Dining out on extra condo space
Combine formal living with casual activity — a purpose for every table
My husband and I have downsized from our family home to a fantastic midtown condo that overlooks a ravine. Our children finally came by to pick up their “junk” and selected the things they wanted for their own homes. In the aftermath, I have convinced my husband we need new furnishings — with the exception of a dining room table and chairs. I’m not sure why, but there are two dining areas by the kitchen. I plan to put my dining table and chairs in one spot, but I’m not sure what to do with the other area.
Those pesky children of yours waiting until the very last minute to pick up their things!
I’ve encountered condos where two dining areas are in super-close proximity, and I’ve also been perplexed by their raison d’être. At first I wondered whether everyone was expected to buy a grand piano (for the second spot) as seen in condo brochures and on builder billboards? Perhaps one area is for informal breakfasts and the second is for formal dining.
Maybe builders are softening the blow of downsizing for empty nesters by providing space for hard-to-part-with dinette sets.
Regardless of the purpose, I like the extra space, especially because you are overlooking a ravine. If the second spot is small, a desk would create a great place to send emails or pay bills.
For In The Mix, my one-hour special for HGTV, I worked on a Pinnacle condo that had two dining nooks. We set up one area for formal dining with upholstered chairs and an oval, oak-stained table.
In the second spot (shown on the left), we created a casual area with an inexpensive sofa and dining chairs. The smaller round table could double as a workstation, but I like the idea of it being an informal nook where you can lounge on the sofa and take in the view. If you’re from my mom’s generation, you probably don’t like to eat anything, even a muffin, without a table. A sofa in the kitchen will provide comfort while the smaller secondary table gives you a place for your newspaper and tea.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that one of the two chairs is very close to the dishwasher. Don’t do this. You will be annoyed every time you have to move the chair to open the dishwasher. The second chair is there solely for the purposes of photography. In real life, one chair is enough.