People love to gather in the kitchen, so why not give them a seat? Keep guests happy by creating a comfy area where they can be part of the action, but out of the way. A lounge area in the kitchen is nice for aging relatives who don't want to sit on a bar stool for hours. Tired spouses can nap here and children can read, all while you prepare dinner. Here are 5 tips for using lounge furniture in your kitchen.
This gold sofa keeps guests in the kitchen or lets them get lost in the garden.
Use colorful, cleanable fabrics.
Lounge furniture is a great way to introduce color and pattern. Sofas and chairs are not permanent, so go bold and introduce something hip or odd. You can always switch it out. Make sure you choose fabrics that resist stains like microfiber or sunbrella. This kitchen by Jessica Helgesson makes use of a vintage sofa that adds a touch of fun and glamor.
This corner sofa allows for good flow around the kitchen island. See other airy kitchens here.
Face the chef, not the trash.
When placing lounge seating, consider the kitchen flow. You don't want guests getting splashed or burned, or smelling the trash bin all evening. Place furniture so that guests can see the cook and other guests around them. Always have a table or window sill near, where friends can set drinks or plates. This kitchen by Eugenia Jesberg creates a cozy nook that's near enough to chat with the chef.
A sunny lounge in the Brooklyn kitchen of Jenna Lyons.
Use upright, supportive seats.
Choose seats that are easy for older guests to get up from. Look for arm rests and higher seat heights (fourteen-sixteen inches). Use upright, supportive backs so guests are comfortable sitting and chatting for long periods of time. Avoid overstuffed, deep lounge furniture that is hard to get up from. This kitchen, decorated by famous J Crew VP Jenna Lyons, makes use of a sunny spot to add overflow seating.
The lounge chairs on the right can swivel to enjoy the fire and the company.
Create multipurpose seating.
Lounge chairs that can swivel or be easily moved are great for multipurpose spaces. If your living room is adjacent to the kitchen, consider a lounge chair that can turn to face both rooms. Multipurpose seating is a great opportunity to tie two spaces together with color, pattern, or texture. This great-room is by famed home design firm Polhemus Savory Desilva.
This window seat adds extra storage to our showroom kitchen.