The idea of a separate, formal dining room, with a door leading off the hallway and a table sitting in the middle is something associated with residential design of the past. More recently dining rooms have now evolved in dining “areas” that usually form part of the hub of the home – the kitchen and living room. A separate dining rooms is either neglected, incorporated into an open plan arrangement, or converted into a home office.
Never has this evolution been more apparent than over the past few months when our dining areas have been demoted from entertainment status to multifunctional spaces, serving as home offices, homework zones, game playing and crafting surfaces, and of course, the occasional shared meal.
But do we now need dining rooms now more than ever? In these unique times it seems like a privilege to have a room dedicated to sitting around and spending time with our friends and family. No devices or distractions. Everyone crowded round the table, cocooned in this special room, cosy and safe under the dim lighting. But that could just be us….
Lately we have been creating dining spaces that are family friendly with unique, sculptural touches in the furnishings, lighting and accessories to personalise the space. Benches and banquette seating are being introduced more and more as both space-savers and also as practical and fun options for kids.
We are loving the fact that not all of the furniture pieces need to be the same, in fact, it’s all about mixing and matching the pieces in a considered and deliberate way to create a laid back feel that is full of personality. This year, it’s less about looking like your space has been pulled straight out of a “catalog” and more about creating a comfortable and unique space.
As with most areas of the home, the biophilic trend which we spoke about in this post, is being carried through to the dining area, filling the light-filled space with natural greenery and elements of nature.
Although the evolved dining area forms an integral part of the living area as a whole, it can be given its own identity and character by adding the 2020’s version of a collector’s cabinet or storage unit to display personal and treasured items or heirlooms.
