Hilary Farr's Stunning Solution For Adding Extra Seating To Smaller Kitchens

One of the most frustrating challenges of developing small kitchen design ideas is adding enough seating. Oftentimes, these tiny spaces do not provide adequate room for homeowners to add both a kitchen table and kitchen island benches. This might lead to guests having to find a place to sit in the living room during family gatherings instead of allowing everyone to congregate in the heart of the home while meals are being prepared. Although a lack of kitchen seating can seem like an impossible challenge to solve if you are working with limited space, HGTV star Hilary Farr has a solution. In Season 12, Episode 11 of "Love It or List It," Farr added a window seat to a couple's small kitchen, as shown on YouTube.

This clever upgrade makes use of an otherwise overlooked spot in a tiny living space. With the installation of a window seat, the couple adds more seating without having to cram a large table into the area. The new seat is casual and provides enough room for about two to three people to sit comfortably. If you have been struggling with fitting seating into a tiny kitchen, you might want to consider this space-saving solution for your own home.

If you are interested in adding a window seat to your small kitchen, there are a few things you should know before making a decision. First, you will need to evaluate whether you actually have enough room to install it. In the "Love It or List It" episode, the window on the show has ample space to accommodate the seat while still providing a walkway through the kitchen. Take measurements of the area around your own window to determine how much room you have to work with.

Next, research costs to determine whether the installation is within your budget. The entire installation can cost anywhere from $500 to $8,000. For a larger seat like the one shown in the "Love It or List It" episode, you will likely need a standard window seat installation. This is typically priced between $2,500 and $3,500. The price of materials and labor will determine your exact cost, and you could save money by DIYing the project.

For a kitchen window seat, consider selecting an easy-to-clean surface like plywood or hardwood. For plywood, expect to spend anywhere from $450 to $3,500. Hardwood is a bit more pricey, as your costs will be around $1,000 to $6,000 for this material. Lastly, decide whether adding secret kitchen storage space under your seating is right for you. You can have drawers installed or structure the seat so that it lifts up to reveal a storage compartment underneath.

However, adding extra seating to your house with a window seat like Hilary Farr did is not practical for every homeowner. From labor and material costs to the layout of your kitchen, you may just not be able to make it work. If this is the case for you, consider adding extra seating to your tiny kitchen using other methods. For example, you could place a small bench in front of a window or against a wall. This serves the same purpose as the window seat but is much more affordable than having one installed. If you do not have enough space at the bottom of your window for a built-in seat, this solves that problem as well. Amazon's Livinia Cabin 37.4-inch Wooden Dining Bench is a great option for a kitchen because it is smaller in size, can be cleaned easily, and is priced for only about $71.

The other option that might be practical for your tiny kitchen is a two-person dinette. These small tables do not take up nearly as much space as a traditional kitchen or dining room table. You can browse your local furniture store or second-hand shops for a dinette that suits your space if you prefer. However, they are also available on Amazon. The Three Piece Wooden Dining Table Set, which costs $84, is a great size for a tiny kitchen. It comes in dark brown/black and includes two chairs.