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There are a handful of products interior designers use again and again because they’re just that good. In this new series, we ask a pro to share a current holy grail item.
Like islands and walk-in pantries, banquettes have become an essential part of modern kitchens. We’ve seen designers curve them around pillars, swath them in pink chenille, and come up with creative solutions for back rests (foam rollers will do the trick!). But custom-building a breakfast nook isn’t always in the budget for everyone. In those instances, Santa Monica-based designer Albina Hunt relies on a ready-made banquette that’s available at Williams Sonoma.
The Capri Upholstered Banquette is completely modular so you can create either a straight shape with a combination of single seaters or a classic booth with a curved piece. There are also 75 (!) fabrics to choose from, the majority of which fall under the performance category (even a handful of velvets). “It’s elegant and versatile enough that no one will notice that it’s not custom. It just looks like it fits right in,” says Hunt. The configuration possibilities are nearly endless, which is what makes it look so bespoke in the end.
While sofas have also been a popular choice for creating a makeshift kitchen banquette, this one’s seat height and depth are designed with eating in mind. The seat height is 19” and the depth is 20,” which meets our standards for a comfortable dining setup that’s not too slouchy.
Plus, the Capri Banquette isn’t just for kitchens—you can also work it into a large living space. “It’s a great way to add additional seating for a game table,” shares Hunt. To add some character to the arrangement, Hunt would work in a vintage table, like this bistro-style one with turned wood legs or one topped with marble from the 1950s. The second you slide onto that bench, it’ll be like you’ve been transported to your very own personal restaurant.