Modern-day living has become a lot more relaxed, with a trend towards the casual. In keeping with that attitude, home design has also undergone a shift to a more laid-back style, which is seen even in the layouts of luxury new homes. If you prefer the ambience of candlelight and a glittering chandelier in a formal dining room, however, this doesn’t mean that you should completely eliminate one from your plans.

Are Owners of Luxury New Homes Opting for Less Formal Dining?

These days, very often the answer is absolutely! The choice to do away with formal dining is influenced by a number of factors. For one, many houses being built today are smaller; even luxury new homes can still be deluxe without endless square footage and a massive footprint. Because of this, though, every inch of space needs to be utilized efficiently and sometimes the fancy dining area is the first to go. Many property buyers are requesting a family-style home, wherein kitchens have become larger to accommodate a casual, bar-style, eating area at an island, for example.

Without Formal Dining Rooms in Luxury New Homes, What are Some Options?

Instead of having formal dining areas in their luxury new homes, many homeowners decide to use the space for their other requirements. How about a home office, for example, or a library or walk-in pantry? Depending on your needs, you could even opt to have a playroom, games room or exercise area.

Does this Mean You Should Scrap the Formal Dining Area?

Although some families prefer not to have formal dining rooms in luxury new homes, there are definitely those who wouldn’t have it any other way. When deciding whether a formal dining room is for you, consider a number of things:

• Entertaining – Do you like entertaining guests in a formal sit-down setting, or do you prefer more casual, buffet-style dinners? If a dedicated dining area with a large table isn’t really your style, do consider whether you have adequate and appropriate seating in other areas for the number of guests you are likely to invite for a meal.

• Resale – Do you think having a formal dining area will add to the future value and overall appeal of your home? If this is a strong consideration for you, consider asking the opinion of an experienced real estate agent in your area for their opinion about the inclusion of a formal dining room as a deal maker or breaker.

• Home Theme – Formal dining rooms do “dress up” the feel of luxury new homes. However, you need to consider the overall theme of your home and what atmosphere you are trying to achieve. If the other parts of the house are also formal and stately looking, then a formal dining room will fit in. However, if your home has a modern, minimalist theme or comfy country atmosphere and décor, then you can most likely quite happily do away with a more extravagant eating area.

With or Without: the Dining Space is Definitely Up to You

Overall, these days fewer truly formal dining rooms are featured in luxury new homes. Many homeowners are opting for less fussy, more spontaneous and family-oriented living with open concept floor plans and intimate and laid-back settings for meals.

When planning luxury new homes, customers should always seek advice from trusted and reliable custom home builders who can provide the design recommendations most suitable for their needs and personal lifestyle. Just remember, if you are one of those customers, the way your home is built is ultimately up to you.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

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