Some of what comes across my desk these days from the residential construction industry says that many buyers of new homes do not want to use a separate room for dining as it is only used a few times a year for formal occasions and they would prefer to use that space more often for other functions.

For any interior spaces in a residence the questions to be asked are: What are the best designs for all functions that are to take place in the available spaces and how can they be done best aesthetically?

Some people like to keep a formal dining room for their life style. For some, a room may have other functions, but become formal for dining. Some people don’t want a formal room for dining and prefer all eating activities be incorporated into the activities of other spaces.

Different people have different life styles. There is no formula that fits all.

Function is the only principle to follow and is the main ” reason de etre ” for any designed residential space.

Food for thought.