Who doesn’t love a cozy breakfast? How can you not enjoy the smells of eggs, fresh coffee, and toast on the weekend while sitting in the warm morning sun, perched upon a pillow bench with family or friends around you? It’s just hard to beat. Starting the day off like that is one of my favorite pastimes, and it keeps me in a positive mood for the rest of the day.
The breakfast nook’s sum is much greater than its parts, and I wanted to take a moment to appreciate how impactful and important these nooks can be. Whether your breakfast nook is cozier farmhouse-style or more modern and minimalist, it is an irreplaceable part of the home.
In this article, I will make some breakfast nook design suggestions to help you make the most out of your little area of bliss and make it an even more inviting place for your loved ones to start their day!
Breakfast Nook Design – What Are the Fundamentals of a Nook?
In case you’re not from a region familiar with the breakfast nook term, a traditional breakfast nook is typically a small, intimate space located off the kitchen or near a window, designed for casual dining and morning meals.
Architecturally, nooks often feature built-in seating, such as a cozy banquette or corner bench, to maximize space and create a sense of enclosure. The nook usually includes a small, round, or square table and chairs or benches arranged around it, highlighting a communal feel. Large, airy windows are synonymous with nooks. They flood the area with natural light and create a bright, inviting atmosphere.
Breakfast Nook Design – Flexibility
Any designer or color specialist loves this space because it can be whatever you want it to be! It’s an extension of your home’s personality, and because of its size, you can experiment without overwhelming the rest of your space. You can mix patterns, try different bold colors, or bring in luxurious materials; no matter what, the nook will always feel cozy and welcoming.
Here are some color/design suggestions to enhance your breakfast nook, no matter your preferred style!
Timeless, Vintage Charm
If you love vintage finds, your breakfast nook is perfect for showcasing them! Mix and match old-world furniture, like rustic tables, with funky chairs or vintage art that tells a story. Floral patterns and lace tablecloths can add a sense of nostalgia, or it can be the ideal space to play with retro colors and design elements, like checkered floors or pastel hues, creating a timeless-feeling nook where you can savor a quiet moment before the day starts.
Get Bright and Bold
A breakfast nook is perfect for expressing your colorful personality and curiosity! If you’ve always wanted to go bold but weren’t sure where – this is the spot! Choose vibrant dishware, playful textiles, and bold, loud colors that energize the space. Add a quirky light fixture or a collection of funky artwork to bring the energy up (space-age design, anyone?) Don’t be afraid to have fun with color and pattern. It’s a surefire mood-booster first thing in the morning.
Simple, Calming, and Sleek
If you’d prefer something more toned down, try using neutral or muted colors, such as soft grays, creams, or light blues. Opt for a minimalist table and chairs with slender profiles and smooth finishes like polished wood, glass, or marble. Consider upholstered benches or slim chairs in neutral fabrics that add comfort without overwhelming the space. Add subtle accents like a streamlined pendant light or a few carefully curated pieces of artwork. Keep décor simple and functional— that’s how you’ll find success if you want an understated, modern breakfast nook.
Familial and Heartfelt
The breakfast nook is a great place to showcase items near and dear to you and yours. Think of family photos, old heirlooms, art, and so on; anything with special meaning or sentimental value can be beautifully and tactfully arranged within your nook. Why let these things collect dust in a closet or attic when they can be showcased and appreciated each morning?
Surrounding yourself with items that make you smile is the best way to start your day, any day of the week, any time of year!
Embrace The Cozy Spaces!
As a color expert, I hope this piece inspires you to take action on your breakfast nook design and make it the best it can be. Whether sleek and understated or a warm, cozy space with family all around you, our breakfast nooks should not be neglected; after all, they can be the best place to start the day or the week ahead!
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Amy, I agree with your idea of a breakfast nook being a place for expressing your style and using it as an extension of the rest of your home. Beautifully expressed.
Thanks so much Lisa, it can be a great place to add your personal style to your home!