For many homeowners, formal dining rooms are one of the least-used rooms in the home, being reserved for formal occasions or guests, and the design reflects that level of formality.

But there’s no reason a dining room should only be used for special occasions. It can be a great place to gather with friends and family on a day-to-day basis, and a few design upgrades can make the space feel more inviting. 

A recent article from realtor.com outlined ways to refresh a formal dining room to make it a more cozy and usable space, including:

• Small, round tables. Formal dining rooms often feature large tables that feel more corporate than cozy. Swapping out a formal table for a more intimate, round table will instantly make the space feel more inviting and homey.
• Using a dresser as a sidebar. While there’s nothing wrong with traditional sidebars, if you want your dining room to feel cozier, consider swapping out the sidebar for a dresser. Incorporating a dresser into your dining room adds visual interest, and going with a more weathered or antique piece of furniture can also make the space feel more cozy.
• Wallpaper on the ceiling. Ceilings are often an afterthought in the design process. But adding wallpaper to the dining room ceiling (aka the “fifth wall”) is a great way to add color and texture to the space. Consider a watercolor pattern in colors that complement the walls and decor to add visual interest without being too overwhelming.

Want more tips for other rooms in your home? Get in touch today! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORs, The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-515-2479