Sitting down for a meal is a central function in the design of a home. The space for dining can range from a grand hall to a counter with stools in the kitchen. Dining spaces are as various as houses themselves.
Many homes have a separate formal dining room. Though used only occasionally, this area is often the most elegant and best furnished room in the house. It sets the design style of the house. There is something romantic about sitting down in a room especially devoted to the dining experience. Even the simplest food looks special on your best china in a formal dining room. It is a more private and serene place, separate from the work area and clutter in the kitchen.
Sometimes formal dining rooms develop a rigid, impractical look, more suited to viewing than eating. There are lots of creative ways to personalize a formal dining room to make the space feel safe and comfortable. Consider using a formal table with mix and match chairs, modern placemats, bright colors, assorted candle holders, and lamp lighting. The trend is away from having carpet in dining areas – giving the room a stuffy, impractical feel. Hard surface flooring is more inviting and can take the spills that inevitably happen.
In addition to the formal dining, there is usually a breakfast nook or a central counter for everyday meals. Although the formal dining is separate from the kitchen, it should be easily accessed from the kitchen. The passage to the dining may contain a butler’s pantry – cabinets for serving dishes or glassware.
A less formal alternative is to have the main common areas – kitchen, dining and living – all combined into one large space. Guests feel close to the core of the home, and can participate in cooking or mill around the living and dining area. This is a fun, open style that draws people together to cook, eat, and visit. A successful sequence is to have the spaces move from the most protected to the most outdoor – from the kitchen, to dining, to living, to porch.
Regardless of its location, the dining area should have enough space for a good sized table and at least one additional piece of furniture. Dining areas need natural light from windows or doors. Natural light makes food more appetizing. Dimmers to soften interior lighting at night are a good idea. The dining area is a core space in the house – a place for the important activity of eating and entertaining. How this space is configured, either as a separate room or a part of the living area, depends on the style of your home, degree of formality, and your personal preference.
Roselind Hejl's Austin Update 