Thanks for the continued thoughts and ideas! Oly, I did think about just closing off the heater along that wall also. There's one in the kitchen immediately to the right and also one on the right wall. I did see that the toe kick heaters often have on/off switches (or rather high, med, low) so that seemed convenient. This room does have a door to the outside and is under the bank of windows (which need to be but won't be replaced immediately) so I am a little concerned about just taking away a heat source. That said, it's a small house (1200 sq ft) so what's one little heater? I will consult the carpenter/handyman, but I'd be ok with built-ins with feet/legs-- I'll lose some storage but I guess that's preferable to losing heat. I will need to address this eventually in the kitchen as I plan to add cabinets to a wall that currently has the only baseboard hear in the kitchen. Grandmaof3 - I could use a stand alone set-- and may very well do that for awhile if I have to wait for the kitchen remodel. It's just such a sad small dining space that I thought the built in back made it look much more inviting and cozy than a lone table and chairs. I admit that I imagine scunching up on the back bench with my laptop or a book... so the prospect of creating that cozy and inviting space in my mind made losing a real dining room ok with me. That said, I love glass top tables-- I just havent found THE ONE that takes my breath away. Tinam - Hi, there old friend! Yes, this is a nook-- but also the only dining space so I do want it to have a bit of style vibe-- especially since it is fully visible to the LR. Funny that you mention prebuilt cabinets. The ones pictured are ikea cabs that are raised just a bit for airflow. The storage would be very valuable so I'd definitely like to go that route if it makes sense. You have a keen eye-- yes, there is a cab to the left but it will be removed with the kitchen remodel. I wouldnt have an issue blocking it off as it is pretty awkward there. I love the light too-- i think it is part of what makes it look like a real space and it has a look I'd like to carry through the home. It's casual but has that little bump of modern elegance and style. I am really torn here.. because so much of the house must be redone, I want to jump on those that would be fairly easy to complete... and yet, I dont want to make costly missteps either.

I don't know the details of the fixings for the granite. We had a granite table previously (see picture) for 16 years but it was so well fixed and stable, they were unable to remove the granite to move it for the current garden renovation, so sadly it had to be destroyed! So we're having to get a new piece of granite! I love the fact it needs absolutely no maintenance whatsoever, other than a scrub and wipe before use! As far as the banquette, we don't really have a choice. We've removed a higher level garden to create a new patio area and intend to have a firepit table that needs a minimum 3 metre footprint. If we have the fixed table away from the house wall and far enough away to be able to pull out chairs all the way around, it will be in the way of the chairs of the firepit table and make the whole area look/feel cluttered. I'm hoping that with a 12" gap between the seating and the table top that slim adults won't find it impossible, even if it isn't ideal. We'll have the five folding chairs for regular use, so it will only be when we have "extras" that the banquette will come into play. Does that reassure..?

Two options, put track and then install some swag hooks for when you need to lift them. BUT a light that is on a pully, meaning though it would stay in place when the table is pulled out it could also be raised up out of the way and almost become a semi flush while still giving plenty of light, it would also go with the rustic/vintage style. If you continue the track I would complete the U shape and bring it around that way you have no dark spots. ( personally I would have done 2 circuit track so you could opt to have all or some of the lights on). They also make pendant adapters for track so you could hang pendants off the track and just get some cheapies to see if you like that look. I think you would over time become annoyed at having to move them up and over.

Sabrina Alfin Interiors Thank you! Sounds like I should definitely explore cost of a built-in bench. I was thinking of a floating bench held by pretty wooden brackets and open underneath to maintain a lighter, airier look and to keep the cost down (sort of like this), but storage would be nice if in budget given there's certainly no excess of it in this house! On the chairs - my idea was NOT to have them across from the bench, but rather on the ends of the table, with nothing on the other side of the table. As below. Sorry if I was not clear in my original post.