Reclaim your dining room: beyond the annual feast

For years, the formal dining room has languished – a beautiful, often expensive, space gathering dust and echoing with the ghosts of holiday dinners. We’ve traded it for open-plan kitchens, but a nagging sense of loss remains. What if you could unlock the potential of that room, transforming it from a seasonal obligation into a cherished part of daily life?

The strategic placement secret

Interior designer Victoria Faeger understands the problem intimately. “It’s about more than just aesthetics,” she notes. “The placement of the dining room dictates its utility. It shouldn’t be a forgotten annex, tucked away at the end of a hallway. It needs to be integrated – close to the kitchen, inviting, a space you genuinely want to spend time in.” Faeger’s recent project for Koo Akers, co-founder of Bonni Outbuildings, exemplifies this perfectly. The room sits at the heart of the home, accessible via glazed doors from both the entrance hall and the scullery, with a generous opening leading directly into the kitchen and out to the garden. “You can see it from almost everywhere,” Faeger explains, “and it’s a pure delight to potter through daily.”

Dealer and designer Max Rollitt takes a different, but equally compelling, view. “Dining rooms don’t have to be single-purpose spaces,” he argues. “Consider it an ‘inner hallway’ – a beautiful transition zone you pass through, admire, and, of course, enjoy meals within.” This shift in perspective, he says, unlocks a wealth of possibilities.

Beyond the table: redefining function

The key, according to the experts, is to dispel the notion of the dining room as an intimidating, formal space. Joanna Plant suggests a simple remedy: “Load the table with books, magazines, a huge vase of flowers. Anything that makes it feel lived-in and welcoming.” Victoria echoes this, recommending potted plants like geraniums or even strawberries – a gentle reminder to engage with the room on a daily basis.

Don’t be afraid to stray from tradition. Max Rollitt advocates for circular or oval tables, particularly those that can be reduced in size for smaller gatherings. “That softens the formality considerably,” he says. He also suggests a radical approach to seating: “I often place dining chairs against the wall, like a waiting room. It immediately eases the formality and makes the room feel less intimidating.”

The library effect: enclosure and atmosphere

For those seeking a truly transformative approach, Joanna Plant suggests combining the dining room with a library. “Dining rooms often possess a wonderful sense of enclosure that makes them feel intimate and atmospheric,” she explains. “Add floor-to-ceiling bookcases, and you instantly elevate it to a space of comfort and intellectual appeal. Few rooms benefit more from candlelight, creating a haven for conversation and reflection.”

And let’s not forget the power of personal touches. Victoria recommends a dresser, laden with family heirlooms, photographs, and cherished notes. A dedicated bar area, with special glassware and a prep table, can also be a powerful draw.

Ultimately, the reinvention of the dining room comes down to thoughtful design and a willingness to challenge convention. As Max Rollitt concludes, “Add a comfortable chair – a small settee or a winged armchair – and you’ve created a sanctuary, a quiet retreat from the everyday rush.” It’s a space to savor a cup of tea, lose yourself in a book, or simply appreciate the beauty of a well-designed home.