Kendall Jenner's Banquette Seating Transforms a Tight Corner into the Coziest Nook – it's the Most Stylish Use of Space I've Seen in a While
Combining strategic seating with grandma-inspired touches, Kendall's dining area is practical, chic, and utterly inviting
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Twice a week
Homes&Gardens
The ultimate interior design resource from the world's leading experts - discover inspiring decorating ideas, color scheming know-how, garden inspiration and shopping expertise.
Once a week
In The Loop from Next In Design
Members of the Next in Design Circle will receive In the Loop, our weekly email filled with trade news, names to know and spotlight moments. Together we’re building a brighter design future.
Twice a week
Cucina
Whether you’re passionate about hosting exquisite dinners, experimenting with culinary trends, or perfecting your kitchen's design with timeless elegance and innovative functionality, this newsletter is here to inspire
I've always dreamt of a cozy, pattern-filled home, but in smaller spaces, 'cozy' can become synonymous with 'cramped'.
In a dining area, for instance, it can be difficult to maximize seating without simply filling the room with furniture. The solution? Banquette seating – and Kendall Jenner's is a spectacular blueprint.
Recreate Kendall Jenner's Cozy Breakfast Nook
No breakfast nook is complete without some statement decor, and Kendall showcases a whimsical vase like this one. It's guaranteed to get guests talking at a dinner party.
Decorating with gingham is as popular as ever right now, and it's a failsafe way to nail the cottagecore look. These pillow covers are the perfect addition to a warm, earthy design scheme.
Floral prints are a real hallmark of the 'grandma chic' aesthetic, and this pillow cover is at the top of my wish list. I'd pair it with a selection of striped pillows for a joyful, layered look.
Banquette seats are often custom-built to fit your space – but if you're looking for a quick fix, I'd opt for a bench like this one. The ruffled trim pays homage to Kendall's grandma-inspired nook.
If you're hunting for budget-friendly ways to giving your dining room a makeover, I'd start with chair cushions like this one. Kendall uses a similar set to elevate her wooden chairs.
Bench seating will always help you to maximize the space in your dining room, but the best options will work even harder – and this one is complete with a flip-top storage compartment.
Nostalgic, grandma-inspired design is on full display at Kendall's mountain home, but there's no risk of dark corners or dated furniture. Instead, every room strikes a balance between playful and serene, with color and print offset by plenty of breezy fabrics and neutral hues.
In the dining room, a U-shape banquette is the star of the show. Upholstered in off-white fabric with a skirted trim, it's the perfect blend of style and function: it might pack plenty of seating into a small space, but it doesn't overwhelm the room. (And it provides the perfect backdrop for plenty of patterned cushions.)
To me, Kendall's dining room really is the epitome of a cozy space – and I don't mean that it feels cramped or crowded. If anything, the sprawling banquette opens up the room, creating a zone that any guest would gravitate toward. Tucked up against a set of tall windows, it feels welcoming and relaxed.
Breakfast nooks are the ultimate way to maximize space in an open-plan kitchen, but in a dedicated dining area, Kendall demonstrates that they can introduce a more intimate, laid-back feel. Her handsome dining table is certainly suitable for lavish dinner parties, but the banquette seating also marks out the room as a place to pause and reset.
Admittedly, dining benches and banquettes aren't usually this roomy – and Kendall's feels undeniably luxurious – but it's still an ingenious arrangement. With seating positioned right up against the wall, there's no need to worry about dead space. (Though a few stylish chairs will break up the look and provide some flexibility.)
It's clear that banquettes are a brilliant way to transform humble corners into an architectural moment. Sumptuous seating like this is considered, curated and character-driven – without feeling overly-stylized or formal.
Banquette seating is the perfect way to make use of 'dead space' in a dining area
According to designers, banquettes like Kendall's aren't just a practical choice – they're also ideal for creating a warm, sociable space.
'What makes this nook so successful is how the banquette helps a simple corner to become a true destination,' says Jacob Smith, Interior & Lighting Designer at Residence Supply.
'It changes the social dynamic. Because you’re side by side and slightly wrapped around the table, conversation feels more communal and less formal than a traditional, all-chairs setup. It's a very efficient way to get that “long, lingering meal” vibe without needing a huge room.'
Kendall's space also speaks to a growing dining room trend for 2026: dedicated and yet casual seating areas.
'This setup creates an intimate zone for slow mornings, casual meals, or hosting friends, which is exactly how people are wanting their kitchens and dining rooms to function now: as beautiful but also livable spaces,' says Mariana Agudelo, Blogger and Founder of Beige White Gray.
'For me, this kind of seating is timeless. It’s not trend-driven; it’s lifestyle-driven. That’s why it continues to resonate.'
Tying all of this together is Kendall's signature 'grandma' look, which brings boundless personality and nostalgia into the space. Combining a clever seating arrangement with eclectic styling, Kendall's banquette seating isn't just functional or efficient; it's warm, welcoming, and truly personal.
If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?
