@askanarchitect: Banquette seating might just be the unsung hero of good design, and they’re definitely not just for kitchens. In a small or narrow apartment, a living room banquette can give you generous seating without taking up the floor space a sofa does. In a courtyard, it can turn an awkward edge into somewhere you actually want to sit. Another great thing about banquettes is the opportunity they give you to play with materials and texture. Upholstery, cushions, timber, stone and joinery - because they’re often built in, they can become part of the architecture rather than just another piece of furniture.