When envisioning one’s perfect residence, it’s easy to conjure up images of a vibrant garden out back, a high-tech home theater, or delightful antique accents. My vision includes a kitchen bathed in sunlight with a cozy nook for leisurely morning coffee sips. Living in an apartment with no space for a dining set, I thought this was a mere pipe dream. However, I recently discovered that I was wrong.
Enjoying a charming breakfast nook doesn’t require a vast kitchen—clever storage solutions are the secret to crafting such a snug spot. For me, these solutions came in the form of the Lillian Fluted Bookcase and Lillian Channel Tufted Bench from the Better Homes & Gardens range at Walmart.
Before giving my kitchen a makeover, I lacked a suitable spot for the microwave, had countertops cluttered with coffee essentials, and an annoying freestanding island that the apartment came with. I was determined to find a fix.
Banquette seating is a staple in most breakfast nooks, so I began there. But I aimed to accomplish more than just adding seating. I saw this as a chance to introduce storage, and upon finding the Lillian Bench, I knew it was perfect. The plush velvet fabric makes it an inviting spot to unwind, and the olive hue complements the organic, mid-century modern vibe I’m nurturing.
The trickiest part of this project was finding a microwave holder that wasn’t visually offensive. After a lengthy search of underwhelming hutches and carts, I had to get creative, which led to the idea of a bookshelf.
There was a risk it might look odd or out of place, but I decided to give it a shot. Fortunately, it worked beautifully. The microwave fits seamlessly on the lower shelf, my knickknacks found a new home, and there’s still unused storage in the bottom section. The ribbed effect on the doors, which adds a stunning textural element, is my favorite aspect of its multifunctionality.
Assembling the bench was a breeze since it arrived ready to go. The bookshelf required a bit more effort, with many components to put together, but my partner managed it using his tool set. Be aware that the doors might get slightly bent during transit; if so, you’ll need to tweak the hinges with a screwdriver.
To finalize the nook’s styling, I added a petite marble and brass side table (to make breakfast feasible) and a framed print above it. A fun cinnamon roll-scented candle pulled it all together.
These enhancements, both large and small, revitalized my kitchen, converting an once-ignored area into a space I now cherish every day. The lesson here? Bookcases belong in every room. You can find these pieces (and the rest of the Lillian collection) on Walmart’s website.
