Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
This corner breakfast nook and adjoining kitchen became more usable without a full demolition remodel. The decisive change was moving a door so traffic could work around a narrow nook; custom furniture, new flooring, layered lighting, a backsplash overlay and added pantry cabinets then changed the rooms’ appearance and day-to-day function.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Lauren documented the project in her Bless’er House before-and-after reveal. It is one household’s five-year refresh, not a construction standard or an independent product test, but it offers a practical way to think about a tight breakfast area connected to a kitchen.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What changed at a glance
The refresh addressed circulation, visual continuity, lighting and storage in stages. It did not eliminate every kitchen-layout problem, and the author explicitly treats a larger remodel as a future project.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
| Area | Before | After | Purpose of the change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast nook layout | Long, narrow footprint with awkward traffic flow | Door relocated to make the nook workable | Created a more practical route through the connected rooms |
| Table | No ready-made table fit the narrow space beside the seating | Custom narrow bistro table using cast-iron legs and faux-marble laminate | Provided a dining surface sized to the actual nook |
| Seating | Existing arrangement did not make full use of the corner | Banquette on one side; secondhand bamboo-style chairs on the other | Combined fixed and movable seating |
| Wall finish | Plain wall | Board-and-batten effect made with lattice strips | Added architectural detail; the author spent $80 on this wall treatment at the time |
| Kitchen floor | Previous flooring visually separated the connected areas | Herringbone luxury vinyl plank in the Brookewood color | Linked the nook and kitchen visually |
| Backsplash | Existing tile backsplash | PVC pressed-tin-style panels installed over the tile | Changed the appearance without removing the original tile |
| Kitchen storage | No dedicated pantry | Standalone cabinets used as pantry storage, with antique mirror film on the glass | Added food storage while concealing the contents and reflecting light |
| Lighting | Windowless nook and a large fluorescent kitchen fixture | Linear chandelier, vintage-style sconces and a brass mini pendant over the sink | Added task and ambient light; the fluorescent fixture remains for now |
Why the doorway mattered more than decoration
The breakfast nook was not merely small; its long, narrow geometry made ordinary furniture and everyday movement conflict. Lauren reports that the layout did not work until her partner, Robert, suggested moving a door. That decision came before the decorative finishes because circulation determines whether a table can be approached, whether chairs can be pulled out and whether people can pass through without brushing the seating.
No room dimensions or clearance measurements were published, so the useful lesson is not a particular number. Measure the usable floor area and every walking route in your own room, including the door swing, appliance doors and the space needed to sit down. Mark the proposed table, bench and chair footprints on the floor with painter’s tape. Walk the route while another person occupies each seat. If the path fails at this stage, changing paint or lighting will not fix it.
A door move can be the highest-impact “non-remodel” decision
Relocating a door is more invasive than painting, but it can prevent years of working around a fundamentally awkward plan. In this project, the move made room for a narrow table beside the banquette. The account does not provide structural details, permit information or a cost for the door work, so treat it as a design precedent rather than a step-by-step construction instruction. Confirm framing, electrical, heating, code and permit implications with qualified local professionals before moving a door.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow the breakfast nook was rebuilt around the available width
The custom narrow table
A ready-made table could not solve the fit problem, so the household built a narrow bistro table from cast-iron table legs and a faux-marble laminate countertop. The laminate was a deliberate practical choice: the author wanted the look of marble without worrying as much about food stains on real marble in a home with children.
Rank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
That reasoning is household-specific, not a universal material-performance comparison. When adapting the idea, choose the top after mapping the banquette, chair positions and walking route. Check that the base does not collide with legs or make it impossible to slide into the bench. Confirm that the selected top is rated for the intended use, that the base supports it securely and that edges are comfortable where people will sit.
Mixed seating for flexibility
The banquette occupies one side of the table, while the opposite side uses secondhand bamboo-style chairs found through Facebook Marketplace. Lauren spray-painted the chair frames black and re-covered the seats with the same fabric used on the bench. Reusing the chairs kept the seating visually coordinated without requiring a matched dining set.
This combination also gives the nook different kinds of access. A banquette stays in place and uses the wall efficiently; chairs can be moved when the table needs to be cleaned or when more room is needed in the passage. Before copying the arrangement, check how far each chair must move for a person to sit and whether that movement blocks the adjacent doorway.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Lattice-strip board and batten
The board-and-batten look came from lattice strips rather than a full wall rebuild. The author reports spending $80 on that treatment. That is a historical, project-specific figure from the reveal, not a current estimate; lumber, adhesive, paint and labor costs vary by region and date.
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
For a similar painted treatment, first locate studs or another appropriate fastening surface, plan the spacing around outlets and switches, and test the trim profile on a small section. Fill or sand visible joints, caulk changes in plane, then prime and paint. If the wall is textured, account for the texture at every strip so the finished lines remain straight.
Lighting a windowless corner
The nook has no window. A narrow linear chandelier centers light over the table, while vintage-style sconces add light at the wall. The adjoining laundry room contributes some natural light through frosted glass in bifold doors, but it is not the same as a direct window. Pocket doors are mentioned as a possible future upgrade, not as part of the completed work.
Use the same layered approach in another dark corner: provide a fixture over the eating surface, add wall or ambient light to reduce shadows, and check that switches are reachable from the normal entry route. Keep the fixture’s length and projection proportional to the narrow table. Electrical boxes, wiring and support for a ceiling fixture should be handled according to local requirements.
How the kitchen refresh tied the rooms together
Herringbone luxury vinyl plank became the visual anchor
Lauren identifies the herringbone luxury vinyl plank floor as the change with the biggest visual effect across the connected kitchen and nook. The post names ProCore Floors at Lowe’s and the Brookewood color; Ashewood is mentioned as a lighter alternative. Those are the author’s product and color references from the reveal, not a statement about current stock or availability.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
The design lesson is continuity. When two spaces are open to one another, a floor pattern can make them read as one project even when the cabinets and furniture remain. A herringbone layout also introduces direction and movement, so dry-lay the pattern and decide where the centerline, transitions and cut pieces will land before adhesive or underlayment work begins. Follow the flooring maker’s current installation instructions for subfloor condition, moisture, expansion and cleaning; the reveal does not establish installation specifications.
PVC pressed-tin-style panels over the tile backsplash
Instead of removing the existing tile, the household covered it with PVC pressed-tin-style panels. Lauren says the panels had been in place for about five years by the time of the reveal and still looked good then. That is a personal durability report, not a tested service-life claim.
An overlay can reduce demolition dust and preserve the underlying wall, but the existing tile must be sound, clean and sufficiently flat for the selected panel system. Plan around outlets, corners, the countertop joint and the range or sink area. Use only an adhesive and sealant compatible with the panel material and the manufacturer’s instructions, and protect seams from water where the installation requires it.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Small lighting additions, one large fixture left for later
A brass mini pendant was installed above the sink, giving that work zone a dedicated light source. A large fluorescent flush-mount fixture remains in the kitchen and may be replaced during a future renovation. The contrast is useful: a refresh can add targeted light without pretending every fixture has been solved.
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
When planning your own update, list tasks that need focused light—washing dishes, chopping and reading labels—separately from general room illumination. Check the pendant’s height against sightlines and faucet use, and choose a lamp or diffuser that is easy to clean. If an older fixture remains, make sure its condition, switching and lamp type are safe before postponing replacement.
Standalone cabinets created a pantry substitute
The home had no dedicated pantry, so standalone cabinets were added for food storage. Antique mirror window film on the cabinet glass hides the contents and reflects light from the sink window. This is a targeted storage solution rather than a claim that the kitchen now has the capacity or efficiency of a redesigned cabinet plan.
Measure the cabinet depth against walking paths and door swings, then group frequently used food where it can be reached without opening several doors. Secure tall units against tipping, keep heat and moisture-producing appliances clear, and verify that the film is suitable for the glass and can be removed or replaced later.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
A practical order for adapting the makeover
The following sequence translates the household’s decisions into a planning checklist. It is not a substitute for trade-specific instructions, especially for structural, electrical or flooring work.
- Record the existing geometry. Draw walls, openings, door swings, appliances, outlets, windows and the route between the kitchen, nook and laundry room. Measure the usable areas rather than relying on nominal room labels.
- Test circulation before buying furniture. Tape the proposed banquette, table and chair footprints on the floor. Walk the route with doors open and seats occupied. If the route still pinches, investigate a layout change such as the doorway move used in this project.
- Choose the table and seating as one system. Set the tabletop footprint, base position, bench depth and chair movement together. A custom top may be more realistic than forcing a standard table into a narrow room.
- Decide which surfaces can be overlaid. Inspect the existing backsplash and floor for soundness, level changes and moisture concerns. Overlay products save demolition only when the substrate is appropriate and the new finish can terminate cleanly.
- Establish the visual connection. Select the floor direction and color first if the kitchen and nook share a sightline. Coordinate wall trim, upholstery and painted metal so the spaces feel related without requiring matching furniture.
- Plan lighting by task. Mark the table, sink and circulation routes. Add a central fixture where the nook needs it, wall light where faces or a dark corner need fill, and task light at the sink. Keep any deferred fixture on a documented future list.
- Add storage where the household actually lacks it. A freestanding pantry cabinet can be useful, but confirm its footprint, anchoring and access before delivery. Use glass film or opaque fronts when visual clutter is a concern.
- Finish and maintain in stages. Complete dusty trim and surface work before installing or re-covering seating. Keep product instructions, paint colors and replacement fabric information so small repairs do not require guesswork.
Trade-offs to consider before copying the look
| Decision | Benefit shown by this project | Trade-off or question to resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Move a doorway | Improved the nook’s traffic flow | Requires structural and code review; no project cost or construction detail was provided |
| Custom laminate tabletop | Fit a narrow footprint and reduced worry about food stains on real marble for this household | Laminate is a design choice, not proof of equal performance to stone; verify edge and heat requirements |
| Secondhand chairs | Added movable seating and allowed frame and fabric updates | Inspect stability, old finishes and upholstery condition before reuse |
| Lattice-strip wall treatment | Added detail with a reported historical project spend of $80 | Current material and labor prices may be very different; joints and uneven walls require careful finishing |
| Floor over a connected area | Made the nook and kitchen read as one visual space | Pattern planning, transitions and substrate preparation determine the result |
| Backsplash overlay | Changed the look while leaving the tile in place | Adhesion, heat, moisture and seam detailing must suit the chosen panel |
| Freestanding pantry cabinets | Added storage without rebuilding the kitchen | They occupy floor area and do not correct a poor work triangle or other layout issue |
What the refresh did not solve
The author is clear that the kitchen still has larger layout issues and that this work is not a full remodel. That distinction matters when setting a budget or deciding whether a cosmetic project is enough. New flooring, trim, lighting and storage can transform how a room looks and can improve selected tasks, but they do not automatically relocate appliances, enlarge work surfaces, add plumbing, change wall structure or create a more efficient cabinet plan.
Use the refresh approach when the main pain points are appearance, a specific circulation conflict, missing pantry storage or inadequate light. Plan a deeper renovation when the room cannot support safe movement, essential work zones are missing, moisture or electrical conditions are unsafe, or the desired changes require moving utilities and walls.
How to judge whether this approach fits your home
- Geometry: You can measure the real floor area and identify a route that remains usable when chairs are pulled out.
- Seating: A banquette, movable chairs or a combination suits how your household enters, sits and cleans the area.
- Light: Windowless or shaded zones have a plan for overhead, wall and task illumination.
- Storage: A freestanding cabinet can provide the missing pantry function without blocking doors or work areas.
- DIY tolerance: You are comfortable with trim, painting, upholstery or surface overlays, while reserving structural and electrical work for qualified trades where required.
- Scope: You want a targeted refresh and accept that fundamental kitchen-layout problems may remain for a later remodel.
The before-and-after value here is not a universal formula or a promise that one product will work in every house. It is a sequence of decisions: fix the route first, size the furniture to the room, let a continuous floor connect the spaces, layer light where the architecture is dark and add storage without confusing a cosmetic improvement with a complete kitchen redesign.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
