PLEASE be SEATED

Pull up a chair and read our ultimate guide to kitchen seating, from bar stools to built-in banquettes and more

- BRITTANY SMITH

There's no denying that in recent years, the heart of the home has evolved to encompass far more than simply cooking. Modern kitchens are, more often than not, bustling hubs that require various seating options. “Everyone loves to gather in the kitchen, and considered seating accommodates the ebb and flow of everyday life,” says Kate Nixon, founder and director of the eponymous design studio.

Depending on the layout of your kitchen, your scheme will likely need to incorporate different types of seating, from island stools to dining chairs and even builtin banquettes or freestanding benches. While style and material options are important, height, size and minimum clearances are just as essential. “Seating gets used frequently and energetically,” explains Lorena Couto, interior designer at Progressive Plans. “Every movement – pulling, turning, sitting – needs to be accounted for in the layout.” Read on for our expert advice.

Fixed form

Banquette seating perfectly blends form and function, creating stylish, informal dining while making use of corners that could otherwise feel awkward. “Banquettes are brilliant space savers,” says Amanda Garcia-Panetta, interior designer and director of Studio Panetta. “Having the seat hard up against a wall gives circulation space back to the room.” To ensure functionality and easy flow as people slide in and out of the banquette, the maximum length should be roughly 1850 millimetres - enough space to comfortably seat three people. A seat height of around 450 millimetres suits Australian standards. “The back will vary depending on the architectural elements behind it,” says Amanda.