I learned what a “banquette” was at about 6 years old. (Although I wasn’t aware of the term at the time.)  It was at my childhood friend Bobby’s house on Waverley Street – right there in his kitchen, sat two built-in upholstered benches, with a shiny white table in between – just like the ones you see at the diner.  It was small, cozy, and the most unique thing I’d ever seen.  I loved it!

I loved it so much I installed one in my own home – many years later. I love nestling in on the weekends with my morning coffee, lingering over great dinner conversations at my friend’s home – and I love designing them for my clients.

No two banquettes are the same.  Each one has a personality of its own – fitting seamlessly in to the most unexpected spaces – never failing to provide a tremendous sense of style and comfort.  It’s where families gather to share their events of the day and where we feel enveloped with a sense of warmth and protection at night. Best of all a banquette is suitable for any style of kitchen.

These banquettes typically require less space for traffic flow, provide great additional storage solutions and ultimately seats more than conventional table and chairs.

Take a look around your kitchen and neighboring spaces and see how you could make the most of your kitchen dining area with a space saving banquette. Maybe you have an old butlers pantry, awkward corner, inefficient laundry area or window alcove that’s a perfect fit.  Bay windows are an ideal spot for banquette dining, and could potentially seat 6 – 8 people comfortably.

7 Tips To Consider When Designing And Building A Banquette.

1. Function. -Know how you want this dining area to function for you. Will it be used for homework, computer time, reading, lounging or for meals only?  Design it accordingly.
2. Comfort. – For a more comfortable seat consider a cushion of 4-5” thick, and be aware of the firmness of that seat.  It will compress and ultimately change the height slightly.  With a cushion this thick, your base seat should be 14-15” high (finished from the floor).  It may seem low, but once the luxurious cushions are installed the proportion will be perfect.  Lastly, angle the back slightly to allow for maximum comfort.
3. Size. – If you’re opting for a more contemporary look without any seat cushions at all, then the finished height of the seat base should be 18” high (from the floor) and have a seat depth of a minimum of 18” (for your tush).  When upholstering the seat and back, provide a good 24” overall for depth of seat which will allow for the thickness of the upholstered back.  Measure a favorite chair at home to help you determine the finished height and depth you like.
4. Shape. – Banquettes can be designed in all shapes and sizes and ultimately depends on how much space you’re working with.  L-shaped, U-shaped, curved or straight, your banquette will become a focal point in your kitchen.
5. Space. – Each person will occupy approx. 24-30” of space to comfortably eat while using a fork and knife.  That said consider 24 square feet will seat 4 people.
6. Practicality. – Upholstering the banquette seats and backs in a faux leather, vinyl, or outdoor fabric will make it much easier to maintain and is also much simpler to slide in and out of.   Loose cushions become more problematic and are less comfy – and it’s all about the comfort factor!
7. Storage. – I prefer large storage drawers beneath the seat rather than hinged lids.  It’s much easier to operate and access.  Making things even easier have an operable drawer pull out from the side of the banquette base if possible.

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc

It’s hard to believe that it’s this time of year again and that Thanksgiving is here! Some of us are traveling and others are hosting – so for those of us who are acting as chef, host and sommelier this weekend – these tips are for you!

1. Eliminate The Clutter. Whether it’s your dining room, living room, family room or outdoor patio that you plan to use for your Thanksgiving feast – the first order of business is to clean up and re-organize that space from top to bottom. Use the time as an excuse to purge and get rid of any unnecessary possessions you’ve been holding on to for years, pack away everything that isn’t needed for the weekend, and scrub your furniture down so it sparkles!
2. Design Inspiration. When it comes to dressing a Thanksgiving table, undoubtedly the greatest source of inspiration is right before your eyes. Walk out your front door and take your kids on a walk through your neighborhood. Collect all the leaves, twigs, branches and pinecones that you can find and create napkin rings, centerpieces or simply scatter them on top of your holiday table with baby pumpkins and gourds. The colors will be spectacular! Don’t forget to spray them with insect repellent when you get home!
3. Layer With Fabrics and Textures. To create a divine table setting, layer several different fabrics over top your wood table. Place mats, linen napkins and table runners in varying textures and tones will set the stage, and create an eye popping and magnificent first impression. If you’re short on runners or cloths, just head over to your discount fabric store, find some complimentary fabrics for next to nothing and finish them with some hemming tape.
4. Place Settings. Have some fun with your table settings. If you have enough for everyone, use your best china, crystal, and silverware to create an effervescent table full of shimmer and sparkle. Add the napkin rings, napkins, and centerpiece and you’ve created a magnificent tablescape. Or for a more casual theme, introduce some plates and dishes and bowls with an eclectic mix of colors, patterns and textures. Regardless of the style – the more layers to your place settings– the more bountiful the room will appear.
5. The Details. It really is all in the details. Hollow out some small baby pumpkins, gourds and acorn squash running them along the entire width of your table – and use them as candleholders. They create a warm luminous glow, enhance the mood and everyone looks beautiful. You can’t beat that! Slipcovers are a great way to dress up your chairs – or just tie some raffia onto the seat backs. Write a special heart felt thanks on each individual place card – share how thankful you are for having them in your life. Finally, sit back and enjoy this special time with your family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc