Whether you're a morning person or not, there's something utterly delightful about a light-filled breakfast corner.
The most beautiful examples of these spaces are considered in the location (by a window is the obvious starting point), and even more thoughtful in their furnishings and accessories, whether that's through a white Saarinen-style table, rattan chairs, or a pendant chandelier. In Mandy Moore's case, it's all of these things, and more.
The singer's mid-century modern Pasadena home is a trove of beautiful decorating quirks, all of which are characterized by clean, simple lines. However, her breakfast nook is arguably her most inspiring of all. Mandy worked with designer Sarah Sherman Samuel to create a space that is both welcoming yet stunning, featuring retro-style pieces that are worth getting out of bed for every morning.
Mandy's furniture choices make the nook feel curated and complete. It appears that her woven chairs are bespoke, but some close alternatives are just as stunning, such as this woven piece from Etsy.
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This chair, from the 1950s, showcases a refined solid oak frame with a woven paper cord seat, celebrating timeless Scandinavian craftsmanship. Bearing an authentic manufacturer’s mark beneath the seat, it's a unique addition to any breakfast nook.
Elevate your breakfast table, the Mandy Moore way. This solid timber cutting board is expertly crafted from a single piece of wood for unmatched durability and stability. Its tight-grained, natural-colored surface combines beauty and resilience, making it a striking centerpiece (just like hers).
Inspired by the blue vases on Mandy’s table, this set of three blue and gray seeded glass vases blends color and texture beautifully. Their elegant bud shape and unique seeded glass finish make them perfect for displaying flowers while complementing a variety of kitchens.
While Mandy's Californian home is certainly not compact, its lessons are just as replicable in small kitchens, as interior designer Erik Munro explains.
'Creating a cozy breakfast nook is all about lighting and layers. Combine warm, tactile materials to craft an inviting and romantic atmosphere. Even a small kitchen can house a magical corner if you treat it like the heart of the home,' he says.
Mandy's kitchen demonstrates how it's possible to create a light-filled corner without a massive renovation, simply by adding a table and some chairs. However, there are ways to elevate a small space further.
'Consider a built-in banquette wrapped in soft upholstery, a petite circular table with gentle curved edges, and an antique mirror on the wall to bounce morning light around the space,' Erik says.
'Add a ceiling rose or decorative pendant to introduce a little drama. Then layer in texture with throws, feather-wrapped cushions, and soft lighting – perhaps a warm wall sconce or discreet LED strip [like this one from Amazon] beneath a shelf,' he adds.
'Don’t be afraid to introduce a rich color, either. The key is to make the space feel generous, layered, and deeply personal, no matter the footprint.'
I've bookmarked Mandy's nook as the ultimate breakfast corner inspiration. No matter your kitchen's size, elements of her style are replicable and utterly timeless.
