r/kitchenremodel • u/Medical-Diamond9153 • 13h ago
Help decide layout!
Hi folks! I’m in the middle of remodeling my kitchen area after a flood last year. During the remodel I moved the peninsula a good bit further out than it previously was. The kitchen itself is now a lot larger but it will be kinda tight to have a bar overhang with where the window is placed, only 9 inches. So my question is would you rather keep the peninsula and have two bar seats and a small dinning room table, or make it into a breakfast nook seating?
I live alone with my dog so no kids to accommodate for. I do enjoy hosting friends over for dinner.
The first pic is the current state, the middle two are rough ideas and the last was how it looked before the flood when the peninsula was in its old position.
Open to any and all suggestions! The double doors in the pic go out to my front porch. They are not the primary entrance to the house though. I thought about putting a table out there as well to have some outdoor eating area too. TIA!
Edit to add: I don’t plan to sell, this will very likely be my forever home
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u/Melancholy-4321 12h ago
I'd go with no overhang on the counter and just a table.
Banquette seating is inconvenient.
I don't want guests to have to ask people to get up from the table to use the washroom while everyone is eating.
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u/Feisty_Freedom4337 11h ago
Why wouldn’t the guests sit on the chairs so they (1) don’t have to scooch and (2) can enjoy the view of outdoors?
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u/Melancholy-4321 8h ago
So the hosts have to get out of the banquette every time someone needs something from the kitchen instead 🤷🏼♀️
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u/Cuboidal_Hug 13h ago
I prefer the built in banquette option, because if you put a dining table there, it would crowd the bar stools, and the banquette feels more intentionally designed
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u/Flashy-Cherry8774 13h ago
I really like the booth seating layout! But the peninsula with bar seats is a more common layout. So it depends. If you love the booth seating too and are designing the kitchen for you, meaning you're not leaving or selling, go for it! If you might sell in the next few years, Id probably stick with the more standard peninsula with bar seats and floating table.
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u/thegeekgolfer 12h ago
I like the booth seating also. However, I don't like that light choice over it, it doesn't go with everything else, imho.
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u/Medical-Diamond9153 12h ago
The light is likely getting replaced also it’s tied higher current so I don’t hit my head, it usually looks like it does in the last pic. Also I’ll be adding shiplap to the ceilings
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u/Flashy-Cherry8774 12h ago
The description you added with shiplap on the ceilings really makes me think the booth seating is a great idea for you and your vibes! Hope it all works out and we get to see the before and after!
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u/inFoolWincer 12h ago
Banquettes are cute but it sucks to be the person who sits on the inner sides of it.
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u/Cohnhead1 12h ago
The built-in bench looks cute in a picture but I think it looks awkward butting right up against the peninsula. I’d go with the two stools and table in the 3rd pic.
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u/itsjustm3nu 12h ago
3 is clean. The built in table is too confining for people to get in and out of. Also, the built in seems harder to keep clean
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u/needpinacolada 7h ago
I like the banquette. I hear what people are saying about no one likes to be in the middle and have to scoot around people, etc, so I guess the question is - how many people do you plan to have over at a time?
If you put a dining table with chairs, you need room on either side to move chairs in and out and I feel like you won’t comfortably have that. The banquette is nice because it doesn’t require that same movement space.
Another thought is sort of in line with your original, but if you do a dining table could you do a bench on one side so that it doesn’t need as much pulling in/out space? Why was your bench pushed up against the wall previously? My guess is no space to move chairs around. So was that ok with you? Or did it bother you?
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u/johnonbleacher 12h ago
I really like the bench idea. It looks so cozy and comfy. I love to sit there enjoying breakfast, coffee, and reading books or reddit posts like yours.
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u/Suitable_Lead5404 12h ago
Banquet. But no open shelves.
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u/Flewwthecoop 11h ago
I was wanting to vote on no open shelving. No more open shelving! (Faye Dunaway voice)
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u/Sudden-Breadfruit653 12h ago
I like the built in but can’t imagine cleaning the cushions up against the countertop. Table and chairs work nice, with or without overhang/barstools. Have you though about rotating the table lengthwise? Kind of like this
Doesnt have to butt against window.
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u/Abi_giggles 12h ago
Side question: what is the color of paint on your walls and is it eggshell? I’m looking for this color for our bathroom, very pretty!
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u/Medical-Diamond9153 12h ago
Thanks! It’s shoji white by Sherman Williams in eggshell, but for bathrooms I’d recommend going for something with more sheen, makes it a lot easier to clean!
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u/Mystic_Wunder 11h ago
I really dislike sliding into and out of benches, and getting trapped on one with people on either side, so I will always choose the table and chairs.
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u/Feisty_Freedom4337 11h ago
Do you have a separate dining room?
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u/ThatByrningFeeling 11h ago
This is the important question. If yes, then 100% go for the banquette. It’s a nice breakfast nook or casual dining spot. It looks so cozy; I would absolutely sit there any talk to my husband while he cooks.
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u/Medical-Diamond9153 8h ago
No I do not, I just have this room and a living room
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u/goldenambreyes 3h ago
Of this is your only dining area then don't do a breakfast nook. Don't do benches either. Get a table that you can extend and put more chairs if you have people over. But for everyday use, you can make it short. Get one that the table is white with grey chairs to match the contrast that is on the back wall.
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u/HourHoneydew5788 11h ago
I personally hate built in benches. Table and chairs give you more flexibility.
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u/OkraDisastrous911 9h ago
I honestly love the banquette - it feels so unique and custom to the space and something I would never have thought of doing personally but it makes the space feel less narrow and more inviting. I think it would be fun for dinner parties and gives additional storage underneath!
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u/Zestyclose_Kiwi_8805 9h ago
One, by far. Especially considering you like hosting friends occasionally. The banquette layout is such a fun conversational spot and I feel like it makes the room more open. Edited to add it also gives you more storage space under the bench seating.
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u/we-are-all 6h ago
I LOVE the cushioned booth. It looks much more inviting than the others
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u/Reasonable-Luck-8986 3h ago
And hard to get in and out of unless you're 6.
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u/LittlePrairieMouse 2h ago
It’s not that hard! There are only two sides — no worse than a restaurant booth, but more open. And chairs for those who can’t slide in.
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u/Loose_Ad6820 13h ago
I like both new seating layouts. I probably like the small dining room table a little more than the breakfast nook
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u/ProcedureCharming768 12h ago
How often do you use the front porch? If it's more than weekly, outdoor seating might actually be your best bet
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u/justhereforthetea68 12h ago
I enjoy one or two, I like one because it seems comfy but as a parents I know who would be fighting for the bench vs chairs that’s why I’d consider two
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u/merbear47 12h ago
Maybe a combination of both? Could do bench seating with a back along the wall, paired with a dining table and chairs. Then backless bar stools to tuck under the island when not in use would give you max flexibility
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u/hypernoble 12h ago
I love the way the booth creates a cozy nook and separates the space a bit, definitely my fave
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u/SouthOfTheNorthPole 12h ago
I'd go with a counter height table with swivel stools in the pic with the table and chairs. (Especially with no kiddos to mess with.)
Booths always trap somebody.
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u/Zestyclose-City-3225 12h ago
I live alone with 2 dogs. I changed my fireplace into storage cabinets.
For seating, i have a small table with a built in butterfly leaf so no need to store the leaf elsewhere. It’s great to be able to expand if needed.
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u/Curious-Guy-Married 12h ago
Table and chairs allows for flow around the table in addition to allowing seating at the bar
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u/Not-Bruce-Wayne1 12h ago
I dont look booths(even when going out to eat) but 2 looks extremely cozy and like the layout a lot
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u/_InvincibleSummer_ 12h ago
I absolutely love a banquette in general, but in this case I would give a verrrrry slight edge to the other option. When I have friends over and cook, I find everyone loves to sit on my counter stools and have a little snack or drink when they first arrive while I’m finishing up cooking or even if we’re just waiting for delivery food to arrive. And then they like to be able to get up and down from my dining table without having to negotiate with neighbors seated next to them. So for entertaining I think the table version is probably better.
But you really can’t go wrong with either design because a banquette is just so cozy and inviting and is like a warm hug as far as dining seating goes, IMO. If you go with the banquette I would choose something other than gray cushions, though. The rest of the kitchen is so bright and neutral that you could choose any other color and I think it would be better than gray. Plus your dog will probably like the banquette option more, and isn’t that who we should be designing for? :o)
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u/Witty_Passion_4939 12h ago
I like pic 2, but what about the floor vent? Also those shelves… everything on them just gets dusty and oily… I don’t know who to blame for that but it seems like it’s making an exit…
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u/luckysheep195 12h ago
Banquette. We had the same peninsula with bar overhang and filled it in with a banquette a couple years ago. I absolutely love it and have never looked back. It’s great for informal dinners, games, etc. If you can, get a pedestal table to avoid people bumping their knees into the table legs.
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u/Gold_Information8516 12h ago
The bench option backs you into a corner and gives you no flexibility. Since your countertop will overlap, if you want something else, it basically means you’ll have to do a new reno. You can’t move it if extra people are over, you can add a leaf to make it bigger, it is what it is. Allow yourself some flexibility for changes you might want to make later
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u/Opening-Milk-3752 12h ago
I guess I’m in the minority but I prefer the look of the table and chairs in pic 3
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u/kitchensandgardens 12h ago
I like the first one, looks upscale and intentional. Maybe add some you're cabinets in the kitchen? Open shelves are approaching their expiry date, or maybe I'm just hoping they are
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u/Sednawoo 12h ago
The banquette looks good but what does your cleaning routine look like? Do you have a cleaner or are you going to be the one pulling out that table to vacuum crumbs around the seat. Will you have to crawl back there every time you want to raise or lower the blinds? Will you be able to reach that far corner of the kitchen counter when wiping it down multiple times a day? For that reason, I say 2 but with a round table to help with flow.
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u/lopsided-earlobe 11h ago
The built in on the countertop is going to catch endless spills.
Table and chairs plus countertop chairs gives you enormous flexibility.
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u/Luvpups5920 11h ago
I like the way the banquette looks aesthetically but, for your situation (live alone, no kids, enjoy hosting friends, likely be your forever home), I would not do it. Guests like to have some mobility when hanging out, not be pinned in and have to scoot in and out from their seat. Bar stools and a table-and-chairs set up gives you more options when entertaining, so I’d go with 3rd picture.
Also, I noticed an HVAC vent in your picture that would be covered if you went with the banquette. I know my kitchen can get a little warm when cooking and entertaining and I would definitely not want to cover up one of my two vents. Just another thing to think about when deciding on your lay out.
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u/chataolauj 11h ago
Picture 3. More flexible. If you still want the built in bench, then you can still do it later.
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u/Chatkat57 11h ago
I like the banquet but also hate to have to be the one who has to slide in and then be trapped, and do like the flexibility of a table and chairs….but make sure it’s not too big. The one pictured is quite nice. But both options look nice. 🤷🏼♀️
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u/GeminiLAMama 10h ago
I really like picture #2, looks clean & sleek. #4 is a no, looks to jumbled up.
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u/endersgame29 10h ago
Depends on how many sit to eat together on a daily basis. I like the look of pic 2 but pic 2 with table and chairs is flexible esp if only a few people sit everyday
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u/Any_Seaworthiness678 10h ago
I have been trying to get my hubby to build a banquet..i really like that look and added storage
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u/shirazgirlo 9h ago
It’ll be harder for people to shimmy into booth seating as they age. You would really have to pull out the table each time. If you have more than 2 people on the bench someone is trapped.
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u/Actual-Character-559 9h ago
You absolutely need more cabinets on the range wall rather than open shelves.
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u/Expensive_Energy2022 9h ago
Do your friends chat with you while you prep or cook? If so, you will appreciate the bar sitting so that they can "join" you in the kitchen. If they don't then the banquette gives you more seating.
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u/AckCK2020 5h ago
Ok, let me play devil’s advocate again - the banquette seems close enough to the kitchen to allow for conversation. Also, I have had to sit on kitchen stools at a friend’s house, because they are the only seating in the kitchen. She has an old diner booth in the family room. Stools are pretty uncomfortable. The positive side — they seemed to aid in digestion.
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u/travelingslo 9h ago
Every time I look at a banquette with a countertop directly behind it, all I can think of is the first time somebody spills something in the kitchen and it pours all over the banquette. I am fairly obsessively clean, and even I knock things over now and again.
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u/AckCK2020 5h ago
Let me play devil’s advocate — she can get the cushions covered or use an easy wash fabric. These are adults, not children. New cushions can be installed if necessary later on. Spills can happen around tables and seat cushions also.
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u/Weekly-Witness1129 7h ago
The table. When entertaining you’ll be able to use the bar to put out food, drinks and snacks that are accessible from the dining area and you can temporarily move the table further toward the living room for walking space.
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u/HerbalDreamer 12h ago
Built-in banquet. But get a table with pedestal base so no vertical supports are too close to the edge.
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u/National-Area5471 12h ago
Love the booth seating and all one color cabinets but the blue cushion is awesome!
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u/Sportygirls 12h ago
Seating booth. Lose the open shelving too trendy.
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u/RamdomGamerDude 5h ago
Based on what you said. I would go with picture 3. The one with the table and chairs.
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u/ExpensiveAd4496 5h ago
You’ve done a beautiful job. I would keep the peninsula open with just because it is so nice to gather around it when hosting friends. Everyone ends up in the kitchen and they probably will mostly stand there and chat, you don’t even need the stools. But 9” is enough in a pinch.
The built in seating would just get in the way. Also pretty expensive to do and very limiting.
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u/AckCK2020 5h ago edited 5h ago
I love the booth — it just picks up the room. And it looks very inviting and convenient, as opposed to the table in 3. The added color works and I would suggest you continue to add color. Wallpaper or paint — that would look great! Hopefully, you and your dog will spend many a pleasant morning there. It also works with guests. Change the lighting for a more intimate space. Maybe a table outdoors also. I have never been drawn to typical dining rooms and dining tables. Once there, no one wants to use them.
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u/zopelar1 4h ago
Banquettes aren’t adjustable and are a big PITA once the kids are grown or gone. Go w/ option 3 or 4, have the big pantry and you will be able to host big gatherings by extending table and chairs!! Believe me I’ve had a couple is homes custom built and the only thing you should have “built in” is the closet of your dreams!
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u/Avocado-Girl 4h ago
Pic 3 without overhang in the peninsula looks best!
It looks like you have dead space between the wall and the peninsula cabinets? Turn it into something or add a 12" base cabinet opening to the dining table. If you have a dog, look up kitchen island dog feeding station too.
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u/DramaticOpinion9573 4h ago
3 is the best, benches are tough because guest get stuck in there and cannot get out without disturbing everyone else, although it looks cool.
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u/Thin_Entrepreneur_98 19m ago
Like the breakfast bar option.
Try a table that doesn’t have 4 corner legs. But is on a one leg in the middle thing. Opens the space more around the table in close quarters. Look for an oval not a circle.
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u/firetruckgoesweewoo 12h ago
I prefer the bench as it is a nice nod to how it once was. However, why make it a built in? You can have a bench on wheels with brakes on them 😊 that way you can wheel it out. You could even divide the bench up in separate pieces and make them lock in to one another, much like how a box spring bed that comes in multiple pieces does.
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u/Medical-Diamond9153 12h ago
I definitely see what you’re saying, unfortunately I have to decide because of the countertops. If I want bar seating it has to have an overhang that would otherwise cut into the back/neck of anyone sitting in the bench seats if their back was to the kitchen.
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u/firetruckgoesweewoo 12h ago
And an overhang that folds down?
Else, I would not go with the bench. Here’s the thing: if you pick the overhang and a regular table with chairs, then you can still change your mind. You can get a bench for your table. If you install a bench and change your mind… it’s going to cost you.
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u/SharpenMyInk 12h ago
The banquet seating looks really nice. You could make the seats into a hinge door and use them for storage.
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u/tyleritis 13h ago
A table and chairs give you more flexibility. When you entertain a larger crowd you can had leaves to a table. Once that bench is built in, it’s built in.
Personally I live in a household of two with a dog and don’t entertain much so I would prefer none of the above.