Sometimes it takes awhile to get to know a house before you have that aha moment and know exactly what a space needs. 

Our breakfast nook has always felt like it something in it to feel more homey. I just wasn't sure what. One day last fall, I just knew. If you're like me, you are the one who always wants the booth at restaurants. I adore a banquette and clearly this needed one.

So, a window seat banquette it was! I didn't want the usual type though... a box with cushions on top where you could lift the top for storage. Despite that, I did not want to miss out on the storage opportunity so I had an idea.

I drew out what I wanted, and Kevin and I created the banquette of my dreams with scalloped legs and an open bottom. I wanted the legs to be a detail, rather than paneling as is typical for this kind of seating.

The bottom storage isn't lost though because I added a skirt for just that but also for added pattern, texture and color. I plan on storing the outdoor pillows under it when it rains this spring and summer on one side and art supplies I use at the kitchen table on the other. 

In the end, I changed out the round floral rug in favor of a more plain rectangle shaped rug (the round one no longer fit due to the bench legs). I also reupholstered the kitchen chairs in an old tattered quilt I had.

To top it all off, I made cushions with fabric I designed and had custom printed. 

I made the skirt in a Bari J. for Art Gallery Fabrics plaid from my "Charlotte" collection, three patchwork pillows from the same quilt as the chairs plus one extra plaid pillow with welting using the same fabric as the seat cushion. Plaid is always a good idea with florals and stripes. 

I'll likely paint the window frames in the same green as the bench and baseboard soon as well.

Be