Add Wow Factor to a Breakfast Nook

When built in 2001 this breakfast nook was more of an afterthought than a standout feature. Positioned just off the U-shaped 200-square-foot kitchen, the nook receives heavy traffic both by the homeowners and their holiday guests.

For a breakfast nook table to accommodate different setups for up to six people, from buffet-style brunches to more elaborate lunches or dinners, it's important to choose round pedestal tables with tops between 42 and 60 inches in diameter. Anything smaller will most likely feel too cramped once guests are seated.

When choosing paint finishes for spaces where food and drink are served, eggshell and satin work best since they're easy to clean. Homeowners looking for a subtle, matte finish will get a look similar to true flat-finish paint, but with much more practicality. Although most designers prefer flat due to its ability to soften up spaces and also camouflage imperfections in drywall or plaster, it's likely that nicks or smudges made on flat painted surfaces will require touching up with a detail brush rather than a simple wipe of a sponge.

Proper lighting is essential to the successful design of a breakfast nook, especially for use at night. When sourcing the proper light fixture for a breakfast nook, be sure to consider the scale and proportion of the fixture in relation to the table. Sculptural fixtures such as this rope-covered orb are excellent complements to simple pedestal tables. More elaborate tables with sculptural shapes are best paired with simple light fixtures such as globe pendants or lanterns.