Left of center

Left of Center

No, this isn’t a post about politics! Rather, it is about dining rooms. Specifically, about making a dining room more functional and intimate for entertaining and everyday use. I have been working with a couple on remodeling an older condo lately and the dining room presented a challenge and opportunity.

This condo, built in the 1920’s, has a really generously sized dining room not found in modern condos. This room also is the central pass through room from the front entry, living room, and study to the back areas, kitchen and bedrooms. This makes it a busy place indeed! This room measures out at 17’6” X 13’6”. The east 13’6” wall features a large window, the north long wall has a 6’ opening to the living room and the south long wall, a door to the hall and kitchen located towards the west corner. Thus, the main thoroughfare would be across the western end of the room while the east end of the room remains more isolated. My solution was the split the room into two zones – eating and gathering. I had the electrician move the light fixture from the center of the room 35” towards the east window. Now the dining table is off center and when the table is turned crossways, creates a great dining are out of the traffic pattern. And, now I have a large open space in the west end of the room to travel through and a spot for larger groups of guests to gather around a buffet.

Speaking of buffet, this client has visions of entertaining in her new home larger groups than she has been able to so I wanted to provide a place for her to set out a large spread other than the galley kitchen. Along the west wall I plan on two 32” to 36” tall cabinets set 4’ to 5’ apart, depending on the cabinet size. These will then be topped with a custom cut ½” thick slab of glass to create a 10’ to 12’ long buffet. I had this set up in my previous loft and it was a godsend at parties! Anchored by a tall lamp at each end this surface can accommodate a large number of platters and plates. I know I served a buffet for up to 40 off mine! The glass keeps this huge surface form being too heavy and obtrusive and makes for an easy to clean and care for area. I like to tuck a couple of ottoman on casters under the center space for extra pull out seating. These can be moved from room to room as needed. The two cabinets provide storage for all the necessary items for entertaining – linens, platters, candles, vases, ect.

I can’t wait for this couple to begin using their new entertaining space and see what a great party they can have!