{I love} kitchen banquettes

Every so often I see an idea that makes me want to rip out our pretty-much-brand-new kitchen and start again from scratch. My most recent obsession is banquettes (or built-in seating as it’s otherwise known). Perfect for families, these integrated seating solutions tick a lot of kitchen design boxes. Comfy seating, relaxed and informal, space saving (built-in bench-style seats take up a lot less floor space than traditional dining chairs), child-friendly (a much safer alternative to too-high bar stools at a breakfast bar), extra storage (beneath the seats) – I just can’t see many disadvantages.

Researching the best designs out there for a recent work article didn’t help my craving. U-shaped, L-shaped, curved, attached to the back of island units, under windows – the clever designs are endless and have caused many an episode of staring into space as I daydream about a way I could retrofit one into our kitchen.

So while I continue to find images that tease me with their design greatness, I shall keep trying to come up with a trick to magic one into our home. Until then I’ll just have to daydream.

Compact banquette