HGTV’s 2024 Smart Home is a haven of high-end, mid-century modernism that’s valued at a whopping $795,825. Every aspect was meticulously thought out by designer Tiffany Brooks for a stunning result. In the open-concept ground floor, she created a cozy space that erases the border between the kitchen and dining room by constructing a kitchen island that, on one side, boasts the kitchen sink, dishwasher, countertop working area, hidden smart plugs, and lower cabinets. The dining room-facing side of the island doubles as the back for custom-built banquette seating with storage under the bench. The banquette provides seating on one side of an informal dining table, with dining chairs on the other.
This island-banquette combination trend is captivating because it not only looks good, but also makes the kitchen into a multifunctional space for cooking, socializing, and dining. With storage below the banquette seating, it also avoids the dilemma of more traditional barstool seating where chairs must be moved to access island storage. Unlike barstools, lower banquette seating is also more comfortable for people of all ages. This combo also allows for true open-concept living and merges kitchen and dining space in a way that feels airy and spacious, but still cozy and welcoming. “This is the most head-turning renovation that we have in the house,” says the HGTV host about the kitchen. “What was a dated and closed-off part of the house is now a gorgeous and sleek showstopper.”
