14 Kitschy Kitchens with Built-In Dining Nooks

There’s pretty much nothing that I love more than sitting at a diner in a booth. Maybe it’s the novelty of it, maybe it’s the nostalgia of it, but there’s just something special about sliding down a red leather bench, drinking a shitty cup of coffee, reading the paper, and trying to decide if you want to order the spaghetti or the shawarma.

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.

Now imagine sliding into a booth in your very own home, with the perfect cup of coffee, Chet Baker is playing in the background, and you’re about to nibble on an eggs benny that your significant other graciously prepared for you. This dream could fully be a reality if you just decided to have a built-in diner bench in your kitchen.

If you’re here, chances are that this is a dream of yours, too. While some built-in nooks may feel like a huge project that’s a bit out of your reach, there are so many different and clever ways to do it, that it could become a reality for anyone! Check out this awesome collection of built-in dining nooks to see if it could work in your own kitchen! 

1. The High Society Diner Nook

Floors & Walls: Okay we’re all thinkin’ it, this is just a sexy little nook. When I said “diner” you probably thought that this was going to be a collection of tacky plaid upholstery and paper napkins, boy did I ever get you! 

This highly elevated, highly modern, and highly sexy dining book starts with some dark gray tiling and some of the most gorgeous hardwood I’ve ever seen has been used to line the walls and ceiling. The dining book it set in its own little alcove in front of a huge window with wooden framing. 

Features: This customized dining nook has a structure build from gorgeous hardwood panels (that look remarkably similar to teak wood, very midcentury modern of them) with very midcentury modern framing for the benches. The bench cushions are more on the modern side with slightly rounded edges in a gorgeous forest green upholstery.

The nook isn’t the only built-in feature in this room however! A really cool shelving feature has been installed on the back of the dining nook, using black blocks to post up wooden shelves. There is also an incredible fireplace that is set in the centre of the room, making the fireplace open on all sides, warming all the surrounding areas. And with a stone base no less!

Decor: While this room is really superbly elegant, I love how a personal aspect has been brought in thanks to the random trinkets set all over the different shelves. Beautifully bright artwork peeps through the shelving unit, and an amazingly textured globe pendant light hangs above the beautiful dining table. 

If you’re keen to see the rest of this house which is quite obviously going to be amazing, just click right here. 

2. The Beach Extravaganza Diner Nook 

Floors & Walls: While I totally understand that this type of kitchen is going to be completely out of reach for the majority of the people who are reading this, it certainly doesn’t stop it from being an absolute pleasure to look at. This remarkable kitchen design starts with lovely rectangular tiling that has been met with awe inducing floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.

Features: There isn’t a single aspect of this kitchen that isn’t remarkable. Beautiful dark hardwood cabinetry makes way for a kitchen island that is literally made from a giant boulder. While the countertop has been flattened and shined, the edges are still rough. Such a unique idea.

But of course, my personal favorite part of this kitchen design is the dining nook. A room separating wall acts as the back rest for the bench seating, which is topped with gorgeous copper colored leather cushions. On the other side we have simple bowl seat stools with matching leather, and a generously sized table with metal framing and a warm wooden top. 

Decor: This space is so exquisite all on its own that it really doesn’t need anything in terms of decoration – I mean, just look at that view!

This exquisite kitchen design has been provided by SAOTA.

3. The Modern Midcentury Modern Kitchen Nook 

Floors & Walls: Though this kitchen is so far the most modest out of the past three, that doesn’t mean that it’s any less lovely. In my opinion, this is really the perfect kitchen for my needs: it’s bright, it’s beautiful, and it’s great for hosting! 

This stunning kitchen space starts with rust-colored hardwood floors which are met with white walls and windows with white framing. I simply adore how the dining nook is set in its own little alcove with windows on every side! 

Features: This lovely kitchen comes equipped with perfect wooden cabinetry and countertops made from elegant white marble. State-of-the-art stainless steel appliances bring the kitchen from just stylish, into stylish and professional grade. 

Now for the reason that we’re all here: the dining nook. This adorable alcove is set with a wooden bench made from two different shades of wood, and it’s topped with subtle blue cushions. What I love most about this set up is the table with bright orange tiling on the top to gives a delicious pop of something.

Decor: This perfect kitchen is decorated with only the freshest of decorations: a bowl of fresh green apples, and a bowl of bushels of green grapes.

This beautiful kitchen design comes from Kentfield Residence.

4. The Heavenly Suburban Kitchen 

Floors & Walls: This kitchen is truly something to behold. I think if my life were Cheaper by the Dozen (you’ll only get this reference if you were born before the year 1998, sorry) then this would be kitchen of choice.

This big family kitchen set up starts with absolutely glorious, dark, rich, chocolate stained hardwood floors. Not a single aspect of the room has been skimped on, not even the walls and ceilings which are adorned with stunning moulding in a cream color. 

Features: The craftsman kitchen is perfectly done with gorgeous cabinetry work in cream with dark brown hardware. Countertops are made from lovely light gray marble, only the best of the the best stainless steel appliances are used. A kitchen island comes equipped with a built-in under-mount sink and a breakfast bar with comfy looking stools. 

While the nook isn’t exactly the central focus of the room, it’s mostly just an added bonus to an already impeccable kitchen design. Set between the kitchen and the next room, the breakfast nook is padded with rich dark brown cushions. I can imagine myself doing homework there and eating a grapefruit. 

Decor: I believe that a kitchen can be decorated simply by the things that you already have in the kitchen. You can add pops of color with kitschy appliances, texture with decorative hand towels, and life with plants and bowls of fresh produce. And that’s exactly what we get here. 

This stunning kitchen design has been graciously provided by Garrison Hullinger Interior Design.

Related: Breakfast Nook Furniture Sets | Online Breakfast Nook Stores | Large Breakfast Nooks | Do You Need a Dining Table if You Have an Island

5. The Japanese Inspired MCM Nook

Floors & Walls: In all honesty, this kitchen design makes me drool a little bit. One of my dreams is having a home that is designed around a central atrium (a very popular characteristic of midcentury modern homes) so this space holds a special place in my heart.

This stunning space starts with limestone floors, and a gorgeous wood with a rather ornate grain pattern that has been used for almost every surface available: countertops, drawers, ceilings, walls, and shelves. What isn’t wood, is an enormous window with black framing. Just incredible.

Features: This open concept kitchen is perfect to me. I adore that the countertops are wooden as well as the cabinets and drawers, and how this all matches the features in the next room with the amazing library and wood panel walls. I also adore how the gas stove is built right in to the breakfast bar. 

The dining nook itself is particularly stylish, too. The same wood stain has been used for the base as well as the table top itself, while the cushions are adorned with gorgeously creamy upholstery. This room is delicious. 

Decor: Yet another room that is using nothing but personal effects for decoration. I always think that a book collection adds character to a room, but it also provides a great amount of color, too. Otherwise we have beautiful bowls and lamps scattered around various surfaces. And did you see that low-top table in the back? To die!

This perfect kitchen design comes from Marmol Radziner.

6. The Cozy Corner Nook 

Floors & Walls: Yet another craftsman kitchen that just makes your heart skip a beat a little. I would spend so much time in this reading nook: playing cards, reading, sipping tea, journalling, and maybe even just gazing out the window for a while.

This cozy home kitchen starts with dark hardwood floors, while the rest of the space is adorned with gorgeous ivory colored walls with impeccable crown moulding. The nook itself is in a beautiful rounded corner with tons of windows. 

Features: You can tell that this entire kitchen is customized simply based off of how perfect everything is. White brick backsplash goes with both black and white marble countertops. The stove is in its own little alcove with adorable built-in shelving, and the nook itself is constructed right into the building and is topped with black leather cushions and matching chairs. 

Decor: This kitchen is beautifully decorated with light green throw pillows to match a bowl of green apples, and rest assured there’s always some type of freshly cut flowers on the counter. A candle-style chandelier hangs above the dining nook table.

This sweet and cozy kitchen design is thanks to Zillow Digs ^TM.

7. The Window Seat 

Floors & Walls: Precious doesn’t even begin to describe this sweet little breakfast nook. It starts with antique wooden floors and warm white walls, with windows on every side of the nook. Exposed wooden beams in the ceiling give us that heritage home essence. 

Features: This built-in nook set in its own little windowed oasis is topped with floral patterned cushions and in the centre is a particularly lovely, rustic, wooden table with impeccable craftsmanship. 

Decor: A candle-style chandelier hangs above the dining table, while we get splashes of color with a collection of little candles and a vase of fresh tulips.

This pretty breakfast nook has been provided by Zillow Digs ^TM.

8. The Brightness Kitchen Nook 

Floors & Walls: I really really like this kitchen design. While we can’t see most of the kitchen, we do get the idea that this is a really good kitchen for hosting. New hardwood floors in a cooler tone match perfectly white walls and a generously sized window. 

Features: While it would have been standard to just make this little area into a dining room with a dining set, I really love how instead the designer chose to put in a nook. And not only that, a low-set nook! It was very cleverly done too, where instead of having to build the entire structure, one only had to build the base, and use the wall and the back of the kitchen counter! 

Pattern on the cushions is a great way to add a unique aspect, while a simple white table contrasts very nicely against those really lovely dark hardwood stools. 

Decor: I just adore how this kitchen is decorated: with nothing but happy potted plants, and a super cool print. Individually, each print is a fish floating downstream, but put together, it almost creates a face! Rad! 

This awesome kitchen design has been sourced from Wayfair “Get the Look”.

9. The Scandinavian-Inspired Breakfast Nook 

Floors & Walls: (Lol, I love how the photographer was like “let’s put a scooter in here to make it seem family friendly) This particularly stylish dining nook is for more than just eating a meal. This is the place to hang out for hours on end. 

This beautiful room starts with warmly stained hardwood floors, white walls, and sandy-stained wood panels accenting the back wall and the ceiling. 

Features: You can always tell that something is Scandinavian inspired when this particular type of wood is used – which is usually beech, pine, or ash – and it creates a really stylish effect. I find it so neat that this entire room is comprised of one multipurpose structure. 

The walls of the room have been used for backing, while the sides of the nook have a double purpose as a record player holder and a shelving unit. The nook itself is set up with charcoal cushions with matching chairs, and a circular table with a white-marble top. 

Decor: While books do a great job of adding a personal aspect and some color to a room, records achieve the exact same thing. I adore how one person can grab a record and pass it down the line to the person closest to the record player to change it. I can picture myself drinking a Paper Plane and playing Rummy here for hours. 

This stylish kitchen comes from Lynn Gaffney Architect, PLLC.

10. The Orange Accents Nook 

Floors & Walls: I really appreciate how there are so many examples in this collection of breakfast nooks that really don’t need a huge amount of expertise to create. All you need is a corner, a base, and some cushions. This lovely room starts with warm hardwood floors and superb windows that guide us towards wonderfully tall ceilings with crown moulding. Stunning! 

Features: This sweet little nook is nestled between a wine refrigerator and the end of a counter. The corner wall is being used as the back of the bench, while the bench itself is topped with light brown cushions. A sweet little round table is met with two MCM white swivel chairs with orange leather seats, which match the orange chairs at the breakfast bar! Amazing!

Decor: I honestly am obsessed with this globe pendant light hanging above the breakfast table, and the bowl of oranges to go with the orange is just so cute I don’t know whose cheeks to pinch!

This sweet little kitchen dining nook has been designed by Bevan Associates.

11. The Quaintest Kitchen Nook 

Floors & Walls: Ah! This is so damn cute! Sometimes with smaller space you have to get a little bit creative with how to go about it, but this room design is both stylish and ergonomic! 

This adorable kitchen design starts with super bold geometric tiles (LOVE) and the rest is just white. I love this type of combination – patterned tiles are like a giant piece of artwork and allows you to be really simple with the rest of the room. 

Features: This sweet kitchen features white cabinets and white counters, and the breakfast nook itself is made from a white bench as well that has been topped with light blue cushions. A gorgeous, circular, midcentury modern style table is set in front of it, and two stylish white chairs to boot. 

I think that a built-in nook for a smaller kitchen is such a great idea because it avoids all of the wasted space that comes with having a piece of furniture set away from the wall. 

Decor: Everything about this kitchen is just right! It’s decorated simply with fashionable appliances, a lovely collection of cookbooks, and of course, a beautiful vase of fresh flowers. Adore! 

This wonderful kitchen design is thanks to LAURA LAKIN DESIGN.

12. The Nice Alcove Nook 

Floors & Walls: Yet another kitchen that is absolutely perfect for hosting. This room starts with warm hardwood floors and white walls. Beautifully framed windows are everywhere that you look, making this already bright room even more bright. Just heavenly! 

Features: This lovely L shaped kitchen comes with craftsman cabinets with silver handles, and a kitchen island complete with a light gray marble countertop and a breakfast bar with black stools and white cushions. 

The nook itself is set in its own perfect little alcove with windows on every side, and instead of having cushions on the bench seats, we have a lovely arrangement of plush looking throw pillows for your back. My personal favorite is this glorious antique wooden table. 

Decor: Beautiful glass chandeliers hang in the kitchen and provide a delicate accent, while a big clear vase with white flowers are elegant and gentle. I do appreciate the photographer who set up this little croissant and coffee scene.

This lovely kitchen design is thanks to Normandy Remodeling.

13. The Perfect Kitchen? 

Floors & Walls: This kitchen is so perfect to me. It’s cozy, inviting, stylish, timeless, and just gorgeous in every way. Despite its more modest size, it has a remarkable amount of seating in it! This lovely kitchen begins with sandy colored floors, white walls, and a shining white tile backsplash. 

Features: This hallway style kitchen features wooden cabinets and shining white countertops. The outer portion of the kitchen contains a wonderful breakfast bar with room for four stools, each with white framing and charming leather seats. Floating shelves are host to all of your favorite dishes. 

The built-in breakfast nook is nestled into the corner and has been built using the same wood as the cabinets and the backing for the breakfast bar. The same color of leather on the stools has been used for the cushions in the nook. 

A super light wood has been used to build the table and a matching little stool, while the other stools are cleverly the same shade as the blue throw pillows that are being used for the backs of the benches. Just lovely! 

Decor: This beautiful kitchen is decorated with two hanging globe lights over the dining table, and a gorgeous painting sits above the area, combining all of the colors in the room. Beautiful dishes provide all of the other decorative pieces in the space.

This marvellous kitchen design has been provided by Vitale Design.

14. The Farmhouse Dream Kitchen

Floors & Walls: We’re finishing off this collection with what I think is my favorite in the whole thing. The curtain underneath the sink reminds me of the scene in 101 Dalmations where she puts all of the puppies after they’re born. 

This traditional, classic, charming, and cozy kitchen starts with light wood floors and cream colored walls. A peep window not only provides as much light as the windows around the room, but it opens up the space to the next room. 

Features: All of the pieces in this space are simply divine. The single wall kitchen comes with white drawers and black countertops, while the most special aspect is the beautiful farmhouse-style sink made from white porcelain.

A kitchen island is created with an antique desk white turquoise siding, an antique hutch provides beauty but also a ton of valuable storage space, and the built-in dining nook has been built right into the wall using craftsman framing, and a traditional wooden table with matching chairs. 

Decor: This cozy country kitchen is lightly decorated with beautiful beige curtains around the windows, charming little curtains underneath the farmhouse sink, and nothing but beautiful dishes all around the room. 

This precious kitchen design is thanks to Image Design LLC.