A lot of life seems to happen in the kitchen. From cooking meals together as a family to relaxing, hanging out with friends around the table at a dinner party to reading the paper on Sunday, this room holds many functions at the same time. If you are looking to freshen up your kitchen and can make the space for it, why not try banquette seating? This stylish + functional alternative to chairs is space-saving and can add new life to your space.

If you are looking to use a banquette in your kitchen, here are a few tips to consider:

• Decide whether the banquette is a focal point in the kitchen, or a transitional feature between the kitchen and another room.
  
• Don’t build it in the middle of the primary traffic flow – for example, the path between the refrigerator, stove, and sink, or the main entry to the kitchen.
  
• Plan on seating four-to-six people in approximately 200 square feet of space.
  
• Make sure the bench is not too deep relative to the table. Otherwise people will have a hard time reaching it.
  
• The seat backs vary in height, based on your preference. The range is usually 36 to 48 inches.
  
• Since it’s a prime eating spot, choose fabrics that clean easily, or design your banquette with removable cushions and washable slipcovers.

[2nd photo via Cottage Living 6/2008]

Check out more seating ideas at Apartment Therapy:

• Snille Chair at Ikea
  
• Scavenger: Paul McCobb dining table and 4 chairs for $1100
  
• Is There A Place For a Formal Dining Room In a Modern Home?