First coming into fashion in the 1920s and 1930s, a breakfast nook is a casual dining space that is typically located either within the kitchen or nearby. They are often quite simple in design, but can be customised to match the style and needs of the homeowner. Although the space you have available will, in part, dictate your design, they come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.

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Coffee Machines

Cooking Appliances

Toasters & Kettles

WHY SHOULD YOU BUILD A BREAKFAST NOOK IN YOUR HOME?

BREAKFAST NOOKS PROVIDE EXTRA SPACE AND SEATING

Often designed first and foremost as a casual dining area, breakfast nooks can help to provide some much needed additional seating and surface space. Even if you have a large kitchen, the extra surface space that a breakfast nook provides can be handy, especially if you’re in the midst of preparing dinner or baking up a storm, while the seating provides a great alternative to a traditional formal dining area.

THEY CAN BE MULTITASKING SPACES

As well as being a great space for casual meals, breakfast nooks can have many different uses throughout the day. Settle in for a mid-morning coffee and read the newspaper, catch up with friends over a slice of cake, or help the kids tackle their latest school project. When you’re busy in the kitchen, breakfast nooks can also be a great place for the kids to sit, allowing you to keep an eye on them as you prepare meals, stack the dishwasher or carry out a quick spring clean.

BREAKFAST NOOKS CAN BE COSY AND COMFORTABLE

Typically tucked away in a corner of a kitchen, breakfast nooks often have a cosy look and feel. With the freedom to customise the design of your breakfast nook, you can make yours as cosy and comfortable as you’d like. If comfy upholstered booth seating appeals, incorporate it into your design. If round tables feel cosy to you, use one as the feature of the nook area.

THEY CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO CREATE ADDITIONAL STORAGE

While breakfast nooks primarily serve as casual dining areas, with some clever planning, they can also double as an ingenious storage solution. Beneath the hinged tops of booth and window seats, a storage cavity can be used to stow away items from around the house. Whether it’s excess kitchenware, a stack of books you’ve already read or warm winter blankets, you can create a breakfast nook with storage and have another place to keep your belongings.

THEY CAN BE CUSTOMISED TO YOUR NEEDS AND STYLE

Just like any other area of your home, breakfast nooks can be customised to match the unique needs and style of your family. Whether you need enough room to fit eight people comfortably or are looking to create a cosy kitchen nook for two, you can tailor your space to be functional for your household. Through your choices in décor, paint colours and furniture, you can also put your own spin on this popular trend. Go for a clean white palette if minimalism is your thing or choose bright pops of colour if vibrant hues bring you joy.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING A BREAKFAST NOOK?

HOW MUCH SPACE YOU HAVE

Although you may have a certain style of breakfast nook in mind, it’s best to measure the space you actually have available before you get too ahead of yourself. Measure the width and depth of the space, and be sure to account for any extra room needed for manoeuvring in and out of the nook area.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE

Much like sofas or kitchen layouts, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to creating a breakfast nook plan. When designing a breakfast nook, you need to consider how you can make the most of the space you have available. For some, a standalone dining table might be a great option, while others may need to investigate having custom booth seating created if space is limited. L-shaped booth seats could be a good option for larger corner spaces, whereas narrow bench seats that can be neatly tucked under a table may be better suited to the space conscious. If you find it difficult to visualise the space without any furniture in it, pull out some grid paper and make yourself a scale drawing that can be used to play around with the layout.

HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU NEED TO SEAT

It makes sense for your breakfast nook to be able to seat everyone in your household. Before you commit to a design, ensure that it is practical for all the people that you live with. A larger seating area won’t be an issue for a small family, but if you have a lot of people in your home, a small breakfast nook won’t necessarily be the best fit for you.

MAINTENANCE

Used as a dining area, it’s important that you take maintenance into consideration when choosing your table surface and upholstery fabrics. Look for fabrics and surfaces that can be easily cleaned if food or drinks are split.

HOW TO DECORATE A BREAKFAST NOOK

CONSIDER THE FLOW BETWEEN SPACES

With most breakfast nooks located alongside a kitchen or living room, it’s important to think about how each space will flow together. To help promote design cohesion, you should consider decorating your nook in a way that will be sympathetic to its surroundings. Start off with a base that ties in well to the décor of your adjoining rooms. Not only does this include your paint colour, but also your furniture, especially since it’ll be such a big feature of the space. Once you have the basics sorted, you can add a few pops of colour, some great art and anything else that will help to add a touch of personalisation.

PUT YOUR OWN STAMP ON IT

The great thing about breakfast nooks is that each and every one is a little different. Not only can you create something that meets the needs of your family, but you can put your stamp on its design through your choice of furniture, upholstery and additional décor. Have fun experimenting with different colour combinations and textures to create a space that feels comfortable and cosy to you. Additional extras, such as table cloths, placemats and even tableware can be simple ways to change up the look of the space.

INCORPORATE ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES

If your breakfast nook will butt up against a wall, you may be able to incorporate a powerpoint or two into your design. If your layout allows it, this can be a great way to ensure that you have the small appliances you use most at breakfast, and throughout the day, on hand. Some appliances that might be a great fit include kettles, toasters and coffee machines. If space is tight, look for slimline models with a smaller footprint.