Cozy, cute and inviting, banquettes are a great addition to any cottage kitchen, invoking an Old World feel and brimming with charm. The term originates from the French word for an upholstered bench built into a wall. The French aristocracy made it fashionable to include this bench in dining areas to create an intimate, comfortable seating arrangement and the trend has been popular ever since.
There are many ways this design element can be implemented to complement cottage style. We asked several top-notch kitchen designers for some ideas and inspiration.