand blocked wallcoverings, and two patterns immediately caught my eye. Tiny Trellis and Fine Vine both have a hand-pressed, artisan feel, and I fell in love with Tiny Trellis’ delicate lattice and little floral motifs. Fine Vine has this subtle imperfection from real hand-carved printing, and either would be such a lovely addition to any breakfast nook.
A Personal Touch
Whether it's a window with a view, a stack of your favorite cookbooks, or a small vase that gets refreshed with the seasons, every great breakfast nook should have personal details that make your family happy to sit down and stay awhile. These spaces are a great reminder that a room doesn’t have to be large to be well-loved. Sometimes the smallest corner of the house ends up holding the most memories.
