Hi! I think it depends on whether you need this space also as the main living area it not. I think a banquette would work better than a sofa, unless this is the only space in the house with a sofa. I'm which case, though, I'd build a banquette for dining as it takes less space than a table in the middle of the room.

To sum up, I'd build a banquette anyway 😝

Thanks! We do have a separate living room but would just like somewhere comfortable to sit in the kitchen. Where would you suggest a banquette would go? Under the window? Wouldn’t there then be a lot of empty space on the other side?

I'd do a banquette the whole length of the wall under the window where the sofa currently is showing. I'd live with the space first before figuring out whether you want extra seating there (one or two armchairs), as you might find you just enjoy having space - space to do exercise class/yoga or something? Long, low sideboard for storage? Place for kids to play if you have little kids?

What I don't like it the sofa in that position is that it faces inside, and it's lower than the chairs. So you don't enjoy the garden view, nor it's easy to talk to people in the kitchen or at the table.

But maybe, better than a banquette you could place a chaise lounge next to the window and facing the garden, with a bookshelf nearby and a reading lamp on the side, a reading nook for you after cleaning the kitchen where you can spend some time with yourself.

That’s a good point re the height of the sofa next to the tables Chiara, didn’t consider that but you’re right. I do like the idea of the table being a feature in the middle of the space but I think if I do that I do probably don’t have the space for a larger table / seating area.

I would love to live in it and decide later but I need to decide on radiator placement, wall lights and pendant lighting soon. I do have kids but they have a separate playroom so although toys will inevitably end up in here (!) they don’t necessarily have to be stored in here.

Since you're talking radiators, I wonder, did you consider / have the chance to have a stove in the corner up to the right? It'd be another focal point in the room when you sit next to the window.

I love the formal dining in the centre of the room, if you don't need the space for something else!

Hello,

I just had a look at your space and two ideas popped to mind.

1 - A banquette on the right, under the window, would be a nice solution that would free up a lot of floor space for a much more comfortable lounging area.

Just check your dimmensions carefully to ensure you'll get those 8 seats in there.

2 - This is a variant of your original layout, but with the table turned 90 degrees and following the linear desgin of your kitchen cabinetry.

This would create a visually cleaner layout I think. It would require redesigning the island element so that the stools go on the side by the door.

Hope this helps :)

These sketches are not to scale, so check all your dimmesions.

I would also be happy to assist you further with this project should you wish to do so.

Jarek

www.studiomoodetc.com

Hi Jarek I love this suggestion, you’re right it will be so much better aligned lengthways with the island. I hadn’t thought of this, so useful thank you!

You're welcome :)