I'm so enamored of banquettes and almost any kind of upholstered seating at the dining table. It makes for such a casual, comfortable vibe and really invites my favorite kind of entertaining at breakfast, lunch, and dinner: long, lingering, and laid back. And beyond meals, think feet up, coffee drinking, newspaper reading, and wine sipping between meals. In kitchens large or small, and whether it's a built-in or freestanding seating, there are so many ways to make this look—and lifestyle!—work for your home.











What do you think? If you can't create a built-in seat, I love a freestanding settee or banquette. Ballard has some lovely settee and bench options.