Design Recipe for a Cozy Breakfast Nook

The Breakfast Nook is an ideal way to make the most of a small space!  I don't know about you, but every time we have friends or family over the kitchen is inevitably where people hover... so I might as well give them a place worthy to linger.  With a few simple steps you can create a warm and cozy seating area that might just be your new favorite space.  This is my recipe for a great nook that you might have a hard time leaving...

INGREDIENTS:
1 BEAUTIFUL BANQUETTE - This is probably the most key design element to make the space function well... it is the anchor of the space and likely the place most people will want to sit.  This is also your chance to create extra storage space by building drawers into the base of the banquette. The banquette is typically built into the space and softened with cushions and pillows, but you can also use a great upholstered piece of furniture.  My only suggestion is to make sure it doesn't have arms and that it fits snugly in between the walls.
1 GREAT TABLE - Round, square, oval, rectangular, wood, metal, stone... anything goes here.  Just make sure you leave plenty of space for your guests to slide past the table into the banquette.
2-4 INTERESTING CHAIRS - This is where the personality comes into play, so don't be shy!  Look for chairs that aren't matchy matchy with your table and that have an interesting shape, finish or fabric.  Or you can really think outside the box and throw in some stools or a bench in lieu of traditional chairs.
1 FABULOUS LIGHT FIXTURE -A great chandelier is like jewelry and will always make the space feel intimate and polished.  I also love the look of a pair of sconces flanking your banquette... very stylish!

Mix all ingredients together with a healthy dose of character and style.  Fold in an interesting mix of fabrics and materials.  Add a fun group of friends and fantastic food... Enjoy!

 

Paris J'Adore

My hubby and I recently returned from an incredible anniversary trip to London and Paris which I will happily re-live with you!  One of the highlights of the trip was my first trip to the famous Paris Flea Market or Les Puces de Saint-Ouen.  (Oh, and did I mention the day ended with a wine festival and fireworks over Sacre Couer?)

  

First, let me introduce you to our lovely friends Bryan and Laura, who were our fellow explorers!  They are captured in a few of my pictures and I didn't want you to think I was stalking anyone. 

How charming are these little streets?  Just shop after shop full of treasures.  You will have a very pleasant experience with the help of a few unspoken rules... be polite (say bonjour, merci and au revoir), attempt to speak a little French and ALWAYS ask before you take pictures!  

The French have mastered many things... one of them being the art of a great chair!

 Now those are some sexy legs!

 I love the hardware and curves of this piece and the natural finish is yummy!

 A great pair of comfy bergeres that even a man would love!

 Okay so this is a little ornate for my taste, by you have to appreciate the detail!  Could be really striking in an otherwise simple and monochromatic room.

 Oh, my love of starburst mirrors... I'll have one of each please.

I just loved this lighting sculpture, but it would have to have a very special home... I think my friends Hilary and Drew could pull this off!  

 This window vignette caught my eye...

 Beautiful!

 How fantastic would this be in a little boy's room?!?  Unexpected and lots of character.

 I would keep the finish on these chairs and recover in a luxe solid, like mohair or velvet.

 

All this hard work of "window licking" (the french term for window shopping) left us famished.  Good thing we found Le Paul Bert... to die for food and fantastic hot chocolate!

Oh the French and their attention to detail... just look at the way my french onion soup was served.  Mouth watering now.

... and a Croque Madame?!?  I assure you this is NOT how french women stay thin.

 I LOVE the detail of the legs on these chairs - with the dainty bronze sabots.  And they would work beautifully in a traditional or modern room!

 Thinking these chairs would be really smart with a coat of high gloss paint and covered in a supple leather!

 

This settee is precious... wouldn't change a thing.  And I love the rug too.

Wow the patina in this daybed is wonderful...  I need this!

Um, yes please.  These are just what I need to go with the saarinen style table in our breakfast room.

This little cocktail table would be amazing indoors or out.  Perfect versatility for unpredictable Texas weather.

Making nice with a sweet shop dog at one of my favorite stops... maybe I could score a discount on the fabulous daybed and chairs I was eyeing!

***

And to my clients... Here are some dreamy pieces that made me think of you!

This creamy grey and ivory trompe l'oeil buffet would be perfect for your dining room Susan.  Just what the design doctor ordered!

 Kathryn, these rich leather chairs have the perfect worn look for the cozy gameroom.  Paired with the rich velvets and houndstooths in the room... these would be a knock out.  

This table has Meg written all over it!  Maybe we can make a breakfast table version?  Love the aged paint finish on the metal legs and of course the pretty stone top.  Very french, but with a modern feel. 

 

Okay, so this picture doesn't do the sofa justice, but I was going incognito, as we were banned from taking pictures.... oops.  Ginny this piece would feel right at home in your living room with the feminine curves and lots of personality!

 And this coffee table would be fabulous in LeeAnn's family room - finished off with a stone top for a little contrast.  It even has that little touch of bronze... just for you!  

And for my MOST important client... my 2 year old son.  These would make me a sensation among the toddler set.  Merry "pretend" Christmas baby!