Iris makes nice containers that have a locking lid with a silicone seal to keep critters out. I use these for my big bags of grain that we use to make bread and oatmeal and haven't had any issues with bugs getting in. If you could put the seed in one of the shorter containers it might fit in a bench? Tractor Supply sells these (I think Amazon does, too) as well as a small metal bird food storage can with a lid that I'm pretty sure your would be pest proof if you wanted to move the food into the garage. Here is a link that might be useful: Iris Containers and Metal Bird Food Containers at Tractor Supply

Thank you all for your thoughts. It is so helpful to read a variety of perspectives. Thank you for the info Annie. Maybe a winter project (if the built in benches survive that long--just joking, I am resigned to dealing with it the best I can as is). Bronwynsmom: yep. I didn't want to come across as overly dramatic, but it does indeed sap my energy. My kids prefer lounging on the stairs over the benches and it just makes me cry a little bit inside each time I see one of them on the stairs. And yes, intentional over dramatization in effect! Les: I will look into various upholstry/cusjhioning possibilities. This seems to get pricy quick. I am definitely thinking of making some myself or modifying less expensive ones. Francoise: I have thouth about the deeper seat portions. The parts that hinge up for the storage or only in certain sections, so I cannot just put in larger hinged tops. Actually, maybe I could. Hm, I am going to look into this more. If I can make larger ones, even just where the lids hinge, I could still replace the original ones if needed. But then it might be odd having only certain parts of the benches extend out farther. Unless I make them kind of T shaped to fill in the gaps. Not sure that makes sense unless you can hear me thinking. Teacats: I do think painting the bannister is a possibility. Apparently the house used to have cabinets that matched the bannister, but previous owners had the current cabinets and breakfast nook put in. Updating the bannister all around would be my preference. Grandma: taking out the backs would give us an extra 2 inches it looks like. I am worried that if we try to do that we will mess up somethign along the way. I don't know if it is just us...but any project we undertake becmoes about a gazillion times more complicated than it originally seemed. Geo: If you have little kids, I think the banquette seating is a great asset. Even when we first moved in, almost 3 years ago, my boys were young (small) enough to have friends over and everyone would squeeze into the benches and do projects, have snacks, etc. Deeper and taller seats would definitely be better for people over 6ft. It is interesting the different styles of tables suggested. I don't really know what style this cabinetry is even considered. To me it is more formal that what I would chose were I remodeling a kitchen. I had thougth the dark pedestal tables were the closest match for the rest of the kitchen.

How about a navy and gray weave bistro chair? Here is one from the TK Collections website, but they have literally hundreds of combinations and the ability to design your own (choose a weave pattern and two colors). Here is a link that might be useful: TK Collections Bistro Chairs

Having a table in that spot doesn't mean you have to use chairs on every side. If the table is for company overflow, you can place chairs just on the backside and ends of the table so they are facing the kitchen. If you have a great view outside, put the table up againt the windows and use chairs facing outside and the on table ends.