An eat-in kitchen is the perfect blend of form and function. Having a space to enjoy casual meals without the fuss of a formal dining room can make home life more relaxed. See how these homeowners optimized their kitchen layouts to incorporate comfortable and stylish eat-in dining areas.
Maximizing Space in a Small Kitchen
When renovating a modestly-sized kitchen, finding room for an eat-in dining nook can be a challenge. Strategic design choices can help carve out precious square footage for casual dining.
Remove Walls to Open Up the Space
Knocking down non-load bearing walls between the kitchen and adjacent rooms can instantly make the space feel more expansive. Eliminating physical barriers helps create a more open, airier aesthetic.
Opt for a Banquette
Banquette seating is an efficient solution for small spaces. Tucked into a corner, a banquette utilizes areas that may otherwise go unused. Bench seating also allows more people to fit around a table than chairs would.
Add a Bar Counter
Including a narrow bar counter and stools is another space-conscious option for additional mealtime seating. Even a counter with two seats can make a big difference. It also facilitates conversation between the cook and diners.
Use Light Colors
Painting the walls white or off-white can help reflect light around the room, making it appear larger and brighter. The crisp, clean look also pairs nicely with most kitchen cabinetry and countertops.
Let in Natural Light
Adding a skylight overhead or expanding an existing window opening brings in welcome natural illumination. Abundant light makes a compact eat-in dining area feel more spacious and inviting.
Giving a Dark, Dated Kitchen New Life
Some older kitchens feature layouts with pancake-style ceiling lights and soffits that make rooms feel dark and confined. Smart renovations can entirely transform such a space into an open, contemporary kitchen ready for gatherings.
Take Down Soffits
Eliminating soffits opens up the ceiling plane, which makes a big visual impact. Removing those barriers helps the space feel more expansive. New recessed lighting adds focal glow.
Upgrade the Floor Plan
Changing the footprint of the room can improve flow and functionality. Moving cabinetry and walls as needed creates better traffic patterns and room for dining.
Install New Cabinets
Trading old cabinets for new ones with a streamlined profile showcases a fresh, updated aesthetic. Lighter-colored units also reflect light well to brighten the space.
Add French Doors
Installing French doors to connect the kitchen and an adjoining room keeps the spaces separate yet cohesive. The glass panes help illuminate the kitchen while allowing views through to the next room.
Open Shelving
Adding some open shelving provides space to display decorative dinnerware for an eat-in dining area. The airy, unencumbered look also enhances the lightness of the renewed space.
Gutting a Kitchen to the Studs
For some outdated and dysfunctional kitchens, a total gut renovation is the best route to create a hospitality-oriented layout. Taking things down to the studs enables complete transformation.
Start from Scratch
Removing old flooring, walls, cabinetry and anything else permanent allows a blank-slate space to rebuild. Customizing for ideal traffic flow and usage is much easier this way.
Create Zones
Dividing the large open space into designated zones helps delineate the kitchen, casual dining, and formal dining functions. Clear boundaries help each area serve its unique purpose.
Build a Bar
Adding a large centered island with an overhang at one end creates a natural bar. Stools tucked under the overhang provide casual seating for quick meals and guests mingling during parties.
Incorporate Banquettes
Banquette seating makes use of the room’s corners to provide cozy dining nooks. Design details like board and batten walls and pendant lighting give the banquettes distinct style.
Add a Wine Fridge
Installing a wine fridge near the dining space allows easy access to beverages with meals. Positioned visually behind the banquette, the unit doesn’t detract from the room’s openness.
Design Tips for Eat-In Kitchens
Whether carving out dining space in a modest kitchen or fully renovating a larger one, there are some key pointers to keep in mind. Following basic design principles ensures an inviting, functional layout.
- Use lighting such as pendants or recessed cans to illuminate dining areas. Layering lighting prevents shadows.
- If space allows, choose a table with rounded corners. The curved shape allows easier traffic flow around it.
- Look for tables with drop-leafs or extensions to accommodate extra guests when needed.
- Incorporate electrical outlets nearby for easy plug-in access when dining.
- Select durable, easy-care materials and fabrics for high-traffic dining zones.
- Anchor the dining area with an area rug. This defines the space and adds softness underfoot.
- Include some decorative yet functional items like plants or a chalkboard.
- For banquettes, make sure the space is deep enough so the table doesn’t bump up against the seats.
- Use slip-resistant rugs or mats under the eating zone to prevent slipping on hard floors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eat-In Kitchens
What size should an eat-in kitchen be?
For a kitchen to properly accommodate an eat-in dining area, aim for at least 150 square feet of floor space. Banquette seating can fit into tighter spaces of around 120 square feet.
What’s the best paint color for an eat-in kitchen?
Softer neutral colors like warm grays, cream, and ivory work well for eat-in kitchen walls and make the space feel light and airy. Add pops of color with decor items instead of bright walls.
How much space do you need for a kitchen table and chairs?
Allow a minimum of 36-42 inches clearance from the edges of the table to walls or other furnishings. More space allows easier movement around the table.
Should kitchen island lighting be centered over island?
Yes, hanging pendants in the center above the island provides the best illumination for prepping and dining. Be sure the fixtures hang low enough to shine light directly on the countertop.
What is the standard table height for a kitchen?
Standard kitchen tables are typically 30 inches high. Bar-height tables more commonly measure 36-42 inches tall. Standard chair seat height is around 18 inches.
How do you decorate a small eat-in kitchen?
Use light, neutral colors on walls, cabinets and table to visually expand the space. Add stylish pendant lighting over the table. Use corner banquettes or bar-height counters with stools for seating. Keep decor simple.
Conclusion
The increasing popularity of eat-in kitchens is easy to understand. Having a casual dining space right off the cooking area allows busy families and hosts to stay connected during meal prep. Smart layouts and design elements can transform even the most dated, cramped kitchens into warm, inviting spaces for gathering. Keep these tips in mind when planning your ideal eat-in kitchen. With thoughtful planning, even small homes can accommodate a stylish, comfortable dining area right where the magic happens.
