i’m here in los angeles, working on an event (more on that soon!) and back on the hunt for my dream house. i actually have found a few sweet, but quite small craftsman houses i’m in love with. i don’t honestly need a lot of space, as long as i feel happy there, and these homes give me that warm fuzzy feeling of contentment. it will take a lot of creative thinking to make the most of these smaller spaces, and one of those challenges is the dining nook.
in one particular house i like, there’s not a lot of indoor dining room space — however there’s lots outside — more than enough beautiful outdoor dining space to make up for inside. and it is L.A., so warm weather is on my side. however, i do need some kind of indoor dining area so i’m thinking about smaller dining nooks. an in-kitchen dining table would work, and i think ideally round may be the way to go. here’s a few ideas that could fit the bill in a small space situation.
this is a lovely little nook, complete with gallery, via andy tye.
a square table solution would need to be on the small size, via ems design blogg.
i like the idea of mismatched chairs around a small table, something like this one via ems design blogg.
this ikea docksta is pretty perfect, especially with the bentwood chairs, via fantastic frank (above); and sees by sanni (below).
i do like the idea of small bentwood chairs because they feel and look rather light, via design*sponge.
a small drop leaf table would also be quite functional, rachel swan design.
another great ikea doksta dining table with bentwood chairs — classically good looking.
I personally prefer tighter spaces because they feel more cozy, whereas bigger spaces can sometimes feel empty. I noticed that houses in China are big with small backyards, whereas houses in the States are small with big backyards. I think I prefer the latter :) -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
I love the look of the docksta table, so much that it was the very first thing I decided to purchase when moving into my house. I’m not sure if my small family is extraordinarily hard on kitchen tables, or what, but it began chipping almost immediately. I am not a fan of perfection and in fact most of the items in my house are some variation of vintage, antique or just plain pre-loved, but the dings in that table drove me bonkers. I’m a make do, make it last kind of gal but the docksta had to go. I see the table featured in so many lovely homes and I always wonder if it was just mine that disintegrated immediately, or have others had the same problem?
good to know – thanks katie! i had a knoll saarinen table and it’s base did the same. maybe the circular base gets knocked into by chairs too much.
I personally love the look and feel of kitchen tables right in the middle of the room that also function as an island during meal prep. It just makes entertaining seem so homey and personal. that second image is beautiful. I appreciate that review of the docksta table from the previous reviewer. Maybe I won’t drool over it so hard anymore. Im so excited for you and looking forward to seeing your gorgeous new place.
love that idea, as well. and i may try to fit my farm table if i get this one house! fingers crossed. :)
The outdoor living lifestyle in LA is fantastic – but be careful! The nights get chilly most of the year so make sure you can live comfortably with the indoor space you have, and view the outdoor space as an added bonus. I made this mistake. And from October to about April or May it is too cold at night to eat outside comfortably.
thanks catherine! will keep that in mind!