In real estate, we’re all about maximising the space of our homes.
Today, with home values at record levels, it’s never been more important than to make the most of every square metre.
When you’re selling your home, agents will encourage you to ensure each room, and every nook, has a purpose. Otherwise, buyers will only see “wasted space” and question your floor plan. And that’s never good.
As a consequence, the design of homes is changing. We’re not just talking about newly-built homes. We’re thinking about how owners renovate their older homes to capitalise on every available inch.
This is true for apartments and condos, as well as detached homes.
One room in the firing line, as owners re-evaluate their floor plans, is the humble dining room.
The dining room – and the act of home entertaining – goes in and out of fashion.
And right now, a space dedicated to occasional dinners with friends is on the outer.
Open plan living reigns supreme and separate dining rooms are getting the thumbs-down.
Many people see it as a room that collects dust and is used only occasionally. It’s one of the most disliked rooms to clean, too.
Of course, not everyone will join the herd and banish dining rooms. So, below, we offer five tips for keeping the dining room relevant, and multi-functional.
Sound of Music: A dining room can usually accommodate musical instruments, and it’s perfect for practising if you can close the door and enjoy some solitude from the rest of the household.
Book It In: By adding a few shelves, you can create a library of your favourite books, which can be a great conversation starter at dinner. If you have space for a comfortable reading chair, then you’ve created a true multi-purpose space.
Home/Office: Admittedly, the dining room doesn’t make the perfect home/office. However, if you’re a road warrior and can happily work in a cafe, then your dining room shouldn’t be a problem.
Banquette Area: If you don’t like formal gatherings, consider creating a banquette area that can double-up as a second living room or a den when you’re not entertaining. It sounds rather grand, but it’s only a matter of picking furniture that you can easily move when you want to host friends and family.