I don’t know that many people who have a kitchen banquette, but the one friend who does have it, loves it! And can I say how adorable it is?!
They are utterly charming! Kitchen banquettes, along with things like dutch doors and butler’s pantries, are thought of as somewhat old-fashioned. But I’m all for bringing them back. They are practical; a great use of space, look and feel cozy, and work wonderfully with kids and families. Plus, did I mention the charm factor?!
The funny part is, I have the same model home as the friend that has one, and when we were remodeling our house when we first purchased it, we briefly considered adding one. However, it would have involved turning some windows into doors and vice versa (read: more money) so the idea was abandoned. So now when I see them in magazines or on Pinterest, I have a moment of wishing we would’ve done it!
Maybe in the next house…….
I am in love with all the blue and green in this eat-in kitchen! Design by Ingrid Leess via Country Living.
Love the brick floor and the fabulous lanterns! Via Better Homes and Gardens.
Design by Nannette Lewis via New England Home.
So beautiful! Beth Ervin via Atlanta Homes.
Via Jeffrey Dungan Architects.
Design by Wendy Kirkland via Traditional Home.
Not only do I love this built-in kitchen banquette, but I love that adorable roman shade, too! Via K. Lewis Interior Design.
One of my favorites! I have the original tear out and I still refer to it to this day. This is probably the first time I saw an oversized antique lantern used over a table – divine! Design by Mary Jo Donohoe via Traditional Home.
Just darling! Via Better Homes and Gardens.
However, for those of us (like me) who would love to have one, but either can’t or won’t do a built-in, the solution is to use a settee on one side of the table. This is a trend that I have seen increasing recently. It’s the perfect compromise because it gives you the same look as the built-in banquette, without all the pesky building! This is one I may just do!!
Diane Kramer says
Absolutely love the banquettes! My husband grew up with one and I remember having a lovely feeling when I first saw his parents sitting and having coffee there! I just wasn’t sure how to incorporate one into our home…but now I see! However the hard part will be choosing just one….or….can I be creative enough to have more?!?
We just built our retirement home but now after barely one year will be selling and relocating so will be looking at homes soon. I will absolutely be looking forward to incorporating a banquette into our next home!
Thank you kindly for the inspiration!
Diane
Diane
Sheila says
Oh I love that! How lucky that your husband grew up with one. I think they are utterly charming and I hope you get to incorporate one in your new home – I’d love to do it in my next one!
Thanks for stopping by Diane!
Sheila
Debby says
I have a small kitchen and the banquette works great for me. Love all these ideas:)
Sheila says
They are so perfect for a small space! 🙂
Kerry says
Beautiful! Do you have any info on the small green drop leaf table in the K Lewis interiors photo? Dimensions, make etc?
Abu says
So beautiful<33333
Roseann D'Elia says
One more beautiful than the next. I’m about to start a build..let the fun begin. this is a must for me. I had this in my Childhood home. Looking for French Country Cottage plans. any suggestions are so appreciated. Would love to see your layout Sheila,as I love your kitchen and living room. thanks for always be on time.
Sheila says
Aww you’re so kind – thank you Roseann! My layout is pretty apparent in any of my kitchen posts – and no I don’t have a banquette! I love them though, and I’d love to have one in my next home!
Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by!
Sheila
Debra Lewis says
I just finished building a home , the banquet was a must have in my kitchen.
Teddee Grace says
That Traditional Home photo is amazing. I love everything about it, the animal print on the chairs, the lantern, the fabric on the pillows and the “pin-up” lamps and recessed display areas. Tried the link but it didn’t work. I think the extra storage that banquettes provide is a real plus.
Susan says
I also have the Traditional Home featuring Mary Jo Donohoe’s newly built home. I love so many of her features of t his built in banquette… the window wall that almost feels like a painting, the shelving built ins, the swing arm lamps and of course, such a weaving of textures and soft warm colors!
Suze Pfaffinger says
I love the pictures & especially the idea of using a deter on one side. I have two that would look adorable. Thank you for the decorating inspiration! Happy New Year!!
Sheila says
Aww you’re so welcome! Happy New Year to you too Suze!
Sheila
Cecilia from Georgia says
I miss my banquette so much! We could open one of the seats and store stuff. Yes! I’m for bringing them back!
Sheila says
Right?! They’re charming and practical – a win/win!!
Sheila
Alice Genzlinger says
I have been using a settee for at least 20 years as a banquette seat and love that look. I also designed a banquette in our house inside a bay window for a breakfast room. It is the most ideal place for coffee with friends or showing off the garden while having tea. Can’t wait to see how you use that idea in your home.
Sheila says
I love that!! They are absolutely one of my favorites and would love to have one in the next house – fingers crossed!
Sheila
Sheila @ Maison de Cinq says
So glad you stopped by Claudia! Hope you are doing well:)
Sheila
xo
Sheila @ Maison de Cinq says
Thanks so much Karen!! And I agree – I could move right into several of these:))
Sheila
xo
Fabiana says
Great collection, Sheila! I don't think I could pick just one. I have several favorites. — There's nothing quite like a cozy banquette in the kitchen.
xoxo
ciao
Karen says
Love these banquets and the details attached. There are several that I'd take in a heartbeat! Great post, Sheila.
Karen
Sheila @ Maison de Cinq says
Thank you! So glad you liked it! Glad you stopped by…
sheila
Curtains in My Tree says
Those are all darling places, I picked out my two favorites
I like the little settees included