Not having seen the plans, but having lived for many years with small NYC galley kitchens, I would probably stick with the original plan. It is amazing how efficiently a banquette set up can work, and I wanted one in my fairly large kitchen in my suburban house (having been forced out of NYC by the birth of twins), but because of window setups etc., it didn't really work. Built-ins of any kind are loved by all NYC apartment purchasers, and being able to say you have seating in the kitchen ups the value of your apartment, even if it is tight, if you are ever thinking about selling. Having sold my NYC apartment 3 years ago, I can vouch that this really is true.

If you decide to the French Bistro look, check out napastyle.com, they have a really sweet marble-topped french bistro table and woven chairs that I really really like, at a reasonable price.

Can you try setting up boxes or something to approximate what it will be like both ways, and see what you like?

I vote for the built in all the way! I think it will be terrific. Can't you get a bistro table that would work with the built in?

put a little bistro table in your garden or rooftop terrace(if you're one of the lucky NY'ers who has one!) I'd go with the built in ... though I might can the table unless there is otherwise limited prep space. Could you see yourself munching something on a plate/paper towel while sitting and reading? I'm a sit on the couch with my legs tucked around me kinda girl and have no problem relaxing and snacking like that. Do you have another table for dining?

I would stick with your original plan. for the table, i would go forward with that as well, however, consider having a table with locking caster wheels so that it can move around or stay put. maybe something designed for the space that can wheel into the other room to function as a buffet, or with a fold down leaf so that it can be smaller if need be.

I am having trouble visualizing the 6'x31" space (I flunked spacial relations in h.s.) - but I can tell you that our kids who have 2 children,have a built-in banquette in their very tight NYC kitchen eating nook. Banquette on 2 sides, a rectangular table, and chairs on the other two sides.

The idea of a window seat is very cozy and appealing. What does your gut tell you, m'dear? Remember the AGA decision.

I would go with the banquette. If it doesn't work, you can use the table elsewhere and still have a cozy window seat, not to mention a place to store the oversized pots! Although they are huge, you might want to check out these inspiration photos:

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I have also pasted a link that you might find helpful.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Kitchen Designer on banquettes

Much as I'm not a fan of built-ins in general, after reading the comments from others in NYC, I have to say to stick to the original plan as well...and you know I originally was against it!

The only thing I would add is to consider making the seat directly in front of the "back" window a window seat to put your feet up & read w/a cup of hot chocolate or tea (or coffee)! It'll mean a little deeper seat, but you can prop pillows along the back to reduce the seat depth when using it for seating at the table but still have the deeper seat for lounging! You'll have the best of both worlds!

I would do the built-in, for sure. It will be fine when you are alone eating breakfast and reading the paper. It will be better when you have a couple of friends over because you can always squeeze one more in. You know you will be kicking yourself later if you give up the precious storage. I do like the marble table with the built-in idea. Can you have them make the built-in seating part first, and then decide on what type of table you want after it is in?

The marble-top table sounds lovely. As an alternative, though, how about a fine old dropleaf table? One or both leaves down would allow people to just stroll up and relax onto the banquette without any perambulations or wiggling. The sides could go up when more seating was needed.

Thanks so much to all of you who responded. What you may not realize is that you have played a siginificant role in stopping a speeding train wreck in its tracks. In fact, when I read your advice, I recognized you were only telling me things I've already reasoned and been committed to for the past year: Yes, a built-in banquette is preferable to a bistro table and cafe chairs and I've already got a perfectly working design that says I can actually fit one into a space that is only 6' x 3'5" Case closed! (Heh heh)

So, I guess this means I'm going forward with the banquette plan. As you've noted Jeannie_Kitchen, a built-in can be a highly valued thing on resale, especially here in NYC where our typically small kitchens demand all kinds of spatial design tricks. So, even though my kitchen plans are driven by my personal desires and not resale value (I don't plan to sell my house anytime in the foreseeable future), it's still a reno bonus when both those factors can work together in my favor. I also agree with Remodelfla, Bbstx and Astridh that, even after all is said and done, I only get to use it as a window seat -- it's still worth it! BTW, Bbstx , special thanks for those links. I'd read Susan Serra's piece several times in the past but this is the first time I actually noticed that marble top/wrought iron table. That's pretty much the kind of table I've been eyeing (although mine would likely be smaller). Mama and Rosie , we're definitely in sync on lovin' a marble top table. (Jeannie_Kitchen , unfortunately, the one at Napastyle is sold out!) Mama , you are also spot on about getting casters for the table, especially if it has a marble top and wrought iron base. Such a table would probably be awfully heavy to move in order to get inside access to the window seat! But, even if I don't go with a marble top table, I have given thought to your alternate a suggestions of a drop leaf table. As a matter of fact, Crate and Barrel has a "Brunello wine table" which I've linked below. I've been thinking it might do the trick. Plus, because it's red and lacquered, it just might go perfectly with my red enameled Aga!

Of course, Buehl , and Malhgold you know I appreciate your support! Buehl , I surely plan to put very comfy, 4"-5" cushions on that banquette and to use supportive pillows on the back of it as well. Lastly, Raynag , well you know you definitely nailed it when you said -- "Remember the Aga decision." That is exactly what this is all about: Seeding and nursing second doubts about otherwise very well thought out plans just when it's time to pull the trigger! So, if nothing else, please know that I'm totally grateful to my fellow TKOers who so unselfishly take the time out to help us define and hit our targets. You're the best!

Here is a link that might be useful: Crate and Barrel Wine Table

Glad we could help. After all, that's what friends are for!

Hello fellow Martha, I think your question & these replies have solved my problem as well. Thanks everyone!

Or not. Just showed the pics on this page to dh & didn't like it at all. Back to breakfast bumpout.

Hi Marti8a,

Maybe you missed my "update" to this thread, but I ended up having to ditch the banquette as well!
When the GC and KD came over to measure my space, they both confirmed that the banquette, although "doable," would be very tight on space and hard to maneuver. Alas, sometimes you really just can't have every dream of your dream kitchen! :) At this point, I've moved on to the bistro table and cafe chairs. I'm sure I'll grow to love them as much you will your breakfast bumpout!