Looking for that one spot in your kitchen where you can socialise, work, relax, read and eat? It’s not a mythical place – we’ve found it…
The very definition of a nook is a corner or recess that offers security and seclusion; the perfect place, I say, to add a cosy and intimate dining area. And recently, this is all I’ve been seeing (and lusting after).
Whether it’s a plain alcove or simply dead kitchen space, these areas hold the potential to become the ultimate spot for enjoying breakfast in the morning or nibbles over a glass of wine in the evening. So, to inspire you, I reached out to my industry contacts to explore the ins and outs of this popular design idea.
Firstly, while a dining nook is a great way of boosting the practicality of your kitchen and enhancing your way of living, they are more complicated than just purchasing a dining table and chairs.
In addition to considering light fittings, storage and upholstery (among other details), dining nooks usually include built-in furniture – meaning they’ll need to be planned at the early stages of your overall kitchen design.
Finding the right spot…
So, where’s best to put dining nooks? “They can be tucked into a corner, under a window, or even within alcoves, making them a versatile option for various home layouts,” Adam Knight, director at Nefarious Design studio, tells me.
Richard Green, senior architectural designer at architecture and interior design studio De Rosee Sa, agrees: “By transforming a passable area or corridor, dining nooks become a fantastic multi-functional space that can easily adapt from slow Sunday breakfasts and homework after school with the children, to a place to pause and read a book.”
Additionally, apart from maximising every precious inch of your kitchen, separating the dining area from the main cooking zone can be an effective way to reduce noise and clutter, says Stacey Cobley, senior kitchen designer at Harvey Jones.
Design ideas
The idea is not reserved for big open-plan layouts; with the help of carefully thought-out furniture and furnishings, you can tailor it to suit compact kitchen-diners, too. “By using bench seating and a bespoke table size, you may be able to sit eight people where a standard table and chairs might only allow four,” says Laura Parkinson, director at interior design studio Palmer & Stone.
Alternatively, if space is truly limited, Lauren Caron, designer and founder of Studio Laloc, recommends a small, round table to allow for more flexibility in adding or removing additional chairs.
Banquettes are a space-saving choice (depending on the design you choose) that also wins you plenty of bonus points style-wise. For optimum socialisation, choose an L- or U-shaped bench to ensure you’ve got plenty of seats – especially if you love entertaining – or go the bespoke route to customise it according to your needs.
An added benefit to the fitted furniture is the storage potential. “The additional area beneath the bench, with drawers or a lift-up lid, helps to maximise space, providing a place to store kitchen items, linens or even board games, while keeping the area clutter-free,” says Uns Hobbs, founder of the eponymous interior design studio.
Practicalities
Keep in mind that lighting is equally important when designing your dining nook. “To be able to change the mood, fit wall and pendant lights that are dimmable,” advises Laura. Include electrical points for lamps and space for candles, too. If your budget allows, choose glazing to enhance your nook – from rooflights to picture windows.
The finishing touches
Use statement wall art, open shelving for kitchenalia, and cushions or bolsters upholstered in fun fabrics to add personality. “Panelling, either tongue or regency style, creates a striking backdrop and frames the nook. The seating itself can be customised with cushions and a bench mattress. I love layering fabrics to create a warm, inviting seating area,” says Uns.
However you design your dining nook, I’m confident in saying that it will become one of the cosiest – and probably one of your favourite – spots in your home. Enjoy…
Dining nooks spotted on social
Enjoyed this post? Click here for kitchen island ideas with seating
About Post Author
