Can Living/Dining Rooms work? In our last home, this is exactly what we had. One medium-sized reception room. It was the only place to squeeze us all in. And when I say squeeze, I really do mean squeeeeeeeeze.
And that's what this post is really about. The question isn't so much 'Does this set-up work?' but more a case of 'Work with what you've got'.
Yes, some dining arrangements do work better than others but what if you haven't got/can't afford/don't want that set-up?
It's all very well showing lovely images of beautiful dining spaces but what about if you live in a wee flat, or in a house-share, or have a bedsit? What should you do then?
If you possibly, possibly can then do try to fit in some kind of table somewhere to sit down to eat and say a big fat goodbye to eating off your lap in front of the telly.
Sitting down together to eat as a family is one of the highlights of my day. Breakfast, lunch and tea. Three times each day to be intentionally together.
Take this as a Valentine's Day Modern Country Lifestyle Challenge: taking the best bits of Country life and making them work in the Modern world. Try it, if you don't already, and let me know if it works for you...
Images via: Casaanversa, Light Locations, tumblr_luxz6zDqu31qcp9cdo1_500,
Unknown, Nicety, Country Homes and Interiors
Great images of living/dining rooms. Ours is an l-shaped configuration, so it's fairly easy to furnish. Make your house work for you is great advice.
ReplyDeleteI love those wooden beams with the white floorboards! Classy!
ReplyDeleteI have been away and am catching up.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I have our dining table half way in our living room and half way in our dining room. Sounds weird, but it frees up lots of space and makes my apartment feel bigger.
Sending Valentines love your way, neighbor.
Fondly,
Glenda
Happy Valentine's Day! Cherish the years you can enjoy the time together. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteWell,
ReplyDeleteI've had both the living/dining shared place AND THE kitchen/dining shared space.
I don't know which is better or worse...
I personally think square footage plays a big part on how well those two spaces work.
...square footage isn't something I've had an abundance of in either home.
You do show some lovely examples of this style,though!
Hi Sarah, I love reading your posts... not just because of the beautiful images, great advice, or lovely images of your home... but also because I just love the way you guys talk! :o) What the heck is a bedsit??!! I'm wondering if it's the same thing as what we'd call a studio in the states... a one room apartment where that one room functions as the kitchen, living room, and bedroom?
ReplyDeleteTania
I live in a "wee cottage" and our eating area is tiny, we literally squeeze past chairs if we need to get up when we have company, so I have moved our dining room table into the sunroom that you have to pass through the living room to get to. And it is too cold in the winter time to even enter. But come warmer weather we will be able to use it and it's the best solution that I could find. Space is at a premium and when that happens, we have to find solutions, and this one works for us.
ReplyDeleteI love your pretty images, but they are all in houses larger than mine!
Very beautiful images! I think the living room/dining room words well for many and I could not agree wtih you more it is a much better solution that eating on a tray.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
When I bought my condo 4 years ago I got my first dining room. We never had one in my parent's house and my first apartment was too small.
ReplyDeleteSo I say with pleasure I now have an eat in kitchen and a dining room! And guess where I eat most of my meals? On the sofa in front of the television!
Love all the shots of the dining areas, truly inspiring!