Our house has a bit of an obsessive compulsive disorder, Ok, really it's just me - I latch onto an idea and it says until I purchase or solve the problem at hand. For the last two years it's been about a modern banquette for my dining nook which is 8' x 8'.
Of course I have decided that this banquette issue would make me a better hostess, a better chef and all my friends would visit and love me more than they already do. These outrageous fantasies perpetuate any of my large purchases [aka most recently an insanely expensive pair of shoes].
The issue with talking myself into this purchase is that I can't rationalize purchasing a piece of furniture that will need to be custom built for a place I don't own [never mind I've been here for 5 years and have no plans on moving]. 
Richele, Save yourself some money by visiting used restaurant supply stores. In the past I have seen many different booth configurations and banquette benches ripped out of closed restaurants. You may have to reupolster though. Good luck.
view Mazeppa's profile
I stalk the Room and Board sectional Klein
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=90514153&cat=58
on a weekly basis, much for the same reason that you fantasize about your banquet.
I dream of intimate yet energetic Scrabble-gatherings. Friends would pass a bowl of popcorn back and forth to each other while discussing the use or misuse of the 2-letter word list. In reality, we're all so damn busy that I would most likely use the sofa to collapse after a trying day in NYC.
The sofa represents the positive and enjoyable life changes I'm hoping to make (less work, more fun apartment time). For now, I'll have to settle for my somewhat un-cozy loveseat from my past life in a studio.
In closing, I totally feel what you're saying.
Peace.
view j-girl's profile
I too am dreaming of a banquette.
Are those top two photos a Sarah Richardson room??
view Kristina's profile
Why not just buy a loveseat with no arms? Crate and barrel has quite a few as do a lot of other stores I'm sure.
view shurraycmu's profile