What do you think of when you envision a breakfast nook? The most classic image is a banquette bench tucked into a corner, with a smaller table oriented around it. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's open-plan kitchen challenges this convention.
After purchasing their Beverly Hills mansion in 2020, the couple collaborated with acclaimed interior designer Jake Arnold to create a stunning, organic modern design that complemented the home's exterior. The first floor is open plan with a kitchen that flows into a living room, creating the perfect opportunity for dining furniture innovation. Rather than a traditional dining room, Chrissy and John combine barstools at the kitchen island with a floating breakfast nook.
The freestanding breakfast nook has to be seen to be believed. It features a curved boucle bench with a brass back. In front, a gray and brown pedestal table adds a hint of the natural world back in. It's simply stunning.
Shop Chrissy and John's Look
This circular brown table sits atop three cylindrical columns. Its carved entirely from marble.
A near dead ringer for real shearling, this super-soft fabric could’ve fooled us, especially in a stately silhouette like this one. It nods to the last era these textures had their moment, and would be a beautiful pairing for a pretty bistro area.
This luxe-looking clawfoot candle dish would be the perfect complement to curved furniture. It could also be used to store trinkets on the countertop.
As John and Chrissy's space demonstrates, banquette seating is a great choice for large families. Lena Gierasinska, design expert at Barker and Stonehouse, explains: 'Banquette dining areas are ideal for homeowners with limited space or families who need more flexibility, such as those who often host friends and family. A bench or corner sofa is a great way to maximise both the space and seating capacity, ideal for large gatherings or growing families.'
Furthermore, their floating style of dining room layout is an amazing method for transforming underutilized spaces. Lena advises: 'Whether freestanding or built in, banquettes can provide a sophisticated solution for smaller or unused spaces - it not only looks stylish but it’s also a comfortable area that will function as the hub of the home.'
In a floating banquette, the seating style is one of the most important choices you will make in the look of your dining room. As shown by Chrissy and John, the right seating makes the space feel welcoming and luxurious.
Lena advises: 'For a luxurious feel, opt for a padded back, thick seat cushions and arms, or for maximum comfort, perhaps combine earthy rustic wood tones with patterned soft furnishings to give the room a greater sense of texture, colour and depth.'
There is more than one way to create a dining nook, and this stunning freestanding booth is a beautiful option. Take it from Chrissy and John.
