Dreaming of a Kitchen Banquette

This is what our dining room table looks like:

I purchased this furniture back in 2005 after graduating college. Now, my furniture is tore up to pieces. My microsuede Parson chairs (that were supposed to be easy to clean) are now greased with yogurt and milk. The table is scratched beyond recognition.

Our kitchen table is used as a holding place for Ryan’s supplies while he’s repainting the living room. Its been like this for a year and a half (basically, since we’ve moved in). And yes, I think our neighbors probably stare at our window and probably wish we would pull down the blinds.

And no need to worry, we clean off the kids tables when they eat. If we’re not crouched down eating with them at their tables, Ryan and I can be found eating at the barstools. Yes, I consider it family dinner time because we’re all eating together as a family. We may just not be looking right at each other. Who wants to stare at a toddler with dripping food all over her face while they eat anyway?

Here’s another angle of our kitchen table. Real life, yo.

We are definitely in need of an upgrade. I’ve been daydreaming about this for the last two years. A dining room table for our little family. Our house doesn’t have a formal dining room. What it does have is a bar area that faces the chef as well as an amazing dining room nook (as you can see above). Who needs a formal dining room anyway?

For the last two years, I’ve had my eye on this banquette that would be perfect for our nook.  I’m in LOVE with it. I’m in love with Ballard Designs new collection of furniture, but that’s a different topic all together.

We are nowhere near to the point of buying this because we are still saving. And I dare mention the price of this to Ryan (knowing how he’ll lecture me about the kids getting it dirty as well as bringing up my couch decision). So I’m day dreaming. I’m dreaming of one day being able to put this Coventry Sectional in our dining nook. Maybe by Christmas we could save enough money? Nah, that would cut into Ryan’s hunting budget.

A girl can keep dreaming. Help me dream:

What do you think of the striped look? Black/white would be way too bold for me. Our house has a clean, linen classic feel to it. At least, that’s what I’m going for. Specifically, I’m wanting rustic luxe – so that Ryan can have his rural feel while I still have my bling. Thoughts on the images on the left?

What about a more subtle stripe like below? I feel as though if I did the one that has green stripes, I’m stuck with decorating around that green. What if I wanted to go with a plush blue accent chair in the great room? Wouldn’t green and blue clash?

What about patterns? I feel like chevron is dead, and these patterns might be next? But I’m so in love with the color and tone of these patterns. What do ya think?

I’d love to hear your comments on what I could do with that space! Please comment below. Ideas outside of the banquette are welcome.

I’ll keep dreaming, and so should you 🙂

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