DIY kitchen banquette reveal

Finally, the reveal.

The banquette took a lot longer than expected and there were a few bumps along the way, but I'm pleased to say it's finally finished!  We've actually been enjoying sitting on it for a few weeks now, and I can tell you, it is mighty comfy.

Here's some pictures without the table in front.  The material is linen, so that is why it looks creased.  I've ironed and starched it, but nothing will make the creases come out.  I'm learning to live with it!  Plus the table should hide the skirt on the most part.

Here's the banquette with the table.  Of course the table does not go with the style of the banquette, it's way too country, hence the addition of the table cloth.

The tufts aren't all perfect, and that little bit drove me crazy!  I spent many restless nights wondering if it actually looked like this:

No offense if this is your bed design, but this picture did make me laugh.

I'm a little paranoid about the boys spilling something on it, but I scotch guarded it and keep a bottle of stain remover handy for those inevitable spills.  So far so good.

I'll post a tutorial and price breakdown later in the week.

Sweet Brass Chairs

I swear I have design ADD or probably just ADD in general.  No I haven't finished the banquette yet, but I've already managed to get distracted by yet another project!  I need serious help.

The banquette has taken a lot out of me.  It was way harder than I anticipated.  Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a perfectionist; but those damned tufts!  Ugh, why can't they be completely even and look like the tufted chairs in stores?

So I'm taking a mini break until I muster up enough energy to complete it.

In the meantime, look what I found.

And at an unbelievable price of $5 for both.  Yes, you read that right, $2.50 a piece!  Yes, they're gross and the kids refuse to sit in them ever, even after I recover them.  But ooh the possibilities.

Let's have a look, shall we?

Graphic or floral?

Different fabric on back and front?

Way too busy I think.

Narrowing it down.

Love all of these Caitlin Wilson prints.

Which one do you think I'm going to go for?

This is definitely a contender.  It's outdoor fabric so great for repelling stains; it's pink, which I love;  and the pattern is not too bold that it overwhelms the chair.

But there's something about this next one that just speaks to me.

Yes, I know, bloody chevron again!  I know most of you are probably sick of chevron, but this is slightly more chic wouldn't you agree?

But then again I'm also leaning towards no pattern.

But instead a lovely soft velvet.  Decisions, decisions.  I hope I don't ponder too long over this one.  What would you choose?

DIY Kitchen Banquette Inspiration

I always gravitate towards a banquette or booth at a restaurant.  There's something so cozy and intimate about them.  Luckily I have the perfect spot in my kitchen for one but not necessarily the resources to buy what I envisage.

There are quite a few upholstered benches on the market, specifically the Harper Banquette from World Market and the Tribeca Banquette from Ballard Designs.  But they're either too small, too bulky, or too expensive.  I wanted a bench that would fill the entire corner but not take up too much space (contradictory I know).

Here are my inspiration photos.

Tufts!!!  Am I crazy or what?

You can find the links to the above pictures here.

And this is where I'm at right now.

I'll post a tutorial and source list next week.  Lots to share.