10 Ways To Dress Up An Eat-In Kitchen Area For A Stylish & Cozy Way To Dine In

Many American homes have lots of options when it comes to places to enjoy a good meal. First, there's the dining room. In many layouts, the dining room has become somewhat less formal thanks to the proliferation of open-floor home plans, but dining rooms are experiencing a bit of a resurgence as more homeowners look for a dedicated space to make mealtimes more of an event. Then, there's kitchen countertop dining, often done at the kitchen island, which is usually reserved for scarfing down a quick bite before rushing off to work or school. But there's another little eating spot that's perfect for those in between moments: the eat-in kitchen area.

Often cuddled into a breakfast nook or squeezed into extra floorspace in the center of the kitchen, the eat-in kitchen area is a spot in the home designed for sharing meals or having a leisurely coffee without the formality of a dining room or the grab-and-go nature of countertop meal. But while eat-in kitchen areas can be casual dining spots, there are also plenty of ways to dress it up to provide maximum style and coziness. From adding cushions and candles to bringing in some Parisian flair with on-theme decor, it only takes a few extra touches to make dining in feel comfy — and perhaps even more chic than dining out. Here are 10 ways to get started.

Unlike countertop dining, which is generally for grabbing a quick bite, settling down at an eat-in kitchen table can encourage longer meals that will make you want to stay and linger awhile. If you have the carpentry skills to DIY banquette seating, or if you're prepared to invest in some help installing this more permanent seating option, adding a banquette to your eat-in kitchen area is a great way to keep family mealtimes feeling cozy, as well as create a perfect spot to curl up with a cup of coffee solo on quiet mornings.

Only using overhead fixtures is the kitchen lighting mistake that way too many people are making. In fact, incorporating ambient lighting is one of the most important changes you can make if you want your eat-in kitchen area to feel more inviting and stylish. Rather than relying solely on harsh overhead fixtures, try hanging a small pendant light over your kitchen table or placing a little tabletop lamp on your kitchen table or on a shelf nearby to give the space a warm glow.

To make your eat-in area feel like a tiny nook all its own, differentiate it from the rest of the kitchen by sectioning it off with artwork. You can set the scene with art themes that jive well with a kitchen and dining vibe, such as cafe tableaus or still lifes; or venture from the art you may conventionally associate with kitchen spaces, and embellish the area above your kitchen table with whatever art feels most homey to you.

Who says throw pillows are confined to the living room couch? To make an eat-in kitchen nook both cozy and chic, and to inject some more interesting textures and patterns into your space, add a throw pillow or two to banquettes and benches. Also, try placing a small rug underneath your kitchen table to further section off the eat-in area — and to keep your feet snug on cold mornings, too.

The French really do know how to make mealtimes sacred. More than just an opportunity to refuel before getting back to work and the daily grind as quickly as possible, meals in France are all about leisurely enjoying one's food as a communal, social activity. Bring some French culture to your own eat-in kitchen by incorporating a bistro-style set that encourages you and your companion to sit and relish in the pleasure of your food and each other's company. To add an extra dash of French bistro flair, try hanging some bistro-inspired prints, too.

Candlelit dinners may get the most attention, but don't underestimate the power of a good candlelit breakfast or brunch to lift your mood and bring some cozy, elegant vibes to your kitchen, too. Make your lazy Sunday mornings feel even more luxurious by dressing up your eat-in kitchen table with a candle or two, whether that means chic vintage candlesticks, tiny tea lights, or your favorite scented candle.

A lot of the materials we use in our kitchens — from tile, to stainless steel, to granite and quartz — are functional and beautiful, but can contribute to a cold and uninviting atmosphere, which is the opposite of what you're going for in a cozy and welcoming eat-in kitchen area. Add some warmth by including dining furniture in natural materials such as wood or rattan, or incorporating plants, handmade pottery, or baskets on or around the table setting.

White kitchens are a timeless design that will never go out of style, but going completely colorless can make your kitchen's eat-in area feel cold and sterile. Even if you choose to go with all-white for the majority of your kitchen aesthetic — such as countertops, backsplashes, and cabinets — adding a splash of color to the eating area by incorporating tables and chairs in rich hues, a bright tablecloth, or an accent wall can bring some extra warmth to the communal dining space.

Just because it's the kitchen, that doesn't mean the seating needs to be stiff and uncomfortable. Rather than using your eat-in kitchen area as a place to quickly scarf down some food, make it a spot that people want to stay in for a while by using benches and chairs with built-in cushions and plush or leather seating. It will elevate the space, looks and feels cozy, and encourages you and family or guests to linger a bit longer on that coffee or morning pastry.

Many of us don't just use our eat-in kitchen areas strictly for eating. With the kitchen often serving as the heart of the home and center of family activity, the eat-in kitchen area often doubles as a space for doing homework and studying, work-from-home tasks, and chatting and discussing "kitchen table issues" while cooking up meals. So don't be afraid of bringing some of those personal family touches to this space, too. Adorn the walls with your favorite family photographs, and add shelves with cherished books, recipes, and sentimental knickknacks.