Built-In Seating

Built-In Seating


Built-in seating is making a comeback. I’ve had a few clients request help getting kitchen booths built. I happen to like the warmth that they bring to a kitchen, not to mention the efficient use of space. Somehow I feel like a built-in style booth encourages people to linger. One tip: make sure the person who builds and upholsters this type of piece is a professional. The last thing you want is an uncomfortable booth. (Note: I have clipped images from many shelter magazines for years. I wish I could go back an identify all of the genius designers and their publishers, but I never expected to post these images one day. I will always give credit when I possibly can.)




Madden created this quaint country nook. I had to include the photo of the dogs enjoying it too. I like the idea of matching the upholstered chairs to the fabric on the bench. Photo courtesy House Beautiful July 04





This built in designed by Tres McKinney fits neatly underneath the window sill. This set up is slightly more formal than the others I’ve shown. The wooden legs that match the chairs add to the formality, as do the channels designed in the upholstery and the fabric itself.





I love the styling in this image. It looks comfortable… but truth be told, built-in seating typically works best with pedestal tables. Photo courtesy Traditional Home Oct 07




This is a built-in we designed and had built for a client. It really helped to warm up the space and make it feel more cozy. Photo Jenny Bova Associates, Inc.

Details v.1

I recently wrote about nailhead trim, but what about other fun details? Detail is all about the way you put things together and the extra-added surprise of showing someone in the room for the first time a little something that they didn’t expect. Details can be anything from architectural details to accessories, but they’re important to making a room look and feel finished and warm. Creative applications of detail are great, but remember, when you do something unusual or over-the-top you must do it well. Don’t skimp or stop short. Get the best and do it right- suddenly you’ll find it will make the room. Detail is a vast subject to cover, so I’ll get started with the images below and try to post something about detail at least once a month.

You may look at the above image from a room in Décor Magazine from 2004 and think, “that’s not my style” but you can learn a lot about details from this room. The overall feel is warm and finished. This designer, whose name I cannot find, had the presence of mind to think about details. Notice the nailhead trim on the chair. The contrast cording on the sofa cusion… the braid or ribbon on the leading edge of the drapery.. and of course, the pom-pom fringe on the pillows. I would have given the table a bigger, more weighty lamp, but then again, it’s hard to judge proportion when you only have one shot of the room.

This simple little tile detail around a fairly standard looking doorbell creates detail before you even walk in the door. Image from Kelly Wearstler's "Modern Glamour".

Trim is an easy way to infuse detail into a room. I love using trim in unexpected ways or in luxurious combinations. I figure, as long as your buying trim, get the good stuff and go for it. Tres McKinney designer. Image courtesy Traditional Home Magazine.


This is a wonderful space between a walk-in closet and a large master bath that we designed for a client several years ago. Custom details include the lampshades, the trim and the amazing assortment of antique silver jars that line the decorative table top. Design by Jenny Bova Associates