Eating in, is in
Dining rooms making a comeback as pretty spaces to eat, entertain
Dining rooms are making a comeback. For a decade or more, formal dining rooms were considered old-fashioned, as homeowners chose open layouts with big islands and breakfast nooks instead of a separate, formal space for meals. Home offices and libraries replaced dining rooms in the floor plans for new homes. The pandemic prompted changes in the way we want our houses configured to accommodate remote work and school — making an open layout less appealing. We're also eating in more often (even if it's takeout) and a nice place to do that is becoming more enticing.
"I am seeing in my own projects and hearing about clients wanting to unplug while eating. In a time when we have travel-sports-this and network-event-that, people want a connection with their family. They are trying to carve out special time with their kids they can't get back," said Julie Maleski Putzel, interior designer and owner of JMP Interiors. "The pandemic taught us how important it is and what quality time actually means. We are redefining our family time and dinner is now being served, together."
The return of the dining room doesn't mean a return to the stiff, formal rooms of the past, however.
Kennedy Taylor, who launched her own business, Studio K, after a decade with Witt Construction said comfortable, upholstered seating is preferable. Think of chairs you can sit in for hours for intimate dinners with close friends. Extendable tables are also popular to accommodate both small family dinners and bigger gathering. Newer tables don't come with a leaf to make them bigger; all
the hardware and expansion parts are folded up underneath the surface when not in use.
Michele Ahl, the owner of 2B Design, encourages her clients to be bold with their design choices in their dining rooms, such as a unique wallpaper, a paint color that pops, an unexpected light fixture or bright velvet chairs. Area rugs are another opportunity for an element that
stands out.
"For a years people wanted a huge island and skipped the formal dining
Michele Ahl Dining area designed by Michele Ahl shows the recommendations she makes to clients: pops of color in the upholstered chairs and a bold wallpaper.
room, now clients asking for dining rooms want sustainable choices like leather upholstered chairs, live edge tables, wall ceiling treatments with casework instead of paint," Ahl said.
People are dressing up their dining room ceilings too with the addition of beams or with casework, Ahl said.