ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF THE MOMENT...WINDOW SEATS

DESIGNING BUILT-IN SEATING INTO YOUR FLOOR PLAN HAS PLENTY OF PRACTICAL AND AESTHETIC BENEFITS – HERE’S HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT SPOT

- REBECCA FOSTER

1 INSIDE OUT

Amos Goldreich Architecture unlocked the potential of this Victorian house by introducing a side and rear extension to re-jig the space. The window seat is one of the key design features and was a must-have for the homeowners. The window structure itself projects out over the fish pond, creating the feeling that even when you’re sitting inside, you’re in the garden. An oak finish was used internally to maintain continuity with the rest of the materials in the kitchen.

GET THE LOOK Project design by Amos Goldreich Architecture

If there’s one feature that will instantly make any room feel more inviting, it’s a window seat. As well as allowing you to maximise sunshine and garden views, a well-designed setup should be multi-functional. For example, it might provide a work from home station during the day, transitioning effortlessly into a casual dining area in the evening.

‘A window seat is part of the fabric of the window, so the seat itself becomes part of the frame,’ explains Phil MacMahon, director at Foreign Bear Studio. ‘They offer lovely places to sit, read and contemplate. Plus, there’s the added benefit of built-in storage underneath.’