A casual alternative to the dining room table, the breakfast nook is perfect for anything from sitting down to a morning smoothie bowl, to standing in as a home office. Here are a half-dozen modern takes on the classic, cozy eating area.

1. Marble Luxury

Kalu Interiors combined finishes for the breakfast nook in this updated 1970s Vancouver Special, including a smaller wood table with a marble base and rattan dining chairs. Velvety teal pillows add colour to the space and additional comfort to the wood floating bench.

2. Functional and Casual

In this family home in Southern Alberta, Calgary designer Elena Del Bucchia included storage underneath the built-in bench seating and custom cushions with protective plastic to prevent food stains.

3. Scandi-Style

Chris Hill’s fresh and airy reno of his 1980s North Vancouver townhouse includes this modern Scandinavian-style breakfast nook. The cheerful seating area surrounds a sanded wood table for a rustic touch.

Credit: Janis Nicolay

4. Contrasting Accents

A long, cushioned bench provides tons of extra seating and storage in this East Vancouver home by Madeleine Design Group and Rain City Homes. Black accents and textured pillows give the space a layered look.

Credit: Bright Photography

5. Cheerful Colour

Matching bold-patterned pillows complete the look of the blue upholstery in this breakfast nook by Emerge Design. The pop of colour perfectly suits the Marimekko-inspired home in Dawson Creek, BC.

Credit: Bryce Meyer

6. Warm Comfort

Everything in this cabin in Golden, BC, embodies the Danish concept of hygge, including this breakfast nook. Architect Mark Bukhart and interior designer Landon Anholt complemented the cabin’s wilderness setting by using stone, wood, and glass materials. A fur throw and warm colour pallet make the space look extra inviting.

Britni Cachelin

Britni Cachelin