Turn the dining room into the most popular room of the house.
A dining room is a valuable part of any home. You gather here with friends and family to enjoy a meal and the company of one another, so it is important that the room is functional and fashionable. Formal dining rooms are often unused because of the stuffy decor and uncomfortable seating. These days people are far more likely to use an eat-in kitchen than the formal . When you are designing or decorating your dining room, think how your family can best benefit from the use of the room and decorate accordingly.
Color
Choose the color of the room carefully, not only be able to enjoy the space, but to make it personal and inviting. Earth tones such as neutrals, tans and rich greens are easily blended with other colors found in your home and can match just about any kind of furniture and decor. For a bold statement, pick a bold color. Shades of red are said to stimulate conversation and the appetite, while a large mural could brighten the room while providing an interesting focal point.
Lighting
The lighting in the room should highlight the areas where you work and eat, like chandeliers over the table and table lamps with extra seating in the corner. Floor lamps can also be to accent the art and furniture in the room. Candles placed strategically around the room offer just the right amount of light for a romantic dinner. Also, tiny twinkling Christmas lights around large fixtures, such as windows or a mantel, can help create a unique dining experience. Use the lighting to illuminate your favorite items in the room.
Divided Areas
Though your formal dining room may be underused as a dining room, that space can still be utilized to create a multiple use room with a focus on the family. Create a reading nook in a corner with a table lamp for a comfortable spot to watch the kids do their homework. Utilize the banquet table to hold not only the fine china and serving pieces, but the board games and playing cards that your family will use on game night. Consider an armoire to keep the home computer tucked away when not in use, but easily accessible when needed for school and paying bills.
Transformation
If your family does not have a need for a dining room, turn your dining room into a room your family does need. Make it a playroom, a home office, another bedroom or a media room. If your home has an eat-in kitchen that is functional for the family, toss the formal furniture and opt for a more family-friendly decor.
Tags: dining room, dining room, your family, dining room into, eat-in kitchen