INTERIOR DESIGN
Functional style that makes the most of your space – that’s the beauty of this feature. Here’s how to get the best fit
1 STOREAND ORDER
A banquette seating area can be space hungry, but when it’s designed effectively it can offer plenty of storage solutions as well as a place to sit at the table. ‘You can never have enough storage in a kitchen, especially if you are working to smaller dimensions,’ states Richard Davonport, managing director of Davonport. ‘Drawers under a banquette seat can hold rarely used or bulky kitchen gadgets, as well as items such as table linens and centrepieces that may be brought out infrequently. Drawers can be a more practical solution than lid-style lift-up access as you don’t need to remove cushions to get to what’s inside.’
2OVERHEAD LIGHTING
Lighting a banquette requires a deft touch. ‘Whether setting the ambience in a relaxing reading nook or illuminating a banquette seating and table space for dining, working and socialising, go for vintage lights that provide both function and form. Statement pendants above a table, or positionable lights, not only light specific tasks, but also help to lead the eye to make a banquette the focal point of the room,’ says Chris Miller, co-founder of vintage lighting company Skinflint. ‘Vintage lights are a sustainable design option, and their salvage and restoration story makes for an interesting conversation starter with guests too. ‘
3 CURVEDOPTIONS
‘Where the walls are uneven, or if there is an awkward corner area with beams or original skirtings, we recommend curved banquette seating around a circular dining table. Curved banquettes can usually accommodate three people comfortably, with chairs on the other side of the table,’ advises Darren Taylor, managing director of Searle & Taylor. ‘For the seat back, curved tongue-and-groove joinery can be built up to the ceiling and shelving included to make a feature of the space, which can be painted to suit the decor. The curves will immediately soften the look of your kitchen, making it appear cosy and inviting.’
