Dining Area
Here's how to do a full-height black painted wall. This space gets plenty of natural light, which combines with the abundance of white to create an open and airy feel despite the large black accent wall. Black absorbs light and tends to look flat, so by pairing it with glossy finishes, you'll get some much-needed sparkle.
Having easy access to plastic cups, napkins, placemats and silverware within banquette drawers, kids can be tasked with age-appropriate chores like setting the table and unloading the dishwasher. This banquette from Krieger + Associates Architects matches the rest of the kitchen’s pulls and Poggenpohl cabinetry.
No matter who's sitting, jumping or spilling on its benches, a banquette can still look fabulous long-term if it's upholstered in a wipeable, nonstaining fabric like this vinyl from Robert Allen Design. Other kidproof fabrics to consider are microfiber and outdoor fabrics from companies such as Sunbrella.
This spacious banquette by Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design was created as part of a dining room. It's a helpful extension of the kitchen but has a more formal quality. Its scale makes large family gatherings both manageable and comfortable. Adults get the chairs, while children easily hop onto kid-friendly benches. Tip: Pillows upholstered in an inexpensive material can serve as boosters to bring smaller children up to a convenient height.
Architect David Burton recommends allowing a minimum of 7 feet by 6 feet for a comfortable L-shape design with room for benches, a table and chairs. You’ll also need clearance around the chairs for a comfortable walkway. Burton's firm designed the banquette shown here for a galley kitchen remodel. Built by Mueller Nicholls, it includes a built-in bookcase for homework, art supplies and cookbooks. Because it's located safely out of the cooking area, the banquette serves as a family gathering spot that extends well beyond mealtime. The base is made of standard cabinet drawers that match the kitchen’s alder cabinetry. The seat and back have the same wood in a complementary finish. How to make it happen. The cost of building a banquette varies depending on many factors. It can be more expensive if it's a standalone job versus part of a larger remodel. Additional storage will add cost, as will higher-quality materials and finishes. Entrusting your design to an architect or interior designer will ensure that it's consistent with the overall look and feel of the space. Then turn it over to a trusted cabinetmaker for the best results.
Humans relax when they can easily see what's happening around them and when their backs are protected. Think about a restaurant where people can seat themselves. Which places are taken first? They're the seats in the high-backed booths from which people can see the door. Chipmunk thinking prevails!
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