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Can I pull this banquette look off? I don't have the loveley large window, but what I like is the 2 cabinets on each side, which I need for storage. In my room, the wall with arrow, was initially planned to be removed to open up the dining area to liv. rm. (still waiting for contractor, ugh) so while I wait, re-thinking the situation. The ceiling light may have to be re-centered.

areas to be removed

Hi mmtsh,certainly you can do this.It will look wonderful.Adds storage and a pretty look.You can add a small chest or bench in between these 2 corner pantrys.It'll be a small sitting area with more storage inside.Yep,now the hard part of redeciding what to do.

I'd love to see a beautiful picture or 2 coradinating picture sets above that shelf.It would be like a fake window view.Just my idea,take it or not

I think I will have to have the bench made. I would replace my existing pantries, IF, I could find something similiar that were taller. The original designer says the cabs are 21" custom of course, bench 8 foot. My existing pantries are 18" wide, 16" deep, & I have room for 7 foot bench.

NOooo dont replace the pantrys.Have plywood boxes made,sanded and painted.Then sit your pantrys on top to give height.Add small door on box or hinged one front side for hidden storage too if needed

I vote for 7ft. bench and wooden box to lift up pantrys.You'll come out cheaper then replacing those.

How about a large mirror on top of your shelf.It would add more light,visual window.

I also have a dining area that is a pass through, so I am going to move my table (and light fixture) towards the wall to create a less-tight traffic space.

I think you can work with what you have, as jackierenette mentioned, having boxes made for the bottom and placing your cabinets on top, or vice versa (have boxes made for top) then add crown at the top.

If you do a bench, make it at least 18" deep with a good cushion and you can eliminate two chairs on that wall side.

I was also thinking of adding a mirror to the top area over my settee (instead of a built in bench I got a settee). It will reflect light from your chandelier too.

Good luck with your project!

All of the above!
Have the benches made with hinged lids. You will be so glad to have extra storage. Add a few toss pillows for color and comfort.

Go buy premade cabinets with drawers as your bases.Paint them and place your pantrys on top.If the height will allow for it.No contracter needed.

I used my entry bench & moved table closer to create a faux banquette area. It's too tight. So, doing a built probably won't work. I may get a long bench for that side of table that can be pushed in & out & keep table centered to room. I will keep the pantries and we are going to work on making them look more built in. I would love to stack something on top to the ceiling then run across the top of ceiling to other side, like a bridge.

For Jackie & Mary Ruth. Do you have any pics of your areas you would be willing to share.

mmtsh,hello.I agree with adding a bench to the other side of table.And keeping table centered.I have chairs like yours.
I saved this pic yesterday.Thought of you when I saw it too.LOVE the wall of drawers and pantrys on top.Color too.

I dont have any pics of my kitchen.No dinningroom just kitchen area.I have this huge OAK table that takes up the whole middle of kitchen.UGH!!DH bought table & matching OAK 4 door hutch as my wedding gift.The table has 2 leafs that can be added too.I have done that for family gatherings in the past.It is oval with designed edge were corners would be.I have been saying for 2 yrs.I am going to paint the top.Havent yet,maybe this spring for sure.I ruined the top and daughters helped.Scratched and has 2 bad areas.I laid DH bday hot cakes on racks on table right after we got it.Left heat marks,but you can hardly tell that area.My kitchen is not my dream kitchen.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jackierenette,

A built in does not have to be on both sides. You would gain storage in the bench with a flip top or doors in the front. So, one side cabinet will be Asymmetrical but easier to get in and out of.

The reason I wanted a settee built in is that (I have been inside a few of the houses around me built like mine) the way everyone has the table in the center of the room with a huge china cabinet against the wall. See, that is the only place to store the tablescape items so you don't have to fill up your kitchen cabinets.

AND we do not have more than just DH and I unless the kids visit. So, then we need more seating and can just pull extra chairs from around the house (had more chairs but gave them to my daughter). She will probably have all LARGE family get-togethers at her house. I gladly pass the task! When I need to sit 8, this settee built in will really help replace the chairs I no longer have. The table can also be pushed towards the settee if I like the extra space on the other side of the room, and since there is NO room for a china cabinet, and I got tired of searching for two narrow ones... so.. built-ins were the answer.
My built-ins will be 14" to 16" in depth for china storage, not display space.
My settee is curved on the sides and the built-ins will be 10" away from the cabinets, I have plenty of space to scoot into the seat from either side. (settee 72" wide plus 10" on each side equals 92" of space total)

MY dining room wall is 180" wide, I am pulling in 10" from the left side so as not to close in the end of the hall. Then I am allowing 10" each side of the 72" settee. Leaving me with 78" left. That means 39" for each side to work with, if I Allow for 2" spacer at wall on the right side, that means 38" for each width of cabinets (meaning room for two doors on each cabinet).

That is why I was able to go with this type of seating and storage arrangement on this wall. I have the room. And IF we ever had to sell the house, or change out the dining set, we would have room to also use 2 chairs on that side where the settee is now.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,