Functional breakfast nooks

Published : 22/09/2009 | Author: Annelien Nolte | HOMEMAKERSonline

The kitchen has always been one of the cosiest areas in a home, made for long hours of pleasant conversation around the kitchen table. But because space is such a problem in modern homes, and big tables do not necessarily fit into modern designs, a bit of the social magic associated with the kitchen has been lost. The good news is that it is possible to recreate that special homey feeling and establish your kitchen as the social centre of your home by creating a cosy, comfortable breakfast / dining nook.

What is a breakfast nook?

Traditionally the breakfast nook is considered to be a diner-like setup in the corner of the kitchen, mainly used by kids to eat breakfast at. But with modern design this has become a very interesting concept used to entertain guests - morning, noon and night. Breakfast / dining nooks can be formal or informal depending on its purpose and can also be designed to compliment or blend in with the rest of the kitchen décor. The trick is to add this space in such a way that guests feel that it has always been a part of your happy home.

Choose the right design for your kitchen and needs …

Corner Nook:

This is one of the cosiest and most popular designs as far as breakfast nooks are concerned. It is also a great way to make use of those unused corners in your kitchen and this option will not take up a lot of space. This type of breakfast nook is usually surrounded by two walls an can be fitted with window benches, fitted wooden benches or loose standing furniture. If you want to have a corner breakfast nook installed, choose a corner with a window or have a window installed. The reason for this is to provide the diners with a lovely, relaxing view whilst eating thus making it more sociable and inviting. It is also a great way to allow lots of natural light into your kitchen. Small light, with dimmers, can also be installed in this corner to enable you to set different moods at night time.

Tip: Breakfast nooks are also a great place for children to do their homework at, so busy moms can keep an eye on them. It is also a great way for husbands and wives to keep a close relationship and keep the communication lines open, because dad can sit and relax in the kitchen where mom is preparing supper.

Against-a-flat-wall-nook:

A nook doesn’t have to be in a corner in order to be cosy. If there isn’t a corner available in your kitchen, choose a spot that has a wall. Decide weather you want the chairs or the table against the wall. If you put the chairs against the wall, your diners can watch the cook preparing food in the kitchen. If you are planning to put the table against the wall, it would be good to have a window, so diners can have a view of the outside garden – if there isn’t a spot with a window available choose interesting, decorative art pieces to put against the wall. Take care that these or not too bright in colour as it might be distracting to diners. Furniture for these areas can be fitted or loose standing.

Centred nook:

If you do have that extra space in your kitchen, you can actually have a small table with chairs in the middle of the room like they did in the olden days. If you choose this option it is important to place the table in such a manner that there is enough space to move around it, without disturbing your guests. Choosing a table that is able to expand is also a very clever idea as you can expand it when needed and make it small and out of the way again afterward. Effective lighting is important when you go this route and an impressive chandelier-like light fitting (with dimmer) is ideal for creating a stunning impression.

Countertop nook:

This is the most modern option available today and is also very popular because your dining nook actually blends in with the design of your kitchen. By merely expanding the marble countertops in your kitchen, you can have a stylish ‘pub-like’ breakfast nook. It also doesn’t require a lot of space and can be applied in many interesting ways:

You can have a one-way countertop dining area, where diners can only be seated at one side of the counter.
Counters can be fitted in an L-design to enable diners to be seated on both sides, which make it more sociable.

Countertop nooks are also very economical as they only require interesting chairs to make it appealing. Barstools, modern high-chairs or even stylish wooden chairs can be selected to create the desired effect. Chandelier-like or modern light fittings can also add a great look and feel to this area.

Tips for creating the perfect dining area:

Toast away: It’s always a good idea to have a toaster handy during breakfast time.
Think smart: Design your breakfast nook in such a way that the drawers with cutlery are always easy to reach. Also place glasses and plates in a central place that is easily accessible.
Keep it hot: Have a hot tray installed to keep food warm during breakfast time.
Powered up: Ensure that you have electricity close by, by installing power points close to your breakfast nook / dining area.
Beautiful view: It is important to remember that if your breakfast nook has a window, you should ensure that your garden is in a good condition in order to create an interesting view for diners to look at.

Also visit these websites for more information and ideas: