What is considered a functional kitchen these days has an eat-in area. It might have counter seating, a spot for a small table or even better a special corner that is, (or could be!) a breakfast nook. I’ve thought these were just the most charming thing for as long as I can remember. It’s my dream to design and one day have a nook of my own. Did anyone see the Roger’s and Hammerstein’s version of Cinderella where Leslie Ann Warren sings the song, “My own little corner in my own little room…” It’s like that for me, and I’m sure a lot of you too!

Leslie Ann Warren in Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

First let’s take a look at some of my favorite breakfast nooks that have inspired me. I’m drawn to nooks with color and personality- think of it as a room of it’s own, not just an extension of the kitchen. A space where you can cozy up for a quiet cup of coffee in the morning or have a small intimate dinner with close friends.

Nashville home of Holly Williams, photo by Annie Schlechter and styling by Matthew Gleason

Hygge and West wallpaper, design by j-jones design

I’ve been thinking about what my fantasy breakfast nook would look like, how does the saying go, Design for the job you want…? I was inspired by Relativity Textiles wallpaper pattern, Peacock Teal. Every design scheme has a jumping off point and for me it usually has two things, color and pattern. What I love about Peacock Teal is that it has both. There are elements about this pattern that make it easy to design with and incorporate other colors and patterns without feeling like you have to hold back. It can be the lead and supporting role at the same time.

Here are three reasons why this pattern works:

It has a light ground. If you are just papering a portion of your room or nook (read my thoughts on that here), this light ground will keep the space flowing if the rest of the walls are light.
It has 3 colors! Anytime a pattern has more than two colors it opens the floodgates and makes it so much easier to bring in lots more color. (In a tailored way, of course). Just that touch of metallic gold defines the pattern and makes it so much more dynamic.
It’s graphic and organic. The simple round shapes make it graphic, but it doesn’t feel so rigid and structured. It has movement and variety which makes it also organic.

wallpaper I sconces I artwork I chandelier I bench (vintage) I table I chairs I rug I pillow print I pillow solid I colored glass collection- A Beautiful Mess

Here you have it, my bright and colorful fantasy breakfast nook! I like to balance out lots of color and pattern with other textures, like the graphic sisal rug and vintage bench. The organic textures are then balanced with the smooth white of the table and sconces. It’s a fun spot that I hope would make the start of your day a little bit merrier and and give you that extra dose of sunshine we all need this time of year. And thanks Relativity Textiles for the wallpaper inspiration!

A Bright and Colorful Breakfast Nook