Text by Bethany Adams
As summer draws to a close, many homeowners are looking forward to a season filled with gathering around the table—and while the dining room deserves all of the attention and praise it gets, its sometimes overlooked kitchen area is just as important! Whether you’re welcoming overnight guests or hosting weekly brunch, these unique designs paired with inspired recipes from our sister publications are here to help your breakfast nook steal the show this fall!
A Cottage Classic
There’s a reason classic English cottage style is so beloved, and this space by Eric Ross showcases it beautifully! With mixed patterns in muted tones, a touch of warmth in the form of a wooden hutch, and artfully placed topiaries, it may just inspire a makeover. Want to serve something just as timeless? These Cranberry-Oat Scones will pair perfectly with your morning cuppa!
Fun and Fresh
Summer may be drawing to an end, but if you prefer sunny style to rustic charm, consider letting it shine in a few thoughtful details in your home. Woven wicker chairs, vibrant artwork, and nature-inspired elements hint at coastal style without veering into the realm of kitsch, keeping this breakfast spot light and relaxing. Serve your guests a fresh glass of Mint Tea for a final refreshing touch.
Standout Style
Craving a splash of color? Take a few cues from this design that mixes classic and global influences, fusing the two with a palette that pops with vibrancy. The space is a reminder not to forget art when designing your dine-in space, and with so much personality, it’s a look that’s perfectly paired with the bold flavors of these Coconut-Curry Kale Greens.
Tried and True
We’ll never tire of the many charms of vintage style—especially when it’s so easy to personalize antique-inspired spaces to your personal taste! Consider mixing and matching collected pieces to highlight their individual appeal, like this quaint kitchen that pairs a patinaed table with one-of-a-kind ruffled chair covers. It’s the perfect place to showcase the classic country flavors in these Blackberry Fritters.
Here Comes the Sun
There’s something especially cozy about a built-in breakfast nook! If you’re considering adding one of these enchanting details to your cottage, pay special attention to the use of light to make sure it glows like this one! New windows not in the budget? Bright and bold window treatments and seat cushions can do wonders for cheering up a dark space—making it the perfect spot to serve these sunny Orange Rolls.
A Corner Spot
Another way to make use of the light, as well as a stunning view, this L-shaped banquette in a corner window encourages friends and family to linger over every meal. Of course, if you’re serving these Lemon Curd Muffins, they won’t need much convincing!
Breakfast Abroad
Nothing matches the elegance of European style, but we’re especially drawn to spaces that show off the weathered charm of French-country design—like this bay-window beauty by Cindy Blackenburg. Paying special attention to architectural details, like the brick floor here, will make your space truly stand out, helping your furniture and décor choices shine even more brightly. And just like time only makes antique pieces more alluring, it’s worth spending a few more minutes on a breakfast like this country-style take on Eggs Benedict.
Making Room
If you find yourself hosting a crowd on a regular basis—whether it’s a growing family or beloved neighbors—your breakfast area may benefit from a rectangular kitchen table, rather than the round options seen in many nooks and niches. Similarly, a trustworthy breakfast casserole recipe just may make your mornings that much more enjoyable!
Cozy in the Country
Can’t get enough country cottage style? This inviting spot by Jenna Sue Design Co. is nothing short of dreamy, with plenty of layers that, paired with neutral tones, keep things calm and cozy. A pair of stools can be tucked under the table to keep floor space available after a quick cup of coffee, but a bench piled with soft cushions means there’s plenty of room to linger—which you’ll certainly want to do with these strawberry biscuits on the table!
