Built-In Kitchen Seating

I have a small kitchen. It's beautiful, and very well done, appointed, etc., but it's just freaking small - approximately 10 by 12. I daydream (and night dream) about expanding my kitchen, and including some more casual space for dining - right now, we eat around the tall kitchen island on bar chairs, or in the formal dining room. Totally fine, but in a few year the kids will want a place to hang out, do homework, etc. If you have a smaller space, as I do, one attractive option is a built-in eating area. It saves a lot of space, and avoids the chintzy pine kitchen set (blech). It just looks cozy. Here are some ideas for inspiration!