What does kitchen nook mean?

Breakfast nooks are an acquired taste. As with many design fads, they were enormously popular in Craftsman homes of the 1920s and 1930s, and they are now making a comeback. However, are breakfast nooks one of those kitchen elements that shouldn’t be brought back? They’re cute, but far from practical.

We consulted professionals, such as architects, builders, designers, and real estate agents, to get their frank opinions on breakfast nooks and whether or not they would suggest homeowners spend money on constructing one.

How do you set up a breakfast nook?

When designing and setting up your breakfast nook, there are several things to keep in mind.

Location: Be sure to think about how much room people will have when selecting the location of your breakfast nook. Youll want enough space for your family members to be comfortable and to have relatively easy access in and out.

Lighting: Breakfast nooks need good light. If you can utilise a window then even better. Use the natural light where you can. Otherwise be sure the space can take a decent floor lamp or that you can hang a pendant light above the table.

Furniture: Be creative, but retain practicality. Wood built in furniture that can handle storage are excellent ideas for these spaces. A rustic wood table with bold striped cushions on seating will evoke a clean, modern feel. A round table can work well, as can nesting pieces that can be tucked away.

Decor: Find inspiration through the overall theme and decor style of your home. Whether your design preference is industrial, traditional or country

Comfort: Bring in fresh, bright patterns through textiles, upholstery and wallpaper, or keep things simple and clean. Sheepskin seat pads and rugs for chairs and wood seating will add a plush and comfy aesthetic.

Floor rugs can help define an area as well. Just make sure the chairs won’t hook the edges when being pulled out and that they fit snugly under the table.

Does a breakfast nook have to be in a corner?

In a smaller room with good lighting, corners do work particularly well, though.

A breakfast nook can also be made in an open area by using an L-shaped seating arrangement and perhaps a round table, or against a wall with a bench seat. You can create a beautiful and useful little dining or breakfast nook by bringing in an additional chair or two as needed and hanging a pendant lamp over the table.

Pro: It’s not just for breakfast

In a breakfast nook, you can do much more than just consume oatmeal and Pop-Tarts.

According to Chelsea Allard, vice president of design at Case Design/Remodeling in Charlotte, NC, “breakfast nooks have evolved into a place for the kids to do their homework and art projects, and for the adults to answer emails on their laptops.”

Additionally, because of its close proximity to the kitchen, the nook is a great place for kids to unwind while Mom or Dad prepares dinner.

According to Shawn Breyer of Atlanta’s Breyer Home Buyers, it’s best for kids to complete their homework close to their parents in case they need assistance.

How to Build a Kitchen Nook