A few years ago, it looked as if the formal dining room would disappear like rumpus rooms, parlors, box rooms, and other old-fashioned design ideas. There was an idea that it was wasted space as families filled their days with activities and tasks, with no time left for sitting down together for meals. But what a difference a pandemic makes, right? Almost overnight, the way we use our homes changed dramatically. And now dining rooms are just as important - if not more so - than they were a decade ago. Why? Let’s take a look.

Family Time

With all activities suspended during the pandemic, we were back to having all our meals at home again. And we found we liked the time together! Having a space for the family to sit together for some quality time and fabulous home-cooked meals has become a priority. So now we’re having discussions with clients about the best table shape for good conversation, or the most comfortable chairs for dinnertime.

Entertaining Spaces

The pandemic also taught us the importance of gathering with friends and family. We missed holiday dinners, cocktail parties, pizza nights, and all the other ways we entertained people in our homes. To be able to sit and catch up with friends is something we won’t take for granted again (hopefully), so having a gorgeous space that accommodates the perfect small-group gathering is key.

Activity Zone

Our dining rooms are multitasking spaces now, too. They are often one of the best Zoom spaces, because they offer a comfortable seat and a gorgeous background on screen. That dining room table is perfect for homework, hobbies, meetings, as well as good meals. We discovered we like having a pretty room with a super-functional table surface.

The Nostalgia Factor

In a time of uncertainty, there’s always a swing toward nostalgia. It’s comforting and reminds us of a more stable time in our lives. So we’re seeing a return to antiques and vintage items, including china and collectibles. That means we need storage for those things, and the dining room is perfect for that. And we’re also nostalgic for our own family dinners, so the room itself becomes a space that reminds us of better times.

How do you feel about a formal dining room? Does your space need a makeover? Contact my team for a revamp of this room or for your entire home.

All the best,

Kara