apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Paint the wood (all of it) the same paint/color as the rest of the woodwork/cabinets in your kitchen.

I was thinking yellow, too. I think painted white with yellow patterned cushions would be lovely. Maybe you could paint the inlays on the table and the squares of the benches a color and the rest white if you'd like more color on it.

I would either stick with the black and white theme, or pick a really fun, bright color.

I like the suggestion of painting the whole thing white (or black!) and adding seat cushions of a different color. Cushions would make the booth a lot cozier and richer-looking.

By the way, great find! What a fun idea. If only my kitchen were big enough to fit a diner booth....

First, I'd rotate the whole thing 180 degrees. The table should be under the window. The table would look great glossy white and the benches should be painted whatever accent color you want to use in the kitchen. Also add white cushions - perhaps in leather or vinyl for easy cleaning.

is it just me or does it look like those benches will tip over if not anchored? is it useable in the current set up?

Patrick(the other one) is right. Go with the colors used on your cabinetry. If you want to inject additional color, you can have upholstered bench cushions made.

what a cool table!

I would go with solid neutral to match the rest of the kitchen like many are already suggesting and do a pop of color or pattern with cushions.

But i also wanted to suggest using the same fabric from the cushions to make simple upholstered panels in the insets on the seat backs as well with a few buttons/tuft things? There have been lots of DIY headboard posts on AT and all over the web, usually the formula is something simple like a sheet of thin particle board, square of foam, staple gun, some mounting method. Easy stuff really.

If you wanted to make it even more cozy you could throw in a pillow or two on each side.

p.s. i would like to second jbaked's suggestion of turning the table to be under the window, although I think they meant 90 degrees.

It's hard to tell from this photo how worn the finishes on these pieces are, but why not just let your vintage find's old life show? Clean it well. Repair the missing trim pieces. Make some removable custom seat cushions if you want to add a bit of colour. Seal the table top with oil-based poly. And then just let it be - the dings and patina of its years of history may be far more interesting and beautiful than a fake-new glossy finish.

You could take a look at some 1920s kitchen styles and color schemes at http://www.antiquehomestyle.com/inside/color/index.htm and http://www.antiquehomestyle.com/inside/kitchen/1920s/gallery/index.htm

/\/\ Ditto Patrick.

If color is a must you can spice it up w/ your placemats, pillows and dinnerware.

I agree with amed studio. I have a similar diner booth that I found on craigslist from an ice cream parlour; stripped the paint, sanded it and refinished it. It took a while, but it is gorgeous. My favorite thing about it is that after I removed the plywood top which (loosely) covered the top of the table, I found etchings like "BROOKLYN" and "Kitty Barky" on the original table top, which I absolutely love. I lightly sanded the top so the etchings would show. I've also added etchings; my mom christened it with a small "mom" towards the middle of the table, and my best friend's little boy Sindre etched his name on it as well!

Maybe a black and deep red...that's hwat I'd do

Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone. I'm now inspired... I may try and sand it down some see whats under there before painting. But i think custom cushions in a fun print are the way to go. There is also a coat rack that attaches to the side.

Oooh I would have loved to see the coat rack part of it.

I like the idea of a tone on tone paint job...maybe 2-3 shades in gray different to accent the panels and the parts that are routed. If you are only putting a hint of gray on the walls, maybe you should go many shades darker on the benches.

I would go with red and turquoise. Those colors look amazing with black and white, and would give you a great shot of color. Check out the turquoise and red kitchen combinations on flickr.