Formal dining rooms have a place
in many homes. And, as the elegant name suggests, these rooms
deserve top-notch design treatments. Start with a thoughtful
layout, then add eye-catching architectural touches and just the
right light, and you'll have a dining space that will complement
any meal. Here's how.Location
Your dining space should be close to the
kitchen to make it convenient to bring out food. In newer homes,
dining rooms are often open to the kitchen, the living room, or
other adjoining spaces. If you have a door separating the
kitchen and dining room, however, it's best to have a door with
double-action hinges, which allow the door to swing open and
shut as you pass through.
Layout
If you already have a dining room, see that
your table is scaled to the space. If you're building a new
dining room, design it around the furniture you'd like to use
there. Careful planning ensures that guests will dine
comfortably and that furniture is neither too large nor too
small for the room.
You will need 2 feet per person around all
sides of the table for everyone to sit comfortably. At least 2
feet behind the chairs will allow you and your guests to easily
walk around the table and slide your chairs in and out. Allow
additional space for extra furniture, such as sideboards and
china cabinets. |