Who knew a half-formed banquette idea would spark so much conversation? Within hours we had more than 800 comments — totally wild. We’re thrilled by all the helpful suggestions and creative ideas you’ve shared, and we promise to keep you updated as the plan evolves. Nothing is set in stone, so the design will likely shift as we go. Still, you can count on us to share each change and each new thought with anyone who wants to follow along.

While I should really be painting the office cabinets right now, I couldn’t resist posting a gorgeous rendering a reader named Amber sent us. She’s clearly talented with Photoshop, and her visualization makes it much easier to imagine the space:

Doesn’t that help you start to see it? Of course a lot could change—the countertop color, the table shape and finish, light placement, flooring, and cabinet color are all up for discussion. There might even be open shelves behind the banquette instead of full cabinetry. In short, nothing in the rendering is final, but it’s a valuable starting point and we wanted to share it so everyone could picture the concept. Big thanks to Amber for taking the time to mock this up.

One of the biggest concerns before this rendering was whether the banquette would make the room feel closed in. The image helped clarify that the banquette won’t block more of the room than the previous table did. Seating at the banquette will be the same height as traditional chairs, so people will retain similar sightlines. The countertops behind the banquette will align roughly with the height of existing base cabinets, so the overall visual profile will stay balanced. In other words, the nook shouldn’t read as a closed-off island in the space (unless you ask our shorter residents Clara and Burger, who will probably lose some of the view).

Looking at the rendering, we’re even considering adding two small stools at the back of the banquette so the countertop nearest the kitchen could double as casual seating. It might be perfect for quick breakfasts or casual chats while someone cooks. On the other hand, that counter might be too useful as extra prep space to sacrifice. We can also picture using it for hors d’oeuvres and drinks when entertaining. Right now it’s all hypothetical, but these are the fun decisions we get to make together.

Some readers suggested orienting the banquette to face the kitchen work area rather than the hallway and fireplace. We debated this, but we prefer the banquette with the counter side close to the kitchen and the seating facing the frame wall and fireplace. Those are the two best visual anchors in the room, and sitting there means you won’t have to stare at a sink full of dishes while you relax. Because the fireplace sits in the corner, flipping the L-shaped banquette to face the prep area would reduce balance and visual flow. To make that clearer, we sketched two layouts: the top option shows the L facing the fireplace (our preference) and the bottom shows it flipped, which doesn’t work as well with the corner fireplace.

Hopefully that sketch clarifies why the current orientation feels more natural for the room. Sorry we didn’t include it in this morning’s post — it would have saved some of the back-and-forth. We really appreciate everyone weighing in; thoughtful feedback has helped shape our thinking more than you might imagine.

Anyway, I should get back to painting office cabinets. I picked up Benjamin Moore Advance last night and I’ve heard great things about it for cabinetry, so I’m eager to try it out. Once I’ve finished a few coats and taken some photos, I’ll report back — probably early next week if the drying times cooperate. Anyone else tackling cabinet painting or daydreaming about a cozy banquette nook?

Psst — giveaway winners were announced this week. Check the original giveaway post to see if you’re one of them!