We comb through the est archives to bring you our seven favourite dining nooks.
Dining nooks – or breakfast nooks – are a clever way to maximise limited dining space or create a cosy spot to gather near the kitchen. From a New England mansion in New York to a transformed mid-century Sydney home, we’ve collated seven standout dining nooks, each providing a tailored and intimate setting.
The Hargrave House by CM Studio features the No 811 Hoffman Chair for Thonet and the Twig 5 Pendant for Apparatus Studio | Photography by Prue Ruscoe.
Watch Hill House by Studio Giancarlo Valle
Perched on the coast of Rhode Island, Studio Giancarlo Valle’s Watch Hill House instils a sense of old-school charm. Separated from the formal dining room, the built-in dining nook with upholstered seating is completed with the Charlotte Perriand Low Meribel Chair – one of many coveted pieces in the Watch Hill House.
The bespoke banquette seating is upholstered in tan leather.
The CH20 Elbow Chair, designed by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen + Son.
Paddington Terrace by Smart Design Studio
Gracing the cover of est magazine issue #32, the Paddington Terrace by Smart Design Studio sees the sophisticated renovation of a heritage Victorian Sydney home. Catering to the narrow building, this ultra-modern dining nook features a built-in floating seating solution contrasted with a set of classic CH20 Elbow Chairs, designed by Hans J Wegner.
Pacific Bondi Apartment by Amber Road
Capturing the owner’s fond memories of childhood in Papua New Guinea, Sydney-based sister duo Amber Road (now YSG Studio) have steered clear of the predictable coastal aesthetic in this Bondi home by emphasising sumptuous, tactile materials and custom furniture. Dressed in deep earthy tones, the leather and linen dining nook provides an innovative place of comfort in the apartment.
The Ambit Rail Lamp in Black for Muuto and No 811 Hoffman Chair for Thonet.
Darlinghurst Residence by Richards Stanisich
Designed for a family of four, Richards Stanisich’s 120-year-old Darlinghurst Residence carefully balances old and new. The garden terrace allows natural light to flood into the dining nook, where a leather banquette and oak dining table create a unique central hub for the family to gather.
Caravan Dining Room by Flack Studio
Flack Studio have maintained a signature aesthetic in their versatile portfolio through layering bold tones and materials. This Australian restaurant in Seoul reflects the owner’s multicultural background through a curated spectrum of quirky pieces and unconventional artwork, while built-in seating offers the ultimate solution to the small space.
The No 811 Hoffman Chair for Thonet.
Tribute House by Luigi Rosselli Architects and Alwill Interiors
Paying homage to its mid-century origins, Tribute House by Luigi Rosselli Architects and Alwill Interiors is the refreshing transformation of a 1950s Bellevue Hill Home. The dining nook realises smooth curves reminiscent of the kitchen bench, illuminated by the Lampe de Marseille designed by Le Corbusier.
Ashley Street Home by Akin Atelier
This secluded retreat by Akin Atelier nestled among the treetops of Tamarama lifts cues from its coastal surrounds, resulting in a relaxing sanctuary. Clad in the same baby-blue panelling as the kitchen, this corner-set dining nook provides a secondary eating area and maximises space in an unused corner of the home.
The Cab Chair for Cassina in the Albert Park Home by Robson Rak | Photography by Shannon McGrath
The In Between Chair for &tradition in the Pacific House by Penman Brown | Photography by Felix Forest
