Built-in Eating Nook

One of my favorite features in the kitchen is a built-in eating nook. I am mean lets be real, you don’t have to worry about what type/style of chairs to purchase, because, well, their built-in. Also, if you get built-ins made for your kitchen nook, make sure they are made with an easy removable top for storage. I literally store our entire collection of Christmas decorations in our built-in’s. I only need to open it two times a year, before the holidays and after. Now, the third reason I adore built-in benches in the kitchen is so that I can change the “look” or style of my Built-in Eating Nook easily without the heavy price tag. We all know I am not the type to stick to something for a decade, so why not have the ability to change it out when I can.

I am the first to admit that there have been some bad choices in fabric for my built-in benches over the years. hey, trial and error.

For instance, my first bench makeover was an outdoor Sunbrella fabric. Summer was just around the corner after a loooooong Chicago winter and I needed something fun and vibrant.

I know, cute, right?  Well, not really after a few months, check out this after picture.

YUCK! As you can see, the suggestion to use “outdoor” fabric in a breakfast nook is one of the worst design advices to give.

Well, moving on. I knew I needed a laminated fabric. I wrote an entire post on how laminated fabric has changed over the years and we have so many more options. Read about all your laminate fabric options here.

okay, I was still recovering from all the stains of the Sunbrella fabric so I knew I wanted a design that wouldn’t show any dirt or spills. I went a little crazy and picked a wild design pattern.

Granted!! it worked. No stains, no nothing. Literally just wiped it clean with a damp cloth or baby wipe and you were good to go. It even lasted almost 2 years. So why change?

I was always done with the design. Probably was done with it minutes after installing it. Oops #designfail

Well, I recently found the time to redo our built-in again. After some research I thought I try something new and look into fashion vinyl. Literally the vinyl used to make purses / totes / etc.  The durability of vinyl is a little heavier then laminated fabric so I thought that this should work, and possibly, give me more fabric design options.

Well, after some searching I found a Faux Leather Gator fabric in Pearl that I knew I would love.

And the process begins. When re-upholstering your built-in benches makes sure you have a flat solid surface, don’t work on carpeting. Also, you only need 2 tools

Pliers

Staple Gun

2 Different size staples

I probably spent more time with my pliers, removing all the old staples, then reupholstering. I always say, “if you are going to do it, do it right.” Take the time to remove all the previous fabric and staples.” I have learned that if you leave an exposed staple, after pulling off the old fabric, it can tear into the new upholstered fabric. #designtip that isn’t bad.

Okay, so, applying pressure is key. I literally kneel on the benches with all my weight and then pull tight on the fabric, towards the back, and BAM, staple.

Now why the 2 different size staples

I use the shorter staples for going down the line of the board, but, when I reach the corners and have to overlap the fabric (like wrapping a present) I switch to the longer staples. This allows the staple to catch all the fabric and snag the board as well.

Now don’t worry, my O.C.D self would not allow it to finish looking like that at each corner. So with sharp scissors I then trim off much of the extra fabric an make it look pretty. yeah, even though  no one will see it.

Okay, so my after pix are coming up next week. Needed some new pillows and then they will be ready to show. Yippee!