These Eat-In Kitchens are Perfect for Casual Family Dining

Cosy spots for uncomplicated family meals.

We're now on Instagram! Follow us for more house inspo, tips, tricks and more…

Dining rooms are a lovely addition to any home, but they are typically reserved for special occasions or when entertaining guests. With an eat-in area, families can enjoy meals together in a relaxed and casual setting. Apart from that, it can be used for doing homework or playing board games, among other things.

Whether you have a small or large kitchen, these designer spaces with a casual snack zone or a small breakfast nook will provide you with all of the inspiration and guidance you need to turn your dream eat-in kitchen into a reality!

1. A bar-like eat-in kitchen

While there are many ways to design an eat-in space, many homeowners prefer to convert their kitchen island into a multipurpose casual dining area and food prep area. This way, you won't overcrowd the room with too much furniture.

Take a cue from this modern kitchen, where an island used for food preparation can easily be transformed into a comfortable spot to sit, drink coffee, or share a meal. Meanwhile, the velvet stools, gorgeous pendant lights, and glossy built-in cabinets add a sense of opulence to the space, making this eat-in space feel like dining in a restaurant bar.

2. A modern farmhouse-inspired eat-in kitchen

With an eat-in space integrated into the kitchen, using similar colours in both areas helps to make the whole space feel connected and open.

Take design cues from this cosy farmhouse-style kitchen which features a white quartz countertop and a shaker-style island that mirrors the kitchen counter and built-in cabinetry. Similar white colours can be found on the cross back bar stools, which help to round out the look.

3. An island-extension eat-in kitchen

Comfortable dining requires a little elbow room and legroom. Although your island can seat a certain number of people, this does not guarantee that they will be able to sit comfortably. As a solution, consider creating an island extension adjacent to the main work surface. This design is beneficial because the space beneath the countertop is open, allowing for more legroom. You can also supervise your child's homework while cooking or doing the dishes, in addition to providing a comfortable place to eat meals.

Consider using a different material for the tabletop so the contrast looks intentional. Dark wood as seen in this eat-in kitchen adds a welcoming air and coordinates easily with the glossy white countertop.

4. An L-shaped eat-in kitchen

Placing a dining counter in a kitchen can be a challenge if you have a long and narrow kitchen as this could easily block the walking path, which could disrupt the cooking process. Sometimes, though, the best spot for a counter is right against the wall.

Take a cue from this cosy eat-in kitchen, which features a small L-shaped table pushed up against the wall. It provides a convenient spot to have a quick bite while keeping traffic flowing easily. When not in use for meals, the table doubles as an additional cooking prep zone.

5. A monochrome eat-in kitchen

If you have a lot of space in your kitchen, you can consider incorporating a full-length dining table.

Take a cue from this kitchen, which features an island for meal preparation and a wooden dining table for the homeowners to enjoy a casual meal together. Food does not need to be shepherded between counter and table or room to room, risking spills and cold food, because the eating and cooking areas are combined. Meanwhile, a black chandelier contrasts the all-white space, drawing attention to the charming eat-in area for four.

6. A tastefully designed eat-in kitchen

Although eat-ins are located in a utilitarian space, you can still dress up the area to encourage people to stay and linger for a while.

Consider this modern kitchen, which has lovely lighting fixtures, artwork, and a vase of fresh flowers. This immediately transforms this culinary space into a visually appealing mini dining room, encouraging the homeowners to take the time to enjoy their meal in a more relaxing environment!

7. A bright and spacious eat-in kitchen

In this spacious kitchen space, the designer used the large white countertop as an eat-in table, and leave a small open space underneath for a few stools. The countertop and island are made of the same material creating a defined but uniform look.

Meanwhile, pendant lighting with a similar look but varying shapes anchors the eat-in area, while a skylight above the kitchen island and a wall of windows help to flood the room with plenty of sunlight and add warmth to the space.

8. A small and quaint eat-in kitchen

This eat-in area demonstrates that even the most tricky kitchen layout can accommodate informal seating.

To fit into this L-shaped kitchen layout, the designer foregoes a large table or island in favour of a small island. The island's size is proportionate to the rest of the room, so it doesn't feel cluttered or overpowering. With the addition of two bar stools, the island transforms into the ideal spot for a morning cup of tea while scrolling through your feed or lingering over dessert after an intimate date night. Meanwhile, the sleek, rectangle design complements the kitchen's contemporary style.

Looking for professional help to renovate your home?

Drop us a request for a free quote and we’ll be happy to match you up with up to four interior designers close to your area, tailored to your budget and needs.

All recommendations made by Qanvast will be protected under the Qanvast Guarantee scheme that covers 50% of your contract value, up to RM50,000, in the case that the recommended Contracting Service Provider becomes insolvent.

Meet interior designers. Get quotes. Based on your requirements, we will recommend you up to 5 firms with the Qanvast Guarantee. Get Free Quotes