Unfortunately, tracking one down was impossible.
Until now.
This is my new kitchen bench.
Don't you love it?
I do. I just can't get enough of that view.
Or the new seating. It's exactly what I wanted.
And it only took me five months to get it.
Five months and a very handy guy. Emphasis on the handy guy...because you see, I couldn't find a curved bench to fit that space anywhere.
And trust me. I looked. Hard.
As a matter of fact, curved benches in any size seem to be rare. Almost nobody makes them.
It's a mystery.
I've always wanted a bench, but never seriously sought one out.
I adore the mix of different kinds of chair at a table and since I already had two traditional ones and my beloved DIY upholstered one, I thought a bench would be a nice addition.
I've also always been intrigued by the idea of looking into the kitchen from my desk and seeing the flowers on the table - instead of the back of the chair. I mean it's a pretty chair, but the flowers were always so much prettier.
However. It was just an idea...one of those hazy magazine or Pinterest decor dreams.
Until.
Until one day we walked into Pier 1, looking for a desk chair, and I saw the loveliest table set up. I was immediately hooked.
My husband, who was with me at the time, was equally smitten but said, You need a curved one. Agreed.
And don't you love that guy? He's all in.
So I started shopping. I was so eager for change, I even mocked the space up with an old bench/ table I'd found in the trash years before.
It usually lives in the front vestibule, but for design purposes, I moved it in the kitchen and the deal was done. It was a great look.
I just needed to find one with an arch.
However now...well, you know. Not a one to be found.
When it became clear that I wasn't going to find one online either, my husband toyed around with idea of making one.
Just find me some building plans and then I'll see if I can order some wood (since the stores weren't really open).
So back to the virtual drawing board I went, but again, I came up empty handed.
The only plans I could find were for picnic benches that were attached to tables. Not good. Sure he could modify - I mean the guy can build anything - but that would require time to basically map out and design his own plans. And it wasn't really a priority.
Then one magical day I happened to mention to my super crafty friend Susan from Homeroad what I was looking for and she told me she'd just seen one a few blocks from my house! No way.
I didn't care that it was dark out or that I was already in my pjs, I got in the truck and buzzed on over, but rats, by the time I got there, they were gone. Boo.
I came home dejected and sad. I told my husband - in great detail - about the picnic table and two straight benches that were left there....that someone must have grabbed the curved ones.
And I expected him to be more sympathetic regarding my plight, but he just said, That stinks.
I was sure he'd had enough of my curved bench tales.
Apparently, I was wrong. The next morning I woke up and out on the patio were those two straight benches. He'd gone back to get them before the trash truck came.
Your bench.
What do you mean? There's two of them and they're straight.
Well last night I started thinking that I could probably make you one out of the straight ones. So I went back for them. They're both not 100%, so I'm going to use the two of them to make once curved one for you.
Hmph. I guess he was more sympathetic than I thought. Still waters run deep.
Anyway, over the next few days we put our heads together coming up with the perfect size and design, using a tennis racket of all things, and then he made this gorgeous bench for me.
And trust me, this building cheat was certainly much easier than making one from scratch.
Plus it was free!!
In the meantime, I leave you with this hazy picture of my cozy cottage kitchen nook.
And an unobstructed view of my flowers.
Exactly the way I dreamed it would be.
Fabulous.
Would you use bench seating?
I wouldn't use it for seating for myself because of my back. But others could sit in it. It's a great look and what a view you've got of that space now!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thanks Brenda! I pop on it every now and then and work for a while. It's definitely pretty to look at though!
DeleteCurved is perfect for you table! I love it and your hubby is the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mari!
DeleteI like it. :-) High Fives to that sweetheart of yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carla...and lots of high fives for this one!
DeleteI've been looking for a bench for my kitchen table for ages, too! However, we have a very small oval table and a bench would mean we'd have to pull the table further out into the kitchen itself. Which doesn't give us enough room. So now we can only get a bench if we get a new table - a rectangular one. So I started looking at new tables online and couldn't believe how expensive they were! So that idea was nixed. However, I'm not giving up. I'm hoping I come across a rectangular table on FB Marketplace or one on clearance somewhere. Because I still want a bench! And I want one with a back, because anyone we have over is going to be "older" and needs the back support.
ReplyDeleteYour bench looks fantastic at your table and I love how it curves! Great vision put into reality.
Thanks so much, Melanie! I get it with the trials of living in a smaller home. Our table just fits in that kitchen nook, so we needed a curved bench, since a straight one would stick out. I also really wanted that arched look. And I'm still on the hunt for the perfect brown round rug in an odd size. It just doesn't seem to exist. Too bad I just can't weave my own! Hahaha.
DeleteI've never really been a fan of benches but this one is just super cute and seems to be perfect for your nook. I really just love everything about your nook!!!! It just seems to fit perfectly right in that space by the windows...and the round rug just completes the whole thing. You definitely caught one of the great ones in that man of yours. My fella is wonderful too but not so handy!!! He is great at fixing things though so I'm not complaining!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cheri! It's a nice change - without swapping out too much - after all these years with the same view. It was like getting a brand new table set for free!
DeleteYour husband is a keeper. This is really sweet and turned out so cute. Perfect for your table.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kris
Thanks Kris! He really is quite crafty. He listens to all my crazy design dreams and then makes them come true. I know you get it, since you have your own handy hubby!!
Deletexo
Kim, your table looks wonderful. I also like mismatched chairs. So nice that you could repurpose the benches into one that works. Looking forward to the DIY post.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lorri! We got really lucky with this trash to treasure makeover. I honestly couldn’t find a bench to fit anywhere.
DeleteWe have a bench out at the table on the porch. My tiny Filipino D-in-Law and Grand daughter both fit on it when we eat on the porch. Again, it is nice to be able to sit at the table ourselves and look into the yard, instead of looking through a chair. Love this post..and isn't it great to have a Honey Guy that can do anything. Nice post! Sandi
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandi! And your bench sounds lovely. They serve a purpose and they don't block the pretty views...that's the best part! Thanks for sharing your bench tale with us.
DeleteYour curved bench is amazing Kim... that is so awesome your husband went and got the benches for you, and remade them into your vision! It really does make your space extra special!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marilyn! He really is a great carpenter and he always goes that extra mile to make me all the crazy things I dream up. And I'm always extremely grateful...
DeleteI love this story much more than the bench itself...it's such a loving story.
ReplyDeleteI do love the bench too though!
My kitchen bench has a really good story too. When my son was a baby, my in-laws came to visit. They had bought a new mini-van & I met them in the driveway to ooh & aah over it & look all through it. I didn't notice at the time but they were in a hurry to get in the house.
The next morning I got out of bed & came into the kitchen to find my father-in-law & husband sitting at the most glorious farmhouse table I have ever seen (before or since!) It was inlaid with a chevron pattern & stained a beautiful honey color. My father-in-law had made it for my birthday. It was hidden in the back of the van & I DID not even ask what was hidden under the tarp as I admired their new car.
He then asked if I'd rather he made chair or a bench. It was not dilemma at all....I asked for a bench. He made the most beautiful matching bench. Nice & long, super comfortable & the back has the matching chevron pattern. It is my favorite piece of furniture to this day. My husband bought four matching farmhouse chairs to go with it & I never ire of cleaning, styling, looking at it from all angles...even 26 yrs later. If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen it though it's been awhile since I posted a kitchen pic.
Jenny, that's a lovely, lovely story! That is a true gift from the heart, just like my own tiny bench. I haven't been on Instagram in so long, but your story made me curious so I went and peeked and I found your gorgeous table. The woodwork is really outstanding. I even caught a glimpse of your bench.
DeleteWe added a bench to our dining room and it really makes a difference with all the space you can save. We have a small room so the bench just tucks under. They are so versatile and very cute too. I love your sweet bench, it is the perfect addition to the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary and I love that you have a bench, too! That means I must be right in style now.
DeleteYour husband did a wonderful job! It looks great.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Penny!
DeleteWhen we still had a house full of kids and friends, we used long picnic table benches for our farmhouse table! It was great - we could fit a lot of bodies on those benches.
ReplyDeleteYour bench is great and looks wonderful in your nook! Well done, to your hubby!
Thanks so much, Deanna! And I can picture your beautiful table with benches...so charming!
DeleteI have a bench for my table and on holidays i can sit between two of my grandchildren, and for a grandmother that's perfection. I love your bench and it is so cute, so glad your dream came true.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds just perfect, Marlene!!
DeleteA lovely bench! When you said there were two straight ones left, my mind went right to this project of your husband's! He did a great job!
ReplyDeleteAs a child, we had 11 kids and two connecting tables along a wall, with two long benches. Much better than chairs when space is tight.
Although... my little sister sat too close, with her elbow in my face more than once. After several requests (probably "demands") and ni relief, I took a bite of her elbow! Last time that happened. Lol
Enjoy your bench! It really does look comfortable in it's styled glory.
I love that story!! Haha! Coming from a large family (not that large!) we were often jammed together in cars and beds and on chairs and I remember the poking. We caught about it now, but at the time it was less that pleasant. And thanks for the kind comments, I'll pass them on to the master builder!
DeleteI really do love the look but these days I can sit anywhere without back support :(
ReplyDeleteI totally get that, Sara. I do sit at it often now, but sometimes a chair with a back calls my name!
DeleteKim, I love the new bench. Three cheers for handy hubbies..Looks like you have my dishes
ReplyDeletesitting on it. It just looks perfect..Stay well..xxoJudy
Oh Judy, you have the same dishes?? I bought them at Pier One online with the reward bucks I received when I purchased my desk chair. I'm so sorry they're going out of business. I really liked that store.
DeleteStay well! xo
I awed out loud when reading the part about waking up to find the benches - he's a keeper! So glad you FINALLY got your bench and it looks so good in your kitchen nook.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Marie!! I have to say I was shocked as well. It was like Christmas morning...in July!
DeleteYour husband is a keeper! He did a great job on that bench. Personally, I need a chair with a back, but I totally appreciate the look you wanted. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I agree, I think he did a super job.
DeleteI love the story of the bench and your husband did a great job fixing it up. I love the paint color and it looks perfect with the other chairs and table! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet friend. It's definitely a fun addition to the kitchen.
DeletePurrfect!!!! Your hubster is GREAT!!! Blessings, J
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, J!! He really is great. Hoping you're well!!
DeleteYour hubby is the best!!!!! How special that he sneaked out to get those benches for you and turned them into that little beauty. She definitely opens up the space and adds so much charm to the little nook.
ReplyDeleteIt was like a Christmas morning surprise for sure! And yes, I agree, it really does open the space up well. Thanks!
DeleteThat settles it. You better keep a sharp eye out on your hubby or else I can't be held responsible if he somehow 'goes missing'. ;)
ReplyDeleteI think you know I essentially have the same table in almost the same kind of nook, but wow, your set up puts mine to shame! I LOVE that you have a pool, and your valences are picture-perfect. I think the curved bench was a perfect solution. A straight one just wouldn't cut it imo, and leave it to the dream design team to conquer that hurdle.
xxx
Thanks Doreen!! He's a keeper for sure. And thank you for all your lovely comments about the space. It's a fun little nook to decorate and I enjoy coming up with new ways to do that! xo
DeleteSuch a pretty and welcoming dining area. Your husband did a great job. What a wonderful supportive guy!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Linda!! Yes, he's a very talented and supportive guy. I dream up the DIYs and he makes them reality. I can't imagine if I had to pay someone to do all this stuff, because I am not talented in that way at all!! Thanks for the visit and the comment!!
DeleteIt all looks really great. I love the idea of a curved bench. Saved this for later. I have too many projects on the go now lol
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Anita! And, yes, I totally get that...I have a room full of unfinished things myself!!
Delete