As we continue to decorate our home, there has been one area of our home that I could never really figure out.
When we first went to look at our new home, it was a decorated model home. There was this space between the kitchen windows, fridge and island that was quite large and the designers put a little round table and two chairs there.|
(this is from when our home was still a model home—
see the little sitting area in front of the window?)
see the little sitting area in front of the window?)
It looked cute, but it felt impractical. We already have barstools on our kitchen island and we also have a dining room set (which we plan to update eventually). So…we didn’t really need more places to eat or sip coffee (because, we totally do that on the couch—the coffee sipping, not the eating).
For a long time, I just thought we would leave the area bare and I didn’t mind that. Then one day, I suddenly had a strong urge to put something there and for some reason, all I could think was “bench.”
(This is the space now—to the left is our laundry room and to the right
is our fridge and then there is a big gap before you hit the kitchen island)
is our fridge and then there is a big gap before you hit the kitchen island)
I had always wanted an upholstered bench for in front of our bed—but for some reason, that space in our kitchen seemed to be the perfect place for a bench. For one, the bench would be right in front of the window and because the bench is narrow, it will make a statement without be too overbearing for the space.
I had looked at the Lola bench at ZGallerie before but didn’t want to spend the $350 on it. This weekend, I noticed that the white linen version was on sale and since the fabric matches our bar stools and is a nice contrast to our super-dark hardwoods, I decided to take the plunge and order one.
Here’s why I’m glad we invested in this piece:
- It is incredibly versatile—I can always move it to a bedroom or transfer it over to a dining room table (I love the look where a dining table has a bench on one side and chairs on the other)
- Extra seating— if you ever have a lot of people over, a long bench is a great way to provide more seating space
This is what the bench looks like:
It also comes in a velvety gray or dark brown color, but we liked the crisp white linen (it’s more off-white).
In thinking of how I wanted this space to look, I also wanted to add a rug underneath the bench and I like this one that I saw at Crate & Barrel recently:
Eventually we’ll have curtains put up on the windows in our kitchen and I’d also like to add some cute accent pillows to the bench.
The bench should arrive next weekend so I will definitely post photos when we have it all set up.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
xoxo,
Veronika.
Awesome! Love it. That's the perfect fit for the area!
lifeasashlet.com
Simple & modern – love it!
That's gonna look great! With windows so low, you really have no other choice than a nice bench I think…And a kinda hall way table would have been too high. Can't wait for the "after" picture!
Love the bench! I have the Olin rug in our kitchen as a runner and it gets incredibly dirty very fast. We are on our 2nd one because the first got so gross and off colored. It is adorable, but just wanted to let you know!
alicia—thanks so much for this feedback—we won't actually be walking on it as it will just be under the bench but this is good to know 🙂
you have a beautiful kitchen! i think a bench would be perfect. anyone can sit there while having a snack. and it can also serve as extra seats when you have company over.
🙂
Carrie
https://readmylifeascarrie.blogspot.com/
First, I like the idea of a bench and think that spot really invites it. But, if you ever plan to have kids they are going to destroy a white bench in the kitchen. Ketchup, chocolate, sticky fingers, oh my! Good luck!
that's the best part—we can move this bench anywhere! 🙂 plus we could always re-upholster it 🙂
Gorgeous kitchen!! I love the matching bench w the bar stools. Perfect compliments to the dark wood of your floors. A nice pop of brightness! Can't wait to see the pics when it arrives! ~Jessica~
You should wait until you have pics of the final product to make posts like this. You're blowing your load too soon and it makes the post anti climactic and boring.
Actually, IMO it's still fun to have the update on your decorating plans… and we know you'll post the final product soon enough…therefore there's a little something to look forward to reading, which is not anti-climatic at all! 🙂 And not to be crude but your wording is just a bit sexual Anon. lol 😉 !
Are you going to "cross process" every single photo you upload on your blog now? It's a fun feature but annoying to see all.the.time.
My humble opinion, but I do love your blog anyway! The bench was a good add for that weird little spot.
I only use it on iPhone photos, not photos from my camera…so no! 🙂
Love the striped rug! That will all look fab 🙂
– Erin Leigh
Cute bench!
Glitter and Glaze Blog
What a good and creative idea. You have some talent in home decorating area for sure 🙂
That bench will be perfect! Can't wait to see the finished product.
What a great idea. It can be so tough to decorate those little spaces, but it will look great!
The bench is a great idea. I like the sheer curtains that they used to stage your home.
I don't know. Having only a bench looks kind of blah to me and I think it's actually more impractical. I actually prefer having the tiny table with the two chairs. It gives the space more of a "ooomph" and looks more inviting. But anyway, you probably should have thought about getting white leather upholstery for all your furniture in the kitchen (we did and that's the best decision ever!). The poster above is correct about kids (and even some adults!), FOOD and white fabric furniture should never be in the same room.
@anon—no one will be eating on the bench and we will move it to a bedroom or dining room when we have kids 🙂 that's why I got it—the versatility of it.
Love it! What a great idea!
I love it! You can never have too many places to sit in the kitchen.
I was wondering if you had or were thinking of creating a Pinterest account for this blog? It would be great to see all the products you recommend, with links, in one spot!
V, you really have an eye for design! Can't wait to see the finished product 😉 xo, tasha
Ooo I'm excited to see what it looks like in its new home! You have such a beautiful home, anything would look great in it! My boyfriend has even commented on how pretty your home is while looking over my shoulder when I'm reading your blog, haha.
Ooh, I love a good bench (and z gallerie even more!)–can't wait to see it when it arrives, veronika!
I think the bench is a great idea. Benches always provide extra seating if needed when hosting a party.
Bench = great idea. They don't take up tons of space but offer that little extra bit of seating when you need it.
XO,
Erin
erinscurrentlycoveting.blogspot.com
I love the bench and you can always reupholster it. At $350, you may even get suck of it and resell on Craigslist at some point. Great choice. I know you can preview the posts before they go through….but these readers using the phrase "blow your load" is very disturbing. Inappropriate!
I'm a new follower of your blog and loving everything about it. I read in one of your previous posts that you drink green tea with mint and was dying to try it. It sounded like the perfect blend of antioxidents not to mention decrease bloating. One question, is it normal that the mint leaves turn dark from the heat of the hot water? Not sure if I'm doing this right. Hope you have a great week!