The Banquette Effect

Last week, I was discussing my kitchen renovation plans with a friend of mind and I told her that we are planning on incorporating a banquette into a corner of the kitchen. Her response? Ew yuck, along with a look of terror! Now mind you my friend and I don't always see eye to eye (she prefers Jean- Claude Van Damme, I prefer Matt Damon, she likes high heels and running (separately, of course), while I go for ballet flats and biking) but when it comes to design we usually have the same instincts.  So I was understandably shocked at her reaction to my brilliant plan. I demanded an explanation and got an earful of her phobias of dive-e, greasy spoon, poorly lit diners. You know the ones - the place where your *insert male figure with terrible taste* drags you to every weekend because this place has the best tuna melt/six egg omelet/other nausea inducing indelicacy. The type of place with fake flowers stapled to the wall, an inch of dust dating to the 80's, and a cold, sterile booth covered in plastic coated checkered cloth which makes a screeching sound as you slide your rear across it. Yes, at this point in our discussion my friend was curled up in a fetal position singing 'You Are My Sunshine." I get it, THAT banquette is bad. Fetal position inducing. 

So I dragged out the laptop and opened the folder titled "kitchen inspiration" and coaxed her out of her hell and into a happy place. Banquettes don't have to look like they were installed in the 50's by a red-faced screaming chef wearing a starched white coat and barking out orders in German. Banquettes can be good. 

Here are three reasons why I will be putting one in my kitchen: 

1. Banquettes are perfect for small spaces, an unused corner, or an awkward nook because they take up less space than a free-standing table with chairs.

2. You can create one with a free-standing settee or bench, or opt for a built-in upholstered bench which can provide an abundance of storage space (did you hear that? Storage space!)

3. There is always room for one more friend at the table, just scooch up a little closer on the bench. Relax, you're friends. 

Molly Frey

Caroline Scheeler via Country Living

Rachel Ashwell

Decorpad

S.R. Gambrel

Decorpad

BHG

Domino

BHG

Chris Barret via House Beautiful

Cottage Living

Metropolitan Home

Morgan Harrison Home

BHG

BHG

BHG

BHG

BHG

BHG

What about you? Does the idea of a banquette make you want to curl up in a ball and cry? Or does it impel you to invite your friends over and whip up a big batch of strawberry crepes?