One of my favorite design trends for 2020 is built-in seating. I love architectural elements that also serve a functional purpose. On top of that, built-in seats are an efficient use of space and create comfortable places to hang out. … Continue reading
A banquette is a great way to add charm to a dining room or breakfast nook while also optimizing the space. They take up less room than a traditional table because the majority of the seating hugs the wall. With that seating being solid, it also allows you to squeeze in more place settings, too.
A magical combination is a window banquette. Pairing the natural light and serene view with a charming banquette is a recipe for character and style. If you have a corner of windows in a dining room or breakfast nook, a banquette helps to highlight that feature even more than a traditional table.
Here are 10 window banquette ideas that show what an inspiring match made in heaven these two features are.
Beadboard and colorful textiles are simple yet bring a ton of charm to this cheerful nook.
Source: Home Adore
A bold wallpaper creates a dramatic, chic look in this corner.
Source: Lonny
This wall of windows was cleverly taken full advantage of with a long bench to offer seating without obscuring the view.
Source: Architectural Digest
Even though this corner is small, the bench offers plenty of seating and makes the most of the space with a ton of charm.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Drawers built into the seating make this banquette even more efficient.
Source: Luxe
A custom, curved banquette brings an interesting shape to the space to give contrast to the lines of the windows.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
This corner banquette is so cozy and full of character thanks to the chic furniture.
Source: Midwest Living
Pillows add an elegant, yet relaxed sense of comfort to this space.
Source: CC and Mike
A large banquette like this is a perfect way to offer ample seating in a confined space.
Source: Boston Globe
The area rug helps define this corner and adds a nice pop of color and pattern.
Source: My Domaine
Love it!
Warm regards,
Megan
Breakfast nooks are great little areas in your kitchen where you can eat with a less formal atmosphere than your main dining room. It’s also a great spot for your kids to do their homework or to have a cup of coffee while you read the newspaper or a good book. What’s also a lot of fun about breakfast nooks is how charming you can make the decor.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring some more character to your kitchen. Even the smallest breakfast nook is your chance to do something creative and provide some personality to the space. There are a lot of seating options. You can use traditional chairs, a banquette, a bench or a mixture of any of these.
If you want to bring in a pop of color, pattern, or just some character to your kitchen, the breakfast nook is a great spot in which to do so. Here are 10 breakfast nook ideas to inspire you.
The cheerful blue on the cushions and window treatment bring a lovely contrast to the white that can easily be switched out for the seasons.
Source: The Glitter Guide
A custom-made banquette fits perfectly into the curve of the window to accentuate it and make great use of the space.
Source: Rue Magazine
Beachy wood tones bring texture to the white in this airy breakfast nook.
Source: House and Home
A lucite chair provides extra seating to this cozy breakfast nook without taking up much visual space.
Source: Domino
Tufted cushions provide a look of elegance while the legs give the space a visual openness that makes it seem larger.
Source: Coco Kelley
Even though this space is entirely neutral, the myriad shapes are visually intriguing and keep your eye moving.
Source: Interiors by Studio M
The bench seating creates a casual atmosphere that is given a sense of elegance thanks to the materials and high-gloss finish on the table.
Source: Traditional Home
A rug helped define this space which features just enough pops of color to give it personality while letting the white do its job of making it feel larger.
Source: Domino
A low-profile banquette allows those stunning windows to be the focal point of this chic breakfast nook.
Source: Luxe
This corner is clean, simple, and the perfect place in which to start your day on the right foot.
Source: Southern Living
Always love a breakfast nook!
Warm regards,
Megan
Built-in bookcases are one of my favorite design and architectural features in a home. While they are rarer to find nowadays in new home builds, that doesn’t make them any less beautiful, functional or timeless. In fact, many people are installing them in their homes because of the great style and storage opportunities they provide.
A room with a built-in bookcase instantly has more charm. Even a simple built-in can elevate the room’s style and give you ample storage space for books, DVDs, decor, and other items. You can add drawers and cabinets to them depending on the storage space that you need and the look that you want to create.Besides just the many storage options, you can also personalize the aesthetic with design elements like arches, play with the color and finish, and get creative with the accessories.
Besides just the many storage options, you can also personalize the aesthetic with design elements like arches, play with the color and finish, and get creative with the accessories.
If you have a small space, built-in bookcases can be a life saver. They are perfect for studio apartments to give you more storage space and character in your living room. For a larger space, they can add warmth and take advantage of high ceilings.
Here are 10 living rooms with built-in bookcases to inspire you and show you some of the many possibilities of this great feature.
Two built-in bookcases nicely flank this beautiful arched window and provide some contrasting shapes.
Source: Coco Kelly
The built-in bookcases help create a nice flow in this open floor plan.
Source: Zsa Zsa Bellagio
A black background adds depth and style to these beautiful white, built-in bookcases.
Source: Bliss At Home
Arches add some extra interest and beauty to this wall of built-ins.
Source: Real Simple
A charcoal facade contrasts beautifully with the white walls, while the alternating shelves keep your eyes moving.
Source: Home Bunch
A floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcase can also serve as a multi-functional room divider in a small space.
Source: My Domaine
A pop of color and pattern in the backdrop is the perfect way to add some whimsy and style to your bookcases.
Source: The Pink Clutch
This space may be small, but the built-in bookcases make the most of the limited space and add a lot of charm.
Source: Traditional Home
For a living room, built-ins help create a more cohesive design for your television, entertainment consoles, and decor.
Source: Refinery29
Mixing cabinets with shelves will make your built-in more customized to your needs by giving you more storage space.
Source: HGTV
Would you ever consider installing one (or more) in your home?
Warm regards,
Megan
Built-in bookcases have been popular for centuries. It’s no wonder why as they not only provide great storage, but they also look great while doing it. They have a classic look that brings a lot of character to a space.
What’s interesting about built-in bookcases is how versatile they can be. They work in a variety of spaces from living rooms and home offices to dining rooms and hallways. They can snake around windows and doors or flank a fireplace. Wherever you put one, they are sure to add charm to the spot.
You can do so many interesting things to personalize them, too. You can play with the shape, color, texture and decor to create a unique look that suits your own personal style. And if you’re thinking they’re outside your budget, think again. There are some amazing DIY tutorials for built-in bookcases that take affordable shelving and make them look custom.
Here are 10 beautiful built-in bookcase ideas to inspire you.
Black built-in bookcases look sleek when contrasted against all the white in this space.
Source: My Domaine
A stylish (and useful) way to take advantage of that awkward space under the stairs: a reading nook!
Source: Country Living
A built-in bookcase and desk area make for the perfect home office space.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Built-ins can work around your needs, whether they need to be around a television or fireplace. I love the X details on the doors on the base of the bookcases for extra style and storage space.
Source: Luxe
Colorful wallpaper behind the shelves adds so much style and personality to this adorable set-up.
Source: Centsational Girl
The unique triangular shape cutting through the shelves has a great midcentury modern appeal, while the colorful decor is fresh and chic.
Source: Style by Emily Henderson
Pretty built-ins look great flanking this window seat, especially with the large green decor helping create a beautiful balance.
Source: Country Living
This bookcase exemplifies how unique you can make the aesthetic just by playing with the arrangement of the decor.
Source: HGTV
Framed artwork, sculptures and even flowers can be incorporated into your bookcase decor to make it your own.
Source: HGTV
Built-ins around doorways and thresholds are a creative way to add dimension to a space.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Is there are space in your home that could benefit from the classic style and function of a built-in bookcase?
Warm regards,
Megan