kitchen
1. Banquettes can seat a crowd with ease. A large banquette can comfortably fit big groups and looks less cluttered than individual chairs.Tip: For very large banquettes, try using a pair of tables instead of one long table, so those seated in the middle can easily get out.
Rectangular benches do not require a rectangular table. Look at how well an oval table works in this kitchen.
6. Integrate a window seat. This cozy area juts off the far end of this large kitchen, creating a bright spot and an intimate space. The proportions of the storage bench and the space allow for versatility; a larger rectangular table and more chairs coud fit into this space if the owner's needs change.See the rest of this home
This home is an open lofty space, and the banquette helps delineate an eating area.
This is the same zoning idea as above with a larger and plusher palette.
Add modern style. To make the slide-in easier, skip the arms and use a more lightweight sofa. This long, armless contemporary sofa is a great partner for the chairs across from it and keeps the lines of the room clean and modern, letting the unique dining table base get all of the attention it deserves.
A thin, long bolster pillow will do the trick too.
... And is the perfect spot for contemplating the view when placed under a wide window.
Beadboard delineates the space here, and takes the place of a standard seat back.
Here a banquette works as a window seat and dining area in one.
An old fashioned concept with modern styling. The Saarinen-style table is a perfect choice for this sleek corner banquette. Have a tight corner? Try a 36-inch round table; it'll be a bit easier to maneuver around.
Another tip for corner banquettes is to use a table that has a pedestal base. No corner legs to wiggle around.
Here is a solution for a corner with a floor-to-ceiling window on one of the walls. Just build the banquette right in front of the window. I suggest the banquette be backless so it doesn't detract from the view.
What’s So Great About Waterfalls?With a waterfall edge, the veining in natural stone or quartz is visible on the horizontal plane, then spills over the edge in a vertical drop to the floor. This vertical view of the counter highlights and dramatizes the beauty of the stone’s veining, creating a focal point in the kitchen. Often, this focal point is also visible from other rooms, as shown in this photo.Though stone remains a top choice for waterfall counters, recently materials like wood and concrete have also been gaining popularity.
Ultimately, the only way to tell how a richly veined stone will look with your other elements is to bring home the largest sample you can or take samples of your other elements to the dealer to see what tones are strongest in the stone.
A dark, richly veined stone can actually feel less dramatic when paired with dark cabinets. Whether you use espresso wood or a modern painted gray, as shown in the previous photo, coordinating a base tone in the stone with one of a similar darkness or lightness in the cabinets will help the two connect.
The size of your space will be a factor in determining just how dramatic a bold stone looks once it’s installed. In this vast kitchen, the scale of the dining island extension suits the space perfectly.
In general, the bolder the veining on your counters, the less drama you’ll want to add elsewhere. This waterfall counter (with the material wrapped down the sides) is relatively muted, but the large gray veins still bring enough character without any daring colors or other statement features.
Black Cloud onyx from Italy is one of the most extraordinary stones available. This bathroom showcases the material’s alluring cloudlike effect in translucent grays and creams. Another great candidate for backlighting and bookmatching, it’s especially effective as a large-scale wall treatment, where its natural splendor can be admired full-on.
Maintenance: There are more don'ts than dos when it comes to maintenance, where use of even mild detergents can dull your marble's finish. Routine care is best limited to a soft cloth and warm water or cleaners made specifically for marble. You'll want to seal your marble every year or two with an impregnating water-based sealer made for marble.Special considerations: Opt for a honed surface to help hide any etching from acidic foods. And if you want to use your marble for working pastry or other foods, seek out nontoxic sealants.More: Using White Marble: Hot Debate Over a Classic BeautyCarrara vs. Calacatta Marble: What Is the Difference?
The basics: Marble is a natural stone composed of calcium carbonate; it's in the same stone family as limestone and travertine. Color variations occur in marble due to mineral impurities in the stone. Slabs, rather than tiles, are typically used for countertops, where the dramatic veining can be displayed.Cost: $70 to $100 per square foot, installed.
Both Ogawa and Alper suggest making the walkway for a double-sided workspace a minimum of 4 feet wide — just avoid placing appliances directly across from each other to keep the pathway clear. For a single-sided workspace, stick to 3 feet minimum. If you have a kitchen island, Ogawa suggests aiming for straight access through the kitchen so no one has to navigate around it.See more kitchen space-planning and remodeling tips.
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