How To Decorate A Breakfast Nook
If you have an empty corner to transform into a breakfast nook, fortune has smiled on you. Unlike home bars and formal dining rooms, eat-in kitchens will help welcome the new day with ease and comfort. Moreover, you can pour all your inspiration into creating the perfect hideaway to enjoy a casual, quick meal in the morning. Tiny breakfast corners aren't just extra spaces positioned next to the kitchen and closed off by separate walls. Instead, they serve multiple purposes and aren't an add-on most homeowners neglect when it comes to decorating. According to Custom Home Group, these mighty nooks provide a comfortable and laid-back spot to sip your morning coffee and plan the upcoming day.
Depending on your preference, go for a modern, rustic, or coastal look. In any case, ensure you have comfy seating, ample light, and proper storage. Typically, you want your breakfast nook to be inspirational and inviting. However, if you don't have a lot of footage to spare, consider selecting each furniture and decor piece with care. This article rounds up some practical tips on decorating a breakfast nook to take your eat-in-kitchen setup to the next level. Whether you intend to enjoy an elevated brunch or grab a snack after work, these tips will give you a helping hand. Keep reading and start decorating!
Optimize the seating area
Corner banquettes provide sufficient seating for a large-size family, and throwing in extra dining chairs can accommodate occasional guests. Parallel benches by the window are also advisable if you use the nook for other meals. Avoid designs with a couple of chairs for practical reasons. Provided you want to save your bucks, go for a handmade banquette with durable material. For instance, you can use lumber and plywood sheets for the frame and box, as reported by HGTV. Although the assembly takes a bit of skill and time, you only need a few essential tools. Ensure you have a saw, a drill, hinges, screws, and paint. This design features a storage unit inside the corner bench, ideal for small spaces.
Once you prepare the wooden construction, consider the exterior of the banquette. You will probably need to smooth the rough edges with a sander and remove the dust. The final step involves painting the sitting area with the desired color. You can use plush cushions for extra comfort or leather to ensure the benches withstand inevitable spills and scratches (via MyDomaine).
Choose coordinating chairs
If you prefer a U-shaped banquette, leave out the chairs and opt for a matching pouf. However, an L-shaped breakfast nook calls for coordinating chairs opposite the bench. While you have endless options for seating, keep several things in mind. First, overly matched chairs, stools, and tables aren't in style because they make the nook appear cold and lifeless. Instead, aim to achieve a cohesive and intentional feel by mixing materials and designs that go well together. For instance, you might choose ordinary silver chairs, as shown by Know How She Does It, and coordinate with patterned plush cushions.
Material is also vital because it can connect your bench and chairs. You can pick striped bistro chairs to bring in a cheerful vibe. Bolder individuals should opt for mismatched dining chairs made of luxurious leather, velvet, or brass (via Robert Passal). Besides the glamorous look, these materials add warmth to the place and can withstand long-term wear and tear.
Consider the table shape and size
Tulip, pedestals, and other circular tables with one leg work best for breakfast corners. The round shape ensures everyone fits comfortably and can reach food hassle-free. This layout is also ideal when you lack space because you can push it against the wall and surround it with three chairs. A bistro table will do the job for a couple or a small family. One-leg variants like the one in this Domino design fit perfectly in any nook and align with most decor and furniture. Choosing an oval table will achieve a similar effect.
L-shaped nooks often call for a square or rectangular table you can make at home out of veneer wood. Yes, you've heard that well! You can build your own table column and base and add the top banding (via The Spruce). Cut the bench tops and bottoms, assemble them into four rectangles with screws, and construct vertical bench supports. Finally, nail plywood to the front of the frames and attach the benches. Afterward, you can finish the bench corners and make your seat cushions. This project will take you a couple of days, but the cost is negligible.
Mind the view
While you can fit the breakfast nook into any corner of the house, placing it by the windows is the best option. Whether it is a bay window or a wall of windows, this setting will provide the perfect atmosphere for your morning routine.
Start by checking your options in the house when selecting a tiny spot for your sanctuary. Scavenge all window areas and, if possible, position the nook close to the kitchen, as reported by Carrie Hatfield Interior Design. We understand that not everyone has the privilege to enjoy mesmerizing views, but if you do, you're so lucky. An idyllic eat-in retreat would probably feature a mountain or sea view with a pendant light and plush pillows under the window seat (via (via Architectural Digest). A combination of straight and curvy lines with brown and beige furniture items will transform your breakfast nook into a charming alcove.
Light it up
The perfect morning hideaway should be bright and airy with subdued shades. The best way to achieve this concept is by relying on natural light. Ensure your brunch spot receives as much sunlight as possible to start each day energetically. However, not all hope is lost if you can't squeeze the eat-in by a window and flood it with natural light. You can always use artificial light.
It's essential to coordinate the dining and kitchen lighting for an eclectic look. Moreover, large-scale pendants or dramatic chandeliers make a statement and achieve a wow effect in corner nooks. Fixtures made of bronze or gold add timeless beauty and glamour to any spot, so go for bolder fixtures. However, don't underestimate the impact of task-oriented illumination to supplement the pendant. Pick flush mount light fixtures to avoid blocking the view in case of a low ceiling (via Anderson+Grant). You might also think along the lines of sleek sconces or wall-mounted, plug-in fixtures. These bring more brightness and make for customizable lighting, depending on your mood and time of day.
Play with art
You want to start your mornings in a breakfast corner that gives you the motivation to go out and conquer the world. Let your footprint shine through the design. How else can you adorn walls if not with abstract art or an unusual wallpaper? The trendiest wall art ideas will freshen up the corner and instill a joyous feeling. Robert Passal combines various art pieces to achieve a pop of color that resonates with distant memories. Besides paintings and framed geometrical shapes, you might liven up the wall with pictures of your family and pets. If you have kids, consider invigorating the eat-in kitchen with framed drawings.
Alternatively, you might want to adorn the place with a pastoral mural or wall painting. Floral or brightly colored pieces with geometrical shapes are viable options. Black-and-white wallpapers with flowers and leaves are a solid pick for all seasons (via A Beautiful Mess). Today, removable wallpapers are budget-friendly, and the transformation won't cost you much.
Pick subtle decor
Ambitious homeowners who want to leave an impact understand that carefully selected decor sets designs apart. Whether you go for ornaments and glassware or flowers, candles, and greenery, you can't go wrong. Even if you combine all these elements, you will achieve a chic yet peaceful vibe.
A simple transparent vase with flowers can enhance the look of a modest-sized breakfast corner. For instance, display hydrangeas, peonies, or wildflowers for a poignant statement. Lush greenery will further boost the arrangement, according to Home Design Lover. Opt for succulents or faux plants if the nook receives minimum daylight. Another great tip is to arrange various glass tilt bowls for an elegant table centerpiece (via Judith Taylor Designs). In them, you can place floating flowers and candles. Complement the display by adding white and blue porcelain dishware to the adjacent shelves. What you get is eye-catching and impressive decor.
Elevate the look with contrasting colors
A pop of color won't disturb your overall style, but it will liven up the space. Colors make each nook unique and infuse it with character. It's essential to dose the color and balance the different hues. For instance, you might add a bright tone or two to the wall. Or get colorful curtain styles for the windows against a white background. Carrie Hatfield Interior Design likes to experiment with color in her designs and prefers yellow and green shades. Besides giving the space an eclectic feel, these hues make the furniture seem light and modern. A bowl of lemons or apples can achieve the same effect.
Another alternative is to display a colorful collection of souvenirs on floating shelves. By doing so, you offset the neutral background and infuse the place with a playful personality. It's also vital to pair items in contrasting textures and materials for a lasting impression. Finally, include a random assortment of pillows but don't exaggerate with colors that add a cluttered look (via Robert Passal).
Repurpose rare finds
Do you still keep outdated shutters in the basement? They are probably collecting dust. If you have no idea what to do with these old pieces, the solution is simple: a fresh lick of paint and some effort will work wonders for your eating hideaway.
According to Good Housekeeping, you can transform shutters into a quaint sidebar or cabinet with little effort and investment. Procure some fiberboard, knobs, and bun feet from the local hardware store and start assembling. Don't forget to paint the cabinet a vivid green or blue color to liven up the space. A similar hack you may can at home is a DIY chandelier or light fixture. Use any barn finds you deem appropriate for the project and start experimenting. This industrial-looking upcycled fixture from FerrisBuilt Impatiently Crafty is a fabulous example. Alternatively, use mason jars on pallet wood or iron buckets hanging from an old pipe for a unique setting.
Go vintage or modern
When choosing a style for your home, keep the dining area in mind. If you prefer a rustic design, the breakfast nook is the perfect spot to realize your dream. Alternatively, stick to modern pieces that resonate with coziness and calm.
All you need for a vintage feel is reclaimed or whitewashed wood furniture. Consider a solid reclaimed wood table like this one from Woodcraft and complement it with ceiling beams. Moreover, use distressed leather seating to accentuate the character of the exposed beams. If you want a bolder rustic aesthetic, spruce up the room with cheery vintage florals. As for a modern alternative, opt for a streamlined display of furniture, decor, and carefully selected materials. Pick neutral tones and comfy fabrics to set an elegant tone (via Carrie Hatfield Interior Design). Balance the interior with a drop-leaf table that opens to accommodate your next cocktail party.
Incorporate natural elements
One of the least demanding ways to get a crisp look worth waking up for is to focus on airy and organic elements. Natural accents will breathe new life into the breakfast spot across all seasons. Think along the lines of wood, woven textures, and plants for a warm and inviting dining room.
Focusing on natural woods is of the utmost importance for a fresh touch, reports Ballard Designs. Organic tones make any interior feel warm and inviting. As for the wood type, combine various types in similar shades. Supplement the layered look by adding botanicals and woven pieces like placemats or trays. Skip tiles and choose stones for the floor (via Vintage Mill Werks). Alternatively, opt for a stone wall and balance it with a whitewashed table adorned with greenery. You may also consider investing in bamboo furniture and wooden cooking utensils and display them in the breakfast corner.
Add a bold rug
A heavily patterned or multicolored rug can be challenging to fit into a small brunch corner. You can combine your favorite pieces and transform the room into a relaxing oasis. Go playful or monochrome for the ultimate impact.
Those who aren't afraid to mix patterns and colors can pick a rainbow-hued rug. However, Houzz suggests keeping dominant furniture items neutral and introducing minimalist decor and accessories. While you can vary colors, textures, and patterns, consistencies are a must. For instance, an oversaturated carpet deserves a rich wall color and golden details but less decor. If you really love a specific rug, think about how it will work in your living space before purchasing. Conversely, go monochrome if you feel overwhelmed by color options. This strategy lets you pick three or four different shades of the same hue plus white or gray. While red is usually too intense for a monochrome scheme, greens and blues work well in any space.
Opt for smart storage
No dining spot is complete without proper storage units to store cutlery and dinnerware. Contemporary designers believe that drawers, cubes, and shelves are ideal because they can easily match most styles. What matters is to invest some money and effort into hidden storage that saves you time on dusting. Plus, the place will look less cluttered and neat.
The easiest way to conceal trinkets is to use space in benches and banquettes. Openings can be in front of the seating, on the sides, or below the cushions. This design from Know How She Does It is fashionable and features boxes that can fit anything from dinnerware to books and toys. If you want to avoid pulling out the table to reach the items, go with two long drawers accessible from the sides. A floor-to-ceiling cabinet may prove ideal for corners with a blank wall. However, leave this piece out if it blocks the sunshine or when the spot is too narrow. In this case, shelves can prove a better alternative because they enlarge the room visually.
Make it kid-friendly
Having little kids sets you on a different journey when decorating your breakfast corner. Typically, you'd focus on investing in rounded pieces with sizes that fit those little rascals. Experienced parents also gravitate toward durable, stain-proof materials and elements less prone to scratches.
Furnish your kid-friendly nook with natural materials such as wood and bamboo. Seating and cushions should be comfortable and flexible. Another tip to bear in mind is to invest in adjustable furniture to fit your children as they grow up. According to Montessori from the Heart, classic Scandinavian designs are aesthetically pleasing for your little ones. A cozy kid-friendly zone should also contain minimalist details, bright hues, a step stool, kitchen-friendly toys, and a chalkboard. This setup will provide the perfect environment for fun and inspiring meals. Be sure to select your fabrics wisely. It's best to opt for easily scrubbable and durable materials, such as microfiber.