vbethk's Profile

We have a 20yr old traditional 2 story with the formal dining room to the right of the front foyer, with the other entry from the eat-in kitchen. Our kitchen can accommodate our 6-8 seat table, so we really have no need for a formal dining area. I don't think we've eaten in that room for the 3 years we've lived here. I have a strong inclination to turn the dining room into our kids' study, as we have 3 elementary age children (plus a baby). Our "formal living room" (which is small) is currently a "playroom," but I eventually would like to put on French doors and create a guest bedroom in the formal living room area. I think our dining room would perfectly house some nice bookcases and work surfaces for laptops, plus a cozy reading spot or two. I have been inspired with some of the Pottery Barn looks for kids' study areas.

Why waste square footage of the house, especially when we never do formal entertaining? Perhaps it will become a newer trend.... Would love to see more examples of this!