Dining Rooms – Are they obsolete?
By Mary Cusack, ASID
Not hardly, but the dining room of today has changed its face and also much of its function. Yes, we still eat at the dining room table either everyday or at least occasionally.
Today’s newer homes, with an open plan, have a designated place to dine – but not in a separate room. The eating area is in the middle of everything – next to the kitchen and also close to the family gathering area. The entire area is one big room. Each area is segregated by function not walls. We may need to cease using the term dining room and start saying dining area.
I know what you are thinking. No one eats together anymore, also the TV is stage center and besides why sit at the table for only two or even one. These are some of the reasons to have a designed place to sit and eat. Meal time can be one of the most important and enjoyable times of the day.
As many of you know, my Mother passed away this July. Even to the every end, she and Dad had all their meals at the table. I was there much of the time, and it was amazing how enjoyable that time was even if no one was much interested in conversation. The togetherness was enriching and generally conversation was pleasant and/or informative. Experiencing our own lives rather than watching someone else‘s float before us on the television has to be a plus.
But back to dining rooms or more appropriately the dining area and their function. For quality of life, it is imperative that we have a designed area for dining. For some it may be a bar or island connected to the kitchen. Keep in mind that a long straight bar with everyone sitting side by side is not conducive to good conversation. To face one another is part of the equation. When I have the opportunity to create the space, I design the eating area so that the diners can face one another even if it is at slight angles. Oval, round or irregular shapes are better than a straight line.
The adjacent picture is a job in progress with the straight part of the bar for food preparation and the irregular rounded shape for dining. Five bar stools are to be placed around this area. Cambria a quartz surface is to be installed for the counter top. Future articles will show more completed pictures as I, hopefully, become more computer savvy.
Many have a separate room for dining. It does not have to be wasted space and it does not have to be formal. Consider a dual purpose room by converting it into a library with floor to ceiling and wall to wall shelves. A large dining table in the middle is a perfect addition. This changes all the elements and creates an atmosphere for great conversation.
Many family rooms that open into the kitchen make great dining areas. Installing matching chandeliers in both the kitchen and dining area connect the two. This is beautiful – yet open and non stuffy.
Dining tables serve so many purposes such as a place to do homework, an office area, a place to cut and sew. Even assembling scrapbooks is ideal on a large surface. Visiting with a friend over a cup of tea at the table is so very intimate. Including a dining area is not only practical but very, very nice.