FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe
Design

Breakfast Nooks

Issue 255 - Kitchens & Baths 2015

In the bay, by the lake

Susan Teare, susanteare.com

This 12-ft. by 11-ft. dining bay in a classic shingle-style cottage is located just steps from the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain. The bay’s almost floor-to-ceiling six-over-one windows represent a classic window style found in area cottages and “great camps” built in the 1890s to 1930s. Devoid of window treatments, they provide unobstructed panoramas of the lake. The ceiling is 1-in. by 4-in. beaded-edge poplar painted with six coats of light-blue enamel. The white-oak floors are stained with Southerland Welles polymerized tung oil. The custom light fixture over the table was designed by Milford Cushman and fabricated by Steve Conant.

 

Designers Milford Cushman and Terri Gregory, Cushman Design Group, Stowe, Vt.; cushmandesign.com

Builder Peter J. Welch, PJ Welch Corp., Ferrisburg, Vt.

Interior designer Monica Conroy Bodell, MCID Inc., Manhattan Beach, Calif.; mcidinteriordesign.com

Light-fixture fabrication Steve Conant, Conant Metal and Light, Burlington, Vt.; conantmetalandlight.com

Photograph Susan Teare, susanteare.com

It’s all about family.

Whether used for eating breakfast, doing homework, playing games, or enjoying coffee and the newspaper, this nook is the perfect spot. For maximum comfort, the banquette inside this bay window has a 1-1⁄2-in. subcushion underneath the 3-in.-thick seat cushions. Careful consideration was given not only to the height of the seats but also to the height of the gently sloped back cushions. A shelf behind the banquette back provides a transition to the windowsill as well as a space for the HVAC grates and the window shades when lowered. Pullout drawers in the banquette base offer additional storage.

 

Architect Jan Gleysteen, Jan Gleysteen Architects, Wellesley, Mass.; jangleysteeninc.com


Builder Kistler & Knapp Builders, Acton, Mass.; kistlerandknapp.com


Interior designer Mollie Johnson, Mollie Johnson Interiors, Wellesley, Mass.; molliejohnsoninteriors.com


Photograph Richard Mandelkorn, rsmphoto.com


A new bay for a historic house

A 4-ft.-deep, 9-1/2-ft.-wide, and 9-ft.-high custom bay window allowed for the addition of a breakfast area overlooking the rear patio of a row house built around 1900. The new bay is supported by metal brackets anchored to the existing masonry wall. Securing the bay back to the wall and making it as light and transparent as possible was a key aspect of getting the necessary approvals from the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Portions of the ceiling were left open to expose the original brick and beams. The table was made from a salvaged farm tabletop fitted with a new custom base. The Tobias chairs are from Ikea. The flooring is red oak.

 

Architect Rasmussen/Su, Philadelphia, rasmussen-su.com

 

Builder Hanson General Contracting, Philadelphia, hgcinc.biz

 

Bay-window and table design and fabrication Bill Curran Design, Philadelphia, billcurrandesign.com

 

Photographs Jeffrey Totaro, jeffreytotaro.com

Jeffrey Totaro, jeffreytotaro.com
Jeffrey Totaro, jeffreytotaro.com

More windows, more light

The 5-ft. by 10-ft. breakfast bay in this traditional-style New England home was given a makeover as part of a kitchen renovation. To bring in more natural light, transom windows were added over the existing six-over-six double-hung windows. For each bench seat, the architects designed open backrests angled for comfort and positioned at a height that provides support while preserving window views. Seat tops are hinged to access a storage area. Norman Cherner molded-plywood armchairs provide additional seating around the Eero Saarinen tulip dining table with its Arabescato marble top. The Saucer Criss Cross pendant lamp is by George Nelson. The plain-sawn white-oak floors are stained with Duraseal in Ebony.

 

Architect Douglas Dick (principal) and Carter Williams (project architect), LDa Architecture & Interiors, Cambridge, Mass.; lda-architects.com

Builder Michael Handrahan Remodeling, Hingham, Mass.; handrahanremodeling.com

Photograph Sean Litchfield Photography, seanlitchfield.com

Cozy in Vermont

No matter what the weather, a great start to the day is guaranteed when sitting inside this comfy breakfast bay adjacent to a gas fireplace. But mornings are not the only time this welcoming spot is put to good use. It’s also a favorite place for homework and casual dinners. The custom table is topped with walnut to complement the walnut floors. The custom cabinetry is painted poplar, and the countertops are Carrara marble. The hand-blown light fixture is Niche Modern’s Bell Jar.


Architect Michael Minadeo, Minadeo & Partners, Essex Junction, Vt.; minadeopartners.com


Builder Bickford Construction, Williston, Vt.

 

Cabinetry Simpson Cabinetry, South Burlington, Vt.; simpsoncabinetry.com


Color and hardscape consultation; bench and table design Page Frantz, Page Frantz Color & Design Consulting, pagefrantz.com


Interior designer Michelle Holland, Michelle Holland Interiors, Shelburne, Vt.; michellehollandinteriors.com


Photograph Susan Teare, susanteare.com

Sunlight and water views

While designed to fit in with the antique architecture in its neighborhood, this cottage was in fact built just a few years ago. A dining area with views of the harbor beyond was designed to feel like a porch that had been enclosed and repurposed over time. The wood in the ceiling detail is cypress and was sourced from recycled beer barrels at a local brewery.

 

Architect Mark Hutker (principal), Hutker Architects, Falmouth, Mass.; hutkerarchitects.com


Builder Leo De Sorcy, De Sorcy Company, Vineyard Haven, Mass.


Photograph Brian Vanden Brink, brianvandenbrink.com

Functional—and fun

This kitchen nook bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary styles. Unique double molding at the ceiling echoes detailing on the home’s gambrel exterior, while furnishings and accents introduce clean, more contemporary elements. The wood used for the floors and the custom dining table is 5-in. quartersawn oak, a material prized for its consistent, linear grain. The inviting banquette seating is comfortable and functional. Aesthetically, it serves as a framed aperture for enjoying water views from the kitchen.


Architect Matt Schiffer (associate), Hutker Architects, Falmouth, Mass.; hutkerarchitects.com


Builder C.H. Newton Builders, West Falmouth, Mass.; chnewton.com


Interior designer Hutker Architects 


Photograph Brian Vanden Brink, brianvandenbrink.com

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Innovative Design in Affordable Housing

A barbell layout comfortably organizes this small, single-family home into its extremely narrow footprint.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast 513: Trusses in a Fire, Roof Outsulation, and Problems With Spray Foam
  • Podcast 511: Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, Spray-Foaming Stone Foundations, and Supporting Cast-Iron Waste Lines
  • Podcast 505: Dirty Band Joists, Taping Roof Sheathing, and Affordable High-Performance Windows
  • Passive-House Remodel in A Historic Neighborhood

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • Podcast 533: Missing-Middle Housing, Collateral Damage From Demo, and Midwest BS Symposium
  • Podcast 533: Member’s only Aftershow — Training for Tradework
  • Podcast 532: PRO TALK With Engineer Stephen MacDougall
  • Sponsored Content Sustainable Steel Siding
View All

Dining Rooms

View All Dining Rooms Articles
  • Open and Inviting in the Woods
    Architecture for an Open but Cozy Home
  • new england style home
    Adapting the New England-Style Home to Texas
  • living room with fireplace
    Steel Sheet Piling Supports This House in the Dunes
  • modern house in the trees
    Modern House in the Trees
View All Dining Rooms Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams
  • Issue 311 - November 2022
    • 7 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job
    • Options for Smarter Home-Energy Tracking
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer
  • Issue 310 - October 2022
    • Choosing a Tile-Leveling System
    • Choosing Between HRVs and ERVs
    • Custom Built-in Cabinets Made Easy
  • Issue 309 - Aug/Sept 2022
    • 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
    • How to Get Sturdy Walls Without OSB
    • Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in