15 Fresh Takes on the Eat-In Kitchen

The American kitchen is the hub of household activity. It’s where we make dinner on ordinary weeknights, and arrange appetizers and chat with our guests while we cook when hosting intimate or large get-togethers. It’s also where we plan vacations, help with homework, and, of course, eat throughout the day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even the occasional coffee and crossword. Small wonder, then, that there are so many kitchen seating options, from traditional tables and chairs to space-saving stools that tuck beneath the counters. Here are 15 stylish eat-in kitchen ideas that make even the smallest kitchen a welcoming place to gather.