A kitchen nook can be a charming and useful addition to any home. Nooks create an intimate breakfast space and additional storage without taking up too much room. However, over time nooks can start to look dated and worn. With some creative upgrades, you can give your kitchen nook a pretty and practical makeover.
Assess the Space and Create a Plan
Before starting any renovations, take time to assess your nook space and determine what improvements would have the biggest impact.
- Measure the nook and sketch out the dimensions. This allows you to visualize the footprint and plan how to best utilize it.
- Identify problem areas. Take note of any damage, flaws, or functionality issues. This could include peeling paint or wallpaper, warped shelving, ineffective lighting, etc.
- Decide on your priorities. Do you want to change the layout, replace the flooring, add new storage solutions, or update the overall aesthetic? Outline your goals.
- Set a budget and timeline. Determine how much you can realistically spend on the makeover. Factor in both materials and any professional labor costs. Also, decide how long the project will take.
Once you thoroughly evaluate the space and define the scope of the renovation, you can create a detailed plan to guide the updates. Refer back to this plan as you work to stay on track.
Update the Look with Paint, Wallpaper, and Trim
A fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper can instantly breathe new life into a tired nook. When selecting colors or patterns, consider the existing kitchen hues so the nook complements the overall space.
Paint Ideas for a Nook Makeover
- Neutral whites or off-whites brighten the space and provide a clean backdrop. Go for soft tones like almond or linen rather than stark brights.
- Light blues, greens, and grays create an airy, calming atmosphere. Robin egg blue is a popular nook color.
- Bold accent walls in crimson, navy, or charcoal inject drama. Use sparingly on just one wall.
- Warm metallics like bronze or copper add a subtle sheen. They pair well with whites.
- Dark moody hues like black or charcoal gray create an intimate dining nook.
Wallpaper and Contact Paper Options
- Subtle patterns like polka dots, stripes, or floral prints
- Textured papers with woven, suede, or faux finish effects
- Removable contact paper as a rental-friendly update
- Wallpaper only on the top half of walls with paint below
- Bold graphic prints for maximum visual impact
Once walls are painted or papered, install new matching trim and molding. White or neutral trim pops against darker walls but blends into light walls. Consider beadboard wainscoting for a cottage feel. Wood trim adds warmth.
Refresh Floors for Safety and Style
Over time, nook floors can become worn, damaged, or dated. Refinishing or replacing nook floors makes a huge visual difference.
Flooring Ideas for Nooks
- Luxury vinyl plank provides waterproof durability
- Vinyl sheet is seamless and low maintenance
- Tile is easy to clean and comes in endless patterns
- Resilient laminate replicates wood or stone
- Polished concrete for an industrial modern look
- Stenciled patterns on painted floors
Prioritize safety and slip resistance since this is a high-traffic dining area. Add area rugs over new flooring to delineate spaces and muffle echoes. Make sure any flooring transitions are flush.
Upgrade Lighting for Function and Ambiance
Effective lighting transforms a nook from dark and gloomy to bright and welcoming. Evaluate existing fixtures and add new ones as needed.
Lighting Tips for Nooks
- Install recessed ceiling lights on tracks or dimmers
- Swap out dated ceiling fans for sleek new models
- Add discreet LED puck lights under upper cabinets
- Use pendant lights or sconces to accent focal walls
- Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for flexibility
- Incorporate natural light with a skylight or more windows
Dimmers, smart switches, and warm bulbs like Edison filaments allow you to customize the lighting. Establish zones so you can spotlight the dining area and highlight display areas as needed.
Improve Storage with Built-Ins and Hutch Updates
Nooks offer the perfect opportunity to add specialized storage. Take advantage of every inch of available space with built-in benches, hutches, and shelving.
Built-In Cabinet Ideas
- Storage benches frame the nook and provide seating
- Custom shelving built around windows
- Upper cabinets for displaying dishes or glassware
- Pull-out drawers for tucking away table linens
- Open cubbies for cookbooks, kids toys, or extra servingware
- Desk workstation built into the nook footprint
Refresh an existing hutch by lining the back wall with beadboard, adding new hardware pulls, painting the exterior, or replacing worn surfaces. Add additional open shelving or enclosed cabinets. Install functional inserts like spice racks, paper towel holders, and pull-out racks for utensils.
Source Comfortable, Multi-Purpose Furniture
To maximize use of your renovated nook, choose adaptable furnishings. Opt for pieces sized appropriately for the space that serve multiple functions.
Smart Nook Furnishings
- Banquette seating – Built-in or standalone bench with tables and storage below
- Convertible table – Extends to seat more or folds down when not in use
- Dual-purpose chairs – Stools that pull up for meals or tuck under counter as extra seating
- Multifunctional furniture – Sofa converts to a bed for guests, ottoman hides storage
- Kitchen island on casters – Easily rolls into nook to expand prep space
- Cafe table and chairs – More intimate scale for small nooks
- Modular sectionals – Rearrange pieces to suit your needs
Select furniture in updated styles but that still complements your overall home decor. Durable upholstery fabrics and wood finishes make the space child and pet friendly.
Incorporate Greenery for Fresh Appeal
Every nook looks healthier and happier with some live plants incorporated. Work greenery into the nook makeover to create a welcoming oasis.
Nook Greenery Ideas
- Hanging plants mounted on the ceiling, walls, or trim
- Shelving that displays vibrant potted houseplants
- Self-watering planters built into banquette seating
- An indoor garden in stacked wall planters or vertical gardens
- Herb garden in the window for ready access while cooking
- Vines trailing along the edges of the nook
- Fresh cut flowers and new plants in season
Choose a combination of flowering and leafy plants. Go for low maintenance varieties suited for indoor conditions. Place greenery out of busy walkways.
Add Finishing Touches to Complete the Look
The finishing details will pull your kitchen nook makeover together into a cohesive space. Incorporate stylistic touches that appeal to you.
Finishing Detail Ideas
- Cozy throw pillows and blankets
- Colorful curtains or cafe-style valances
- Artwork, prints, or photos on display
- Pendant lights, sconces, or track lighting
- Baskets, bowls, or trays for organization
- Candles, fresh flowers, books, and decor
- Patterned or textured throw rugs
- Shelving or counters styled with decorative accessories
- Contrasting wall trim, stool trim, or ceiling beams
Stand back and admire your newly renovated nook! It should now look lighter, brighter, and more modern. Don’t forget maintenance. Steam clean upholstery, dust lighting fixtures, and wipe surfaces to keep your nook looking its best. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can transform a worn out nook into a stunning space for meals, homework, or lounging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nook Makeovers
What are the first steps of renovating a kitchen nook?
The first steps are to thoroughly assess the existing space, identify any issues, determine your makeover goals, and devise an improvement plan and budget. This process helps you maximize the impact of the updates.
What are low-cost nook makeovers?
Budget-friendly nook makeover ideas include painting or wallpapering, installing removable floor tiles, incorporating greenery, adding new window treatments, updating lighting fixtures, and styling with thrifted furniture and accessories.
How can I make a small nook feel bigger?
Use tricks like mirrors, hanging lights, glass furniture pieces, bright paint colors, and sheer window treatments to open up a small nook visually. Also maximize every inch of space with built-in storage.
What flooring works best in nooks?
Great nook flooring options include luxury vinyl plank, tile, polished concrete, sheet vinyl, and laminate. Prioritize durability, easy cleaning, comfort underfoot, and slip resistance.
What is a banquette nook?
A banquette nook has built-in bench seating, typically L-shaped. Banquettes maximize space since they have storage underneath and no gaps between a chair and table.
How do I decorate and style my renovated nook?
Use greenery, lighting, throw pillows, wall art, accessories, throws, candles, and flowers to decorate a nook. Keep the look cohesive with your overall home aesthetic. Layer textures and patterns for visual interest.
What type of lighting works best in nooks?
Opt for hanging pendants, recessed ceiling lights, track lighting and sconces in a nook. Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting. Dimmer switches help set the mood.
How can I add storage to my nook on a budget?
Affordable storage solutions include corner benches with storage under the seats, rolling carts, floating wall shelves, hanging wall racks or baskets, under-seat pull-out drawers, and multi-purpose ottomans.
Transform Your Nook with a Makeover
Kitchen nooks are wonderful assets that provide additional space for meals, family gatherings, or hobbies. But years of heavy use can make nooks dated, dingy, or dysfunctional. Luckily, with some imagination and effort, you can give your breakfast nook a total makeover. Assess the space, create a plan, set a budget, and then dive in. Update worn finishes with fresh paint, wallpaper, or flooring. Add lighting suited for meals and tasks. Incorporate specialized storage like banquettes and hutches. Select furnishings that work for your needs. Finish it off with greenery, window treatments, and accessories. Use these tips to craft a nook makeover that results in a pretty, practical space you will enjoy using every day.
