Creating a Vintage Eat-In Corner in my Kitchen || Episode 1 ||

[@brendajohnson6910]

Bistro table with two or three chairs seems like the best use of space without crowding the area.

[@mygreatchallenge]

That s the direction I am going

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

How about just thinking of a two-person eating area? The boys will probably be both out of the house sooner than you think. A small round table and two chairs would give you a space to sit down (and read your cookbooks), room to add vertical shelving, close off the side window and add hanging cupboards, and then cut off the island and extend the counter down to the end. KItchens are a lot of work but so worth it when it goes right. Good luck!

[@melindaonamission9511]

This is what I came to say.

[@nelliebly6616]

Redecorate to two persons AFTER your sons have moved out...enjoy every moment with them now

[@pandapeek55]

Round or oval drop-leaf table will give you more room when eating and make the space seem bigger than the rectangle when opened.

[@Myeverydaywifelife]

Oh good idea!

[@denisecarter5117]

I don’t believe all 4 will ever want to set there. Two at the most. I’d go with that and do dinner experience at the dining table. Small table and two chairs bistro style.

[@ceahorse56]

You could have a kitchen countertop company come in and cut the countertop and move the one cabinet to the side. They will match the edging cut and polish it up and you would never know it had been cut. The one cabinet would be open and it would look great and be practical for some pull out wicker baskets drawers for potatoes/ fruit etc.

[@tayloradams1160]

a little round cafe table would be perfect!

[@AnitaGOwens]

You know...I didnt think there was room for a closet in your bedroom and you pulled it off. I didn't think that room in the basement was big enough for your Etsy shop...same thing. So I'm anxious to see what you do with this space! I've learned to never doubt you Sophia!

[@annrae1597]

How about an old ice cream parlor table and chairs...smaller but still big enough to eat off...and cute as heck.

[@sallymay3228]

My grandmother had a kitchen like yours. It was a galley. Her kitchen counter ended and did not have the L shape. She had windows on all 3 sides like you. She had a table and chairs in that area. The back of her house was wooded and I remember watching the squirrels while I ate breakfast. The kitchen was small and definitely not a gourmet/Pinterest worthy kitchen but I had the best food ever made out of that kitchen!💗💗💗

[@mygreatchallenge]

Well that s the spirit.

[@chubberb8676]

Small round table with drop Leaf on both sides. I had one! When dropping the leafs on the round table you now have a rectangle! If you drop only one leaf you have a semicircle! It was small but, sat 4 very nicely!

[@tomsdotter3228]

I was just going to suggest that 😊

[@SusanL-ds6lc]

Small, comfy table for 2. No benches. Not comfortable. Any more people than that, enjoy your dining room :) xoxo

[@bekayezme]

I would get a small round two sitter table for the corner. That would be cute for you and Scott.

[@annrae1597]

The light colour kitchen Mike had, gave the impression of a lot more room.

[@mygreatchallenge]

Wide angle photography does wonder

[@jackieshepherd5193]

Definitely a round pedestal table and 2 chairs one on each side with a bench along the wall, you could keep the table pushed in towards the bench when it’s just two of you and easy to pull out when the family is together. Great way to maximize the space without sacrificing use.

[@sheilafelix113]

I would just do a bistro table for you and Scott and leave the evening meal for the dining room. Also, you could remove the countertop on the sink side and make open shelves under a butcherblock countertop. Extend to the wall. Depending on the length of your kitchen you are looking at $500-700 to make your kitchen function better for you! You may also paint in a lighter green to make the kitchen a bit brighter. I love dark moody colors also. However, a kitchen can become oppressive when dark. I am looking forward to seeing what you do!❤

[@Dolly9261]

Personally I'd cut off the Island and extend the counter down. It wouls give a big open space. I love round tables. I can't wait to see how this turns out!

[@nancyhurt7145]

You might place 4 chairs in that area and have everyone sit there to visualize actual space. My fear is that the space might fit a small round table and 2 bistro type chairs only. It may be bigger than it looks on video. I know you’ll make it nice! Have fun deciding!

[@simoneb.1179]

I think a bistro table with two chairs would work. You can have breakfast with your husband there. When all four are having dinner the dining room might still be the best. You could even do three chairs maybe in the kitchen. Good luck and whatever you come up with I know it is going to be great

[@melindaonamission9511]

That's what I think too!

[@Turtledovegrove]

Yep a round table would be ideal less corners to manover around...will be great..

[@JazzyBabe56]

this is exciting to me - I love watching DIY's especially when its one of us (female) doing it....can't wait to see more!

[@lucyllanio8950]

A bistro table would look very nice in the corner. I don't think space wise you would be able to sit more than two people in that area. Building the shelves would take more space. Can't wait to see what you do. 😄

[@Tinamar65]

Take your chairs from the dining room in order to know if a table would fit. My guess is you will have to knock out the island first 😅

[@mygreatchallenge]

The dining room chairs are massive and not representative of regular chairs. They are so big I could not find covers for them.

[@ReginaCaravetta]

Looking forward to this new challenge❤

[@Vanessa-pm6qw]

This is exciting and im happy that your coming up with new ideas 😊

[@Nan7306]

Small round table would look nice!

[@brendafournier1863]

Small round table. Bistro size. Will leave room for shelves

[@mariav8628]

I think a bistro set would be the perfect set for that area.

[@greenwillow5404]

A small bistro table would probably be best in a kitchen corner. IMHO

[@mygreatchallenge]

Can t fit 4 on one of those.

[@greenwillow5404]

@@mygreatchallenge Oh !! So scrap that idea then.

[@susanwalgren3939]

I also think 4 people will not comfortably fit in that corner. Not enough room for your sons to fit there long legs

[@twylasmom]

You need one of the vintage kitchen table that have fold down sides. My parents had one in their very small kitchen. They had one side folded down against the wall. Theirs was round. But I have seen them in small rectangle sizes also.

[@marylapaglia4645]

I think a round table would look really good!….🙂

[@morganchristensencreates]

Sophia, please...before you take out that window first just temporarily cover it with plywood so you can see what it will be like not to have the light and the view. You may find you really miss how it makes the room feel larger, the light it provides (albeit not direct) and the security aspect of being able to see the back entryway.

[@juststoppingby390]

Ooo now this is going to be a fun one 🎉

[@hollyu48]

Have you considered maybe cutting the peninsula off with a counter installer? And the turning the cut part going under the window?

[@mygreatchallenge]

Yes I jave and we had an estimate. About 3500 because the cabinets under the peninsula are deeper than the other ones I woukd need new cabinets to match and then they tiled around the peninsula so the kitchen would need retiling.

[@bethstratton3391]

Sophia, if it was me, I would pay someone to take out that whole annoying unit return, so as to end the sink length unit at the four drawers. Thus opening up that whole space. Then you could build a new floor to ceiling pantry in the newly opened up left-hand side wall space, elevated off the floor to keep the base heater exposed (for now leaving the shaded window in place inside the pantry). That way you can store all your dry food stuff from your existing pantry, including the potato / onion storage you currently have out on the counter inside. This would then free up your current pantry to store all your appliances. This makes more sense because your food stuff would actually be contained in the kitchen itself. It would also enable you to make room for a regular rectangular table and four chairs in front of the end window.

[@mygreatchallenge]

that s minimum $3500 and then in 5 or so years it's getting all torn out as we expand the kitchen with an addition.

[@bethstratton3391]

@@mygreatchallenge Wow that is a lot of money. I figured, you could just hire someone with a rotary grinder with a stone cutting wheel to cut the countertop and do the rest yourself. The pantry idea could be an open shelving unit to cut down on costs, but the I suppose you would see all you storage canisters and you may not like that. However, I completely get your point Sophia about not wanting the hassle and the expense because of time and your bigger plans for later. Good luck with the project whatever you finally do with the current space. I look forward to watching as you always do a great job 👏 🙂

[@mygreatchallenge]

Exactly. The issue is that the granite countertop is split at the sink so they have to be careful cutting. The l cabinets are much bigger and deeper than the rest of the kitchen so I would need new ones placed under and they tiled around so I woukd have to retile the kitchen...when in 5 or so year I am gutting everything out again yo expand the kitchen. There is no point for the expense and hassle at this time.

[@donnaterry486]

Hi Sophia, Oh my goodness, I am so glad the dog area is gone. I've been waiting for you to do this for years. A small round table and chairs will work great for that area.

[@flipsforfun6116]

Like I said before Sophia is fearless love this idea and if anyone can make this work it’s you ❤

[@pambrackemyer4356]

2 chairs at a small round table

[@donnamann7577]

I think a small round table in the corner would work. I have an old (not antique) wood and metal ice cream shop table set in my kitchen. It is small but works great! 🙂

[@catherinerandall1966]

Great series so far! This is why i started watching you so many years ago. Your get up and go and ingenuity are really inspiring others to be bold enough to try. My first thoughts for that space, if it were mine😊 Would be a black wrought iron or wood and glass bistro table with either two or four chairs. The bench with stools (facing the wall)...wouldnt be able to see out that window...last year on a walk my son and i found a black iron and wicker bistro set with two chairs in perfect condition...oh ya...we hoisted it and now has a new home. Cant wait to see how your project works out!

[@gingercotter9827]

Your hair looks beautiful!

[@mygreatchallenge]

Thank you!

[@diannamcbride1607]

You go, Girlfriend! You and my mom would have loved each other! She was always doing things like this!

[@michellegonthier6251]

I'm looking forward to what comes next for the changes in your kitchen.

[@mygreatchallenge]

Coming soon!

[@joan634]

It may be just time to get someone in to take that part of the counter out , it would give you a great eat in kitchen and under that window You could put a glass shelf with your mushroom cannisters. Throw a rug down until you can get that flooring done . I'm sure they could just cut into that counter and finish it out nicely.

[@rutht634]

I know it's hard to imagine...., but once the youngest is in high school..... in the blink of an eye, the kids are out in the world and not home daily. With as tall as Edward and Willy are, I just can't really see them sitting comfortably in the area that you currently have in the kitchen. If it were me, knowing how quickly the kids are out of the house when they reach this age, I would just set up a very small round table for two, for you and your husband in that corner. Just a thought.....

[@luella2897]

I really think your mushroom canisters would look great on the left side of the sink , on the counter! They could actually be used to store assorted things and maybe even the big one could have a plastic bag liner for the little trash? Also, they would help in covering up the electrical outlet etc. on that wall. Looking forward to the table!

[@marinegar]

Hello Sophia, I would extend the counter along the stove wall with drawers below, cut the island and put a round table in that corner. I love your diy videos!!

[@mygreatchallenge]

Great idea if I had $5000 to spend. You re talking kitchen renovation. That is not our goal.

[@Lisa-tj3cd]

A round table would be cute 🥰

[@aacaptainswife]

Looking forward to your end result...

[@juliebrooke6099]

We have a small (80cm) round pedestal table in the kitchen which is ideal for two but will fit four as long as the chairs are not too chunky. The beauty of a round table is that you can always squeeze in another person. When we were thinking about what to buy I would take my measuring tape with me when we went out to cafes. Even if you go for square I’d recommend a pedestal table in a small space as it makes it much easier to get into the places at the back. We are a family of four (adult children still at home) but if we eat dinner together it’s at the big dining room table. The kitchen we use just for breakfast and lunch- it’s usually one or two eating at the same time or very occasionally three.

[@donnabowkunowicz8459]

Corner bench round table

[@edithjackson5476]

I would do a small table. It's more versatile.

[@elsiealba-limas8408]

Looking forward to watching the new project. There's always a reason for your madness 😂love it.

[@marilyncasas6679]

Hello Sofia! so excited for the new project. That corner is looking alot better already. Can't wait to see what table you buy.

[@carriebelcher8644]

Round table for two is all that will fit. Soon it will be just you and Scott most of the time.

[@suzie2080]

I think your idea of a small table with a drop leaf is the best. It's better than everyone facing the wall, or window. It seems less cold and more homey.

[@silver_csmith]

Looking forward to seeing what you do! 🥰👏🏻

[@donnawiseman9311]

How exciting for you! I’m anxious to see how you arrange it. I would definitely get rid of that cabinet/bar sticking out in to your floor. That would open the space up so much !

[@barbjones2253]

Small round retro style table and 2 chairs. Will be easier to move around in the corner

[@dianeb9435]

Hi Sophia! The fins on your baseboard heat are shut which limits the heat they radiate. Maybe they are shut just for this video because you were cleaning but if not I just wanted to let you know that opening them will help. 😊 Good luck with the project, I’m sure you will love the end result! ❤

[@connieverbeck1110]

Marvelous!!! I am so excited!!

[@LAURASILVA-o3e]

Since u asked us to chime in- An intimate table would be a better option bc the coziness n aesthetic would likely evoke the best emotions. 😊

[@nancypeteja6560]

Hey Sophia, what about the kind of table that the chairs all fit inside to condense the space? Set it up with 2 chairs at a time unless y'all eat at the same time. And if all 4 are together then the dining room is the place to be. I'm sure you will come up with just the right solution for your family...you always do!! Have fun choosing. Can't wait to see the results. TFS 😊❤

[@teresaryan4956]

I'm looking forward to watching the videos on the kitchen, i dont really have any good ideas for you except if you are not happy with the idea of a bench, maybe think of two chairs and two stools. Stools can be pushed under the table when not in use and are easy to move around if needed elsewhere.

[@wonderingsanna]

Hi Sophia! I would choose a small round table (one with only one "leg" in the middle) and round stackable stools with no back. The stools could be stored under the table and are easy to remove for floor cleaning. Or... an oval, like a stretched out half circle mounted on the wall , one that also could hang down but not all the way down to the heating. I think you can find one that has a part that looks like a shelf when it´s down, so that you could keep salt and pepper, a tiny vase aso on the "shelf". As soon as possible I would remove the bar/L-shaped counter for more space.

[@danielleb5630]

You could still build the booth but put a vent in the front of it so that the heat could escape. That’s what I would do. I love a booth. So cozy!

[@teresasmith3366]

Small round table with very ( slim) small chairs.

[@KattEyl]

A round table is good for a small space.

[@robinbarton7581]

Sophia please open lever on your baseboard! You will get a lot more heat! You want to close when you aren’t using the heat. I have baseboard heat!

[@camillekortis2117]

Look forward to your next move on the kitchen

[@christinedisneyqueen5746]

Love your projects! Can’t wait to see the final result. 🤗

[@melaniemallozzi3851]

This is gonna be awesome you are so creative in your ideas and I love that your projects are always fun to watch and I can’t wait see the progress so exciting

[@mygreatchallenge]

Thank you so much!

[@melaniemallozzi3851]

You’re very welcome @@mygreatchallenge

[@Sarahscircleoffriends]

I’d do a small round table with chairs, and keep the window.

[@jreyes9924]

I go with getting rid of the extension counter and opening that space for an eating area

[@lisasaracino4048]

I loved your idea of getting rid of the turn on your counter & making it straight with storage underneath. That would require having a professional cut the countertop. I also don’t like the idea of a counter looking at the wall. A standard kitchen table is 36”. I have a custom butcher block table for 30+ years that is 24” wide. I think a circular table would work best but you are very resourceful and I have faith that you’ll figure it out. No rug in the kitchen.

[@mygreatchallenge]

That would also require entirely retiling the kitchen as the tiles were added around the current kitchen layout

[@joycevarner8549]

Make it for you and Scott, and if the boys are eating with you eat in the dining room

[@MsArtistwannabe]

This is a great project. I don’t have a dining room. I call the cubby in my kitchen my dining room. The area is seven feet wide and a little tight but I have a dining table in it. It’s a narrow one which allows more room for seating.

[@jenm7395]

Hi Sophia! Just a thought...maybe the reason the previous owner put the window by the deck was to pass food, drinks, dishes back and forth.

[@LAURASILVA-o3e]

I really enjoy ur thought process bc it is very purposeful, informative n focused which is extremely helpful. Thank u for bringing us along.😊

[@jeanmarie2928]

This project will be a great interim upgrade in your kitchen! Always enjoy watching and admire your ingenuity and skill set. You will find the table. Maybe look for separate chairs that are functional and comfortable. It is a bonus that the kitchen will be warmer in the winter now 💕

[@naomiwest7556]

Have you thought of doing shelves across the window like the ones with your corning wear? Don't know if you have them there but here in the UK you can get a drop leaf table that holds 4 fold up chairs inside it

[@angelicajones3958]

Sophia, I love watching this video. Where you have those two pictures up on the wall, you could put shelves so that you can put the canister set. Take the pictures away. If you don't care about the window, you could also put shelves across the window like you have over your sink so that you can put displays. It's something to play around with. It's too bad that you can't remove that island. That would be ideal.

[@hkgirlyork2703]

I've always liked the look of a booth style eat-in kitchen....

[@hadleywooten3689]

That table would be great as a cutting ironing station

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

I am with you I don't particularly appreciate eating at a counter, I am with those who say consider this is a space for 2 and have a stool which you store elsewhere one of the boys can draw up when needed.

[@tiahill832]

I am anxious to see what you come up with! Thanks for sharing! Btw your hair looks very nice! Have a great weekend! ❤😘😊🧶

[@mygreatchallenge]

Thank you! You too!

[@EastRiverHomestead]

French bistro table set? That is the only other thing outside of a banquette that you can cut out for air registers to allow the heat into the room instead of being trapped. I'll email you what I am talking about. So exciting to have you building something. Love these series.

[@Patricia.R.]

I vote small table with folding leaves on the side and chairs. Others have mentioned the vent deflectors for the air flow to be pushed out. It does look like a tight fit. I do see your vision, for the future of doing away with the current counter situation. The cabinets along the driveway window would give you storage back, from the island counter being removed. Of course then you can maybe hang the pots over that counter in front of the window and have a slightly larger kitchen table! Maybe get a price from granite people on removing and cutting down the piece you have. I know you could build the cabinet for that space. Can't wait to see it!

[@mygreatchallenge]

I have. It would be about 3500. The issue is the cabinet would have to be recreated to match and continue the other one. And then when they tiled the kitchen they went around the installed cabinets. So the entire kitchen would have to be retiled.

[@CreativeHomescaping]

IKEA used to have a very small table with 4 chairs that fit under the table. If they still have it, I think it would work in your space.

[@mommargie2679]

Sophia, after seeing the corner space area open, I'm starting to like the space open just the way it is!

[@sandracollins7938]

Round or square table with your choice of seating but it has to allow for heat.

[@janapierron9920]

With your skills, I bet you could cut the L shaped bar off and extend the working bench until the window, adding few new cabinets below 👌💪💪🪚🔨

[@lauramclaine504]

I have a small round table that has both ends fall down and two chairs I have a kitchen clove about as big as yours. It’s on an angle, though two people fit comfortably at mine.

[@CindyCB78]

Can you cut the ‘island’ off, remove the cupboards underneath and put the table on that side instead? That looks like it might give you a bit more room for a table. Then you could make some storage on the other side either under window with a counter top or keep the blind closed and put a LARGE bookcase style shelf in front of the window.

[@jennifersershen927]

I don’t think additional shelving in that area will work if you want a table that fits four people. You will be crammed in if you take away from the limited space you have there. I love ceramics as well; maybe a higher shelf to store the mushroom canisters. I have the same problem with containers; instead of getting rid of stuff I was putting it in containers. I got rid of my duplicates of utensils and other kitchen items. It’s an ongoing declutter process for sure. Small round with drop leaf might work best. That way you open one side when you have a fourth person. The counter dining I agree is uncomfortable and not a be pleasant way to share a meal.

[@Myeverydaywifelife]

I’m with you on the kitchen renovation being at the bottom of the list. I do think counter top beside your stove would be good prep area for you and round corner table in other corner eventually and take the peninsula. But what you have in mind for now is good too!!! We probably need to replace our roof within next 5 years. We saved $$$ by painting house ourselves (well hubby did that) Don’t know if kitchen would ever be on the list. I know it looks big but the counter space is not ideal. But new fridge, stove top & microwave might be needed in next couple of years and maybe put in tile back splash. Kudos 💜👍

[@ashleymckee1140]

My thought would be to have the counter cut at the point you wanted on the sink side and removing the island. Then, build in a booth with benches and the table under the larger window. Incorporate storage in the benches for less used items. No matter what you come up with, I'm sure it will be beautiful. Can't wait to see.

[@mygreatchallenge]

Ideally yes as I mentioned that is what I would do BUT Scott likes the island and the estimate is about $3500 the counter is not on top of tiles so the cabinet moved the counter cut and the entire kitchen retiled is 3500. I m on a budget. Small table it is, lol.

[@EastRiverHomestead]

@@mygreatchallenge You can do a tile inlay where the cabinet was removed. A mosaic if you will. Options are endless. If you could, you could do the demo for the tile installer and that would take a huge chunk out of the bill if you went with a complete install.

[@pamelaruth6909]

I'm for the drop leaf rectangular table. If you cut off that stick out counter it would give you some much more space. TFS and take care..........

[@deb8377]

Oh, gosh. I just saw a drop leaf vintage or retro metal table. Would be perfect. Maybe you will find one there.

[@sandygroenendyk5141]

Can you put shelves across the "useless" window like you have for your Corningware over the sink? I know you said you would put a wall there, but you could do it temporarily.

[@cathyburns750]

I think I would put the fridge in the corner and a table & chairs where the fridge is right now. That would allow easier access to the table/chairs for meals or if you would just like to sit down in the kitchen without it feeling so closed in, in a super tight space.

[@mygreatchallenge]

Can t move the fridge it has a water line attached to it for water and ice cubes.