Traditionally, there is clear separation between kitchen and dining areas. Thanks to the idea of open floor plans and informal dining features like banquettes and breakfast bars, eat-in kitchens are becoming more commonplace. It’s not unusual for new builds to eschew a full dining room to make way for something else. In today’s post, Cottage Industries, Inc. shares some design ideas for an eat-in kitchen.
Add More Seating
A typical kitchen island or breakfast counter has minimal seating — you’re bound to find a couple of bar stools or hideaway seats rather than a full complement of dining chairs. For an eat-in kitchen, we recommend adding more seating that lets more people sit together at the same time. If you plan on entertaining a large number of guests, a connecting patio can work as an extension.
Make the Most Out of an Odd Corner
Kitchens rarely have a perfectly square footprint; there’s always an odd corner that only seems to take up space. You can turn that corner into a banquette that, when combined with a custom table and lighting, can function as your eat-in kitchen’s main dining area. Booth-style seating can give your banquette a cozy diner feel.
Introduce More Curves
Kitchens tend to have angular features, from cabinets to kitchen island. You can break it up by introducing curves — a circular table, round lighting fixtures and curved decor can all soften up hard edges. A circular table, in particular, makes it easy to rearrange seating when an unexpected guest or two drops by.
Install a Service Counter in Front of the Cooktop
If you like cooking for guests, you’ll appreciate a service counter in front of your cooktop. There’s the element of showmanship and flair, as it lets you have your guests watch you cook and serve them right away. A service counter can serve as the informal dining part of your eat-in kitchen, complementing the banquette or dining table.
Ready to remodel your kitchen? Give our team at Cottage Industries, Inc. a call at (610) 293-9750. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
