Dining room/parlor placement dilemma

9 years ago

The new house I'm purchasing has a very small foyer about 3.5' X 5', then a "flex space", which can be used as a dining room or parlor. To the side of the flex space are the stairs, a laundry room, a closet and the door to the garage. Behind the flex space is the kitchen, a great room, and a sunroom. I was thinking of wallpapering the flex space area and using it as a dining room, and to distinguish it from the foyer. It would also give it a real punch since there really isn't a foyer, or I can put the parlor furniture in the flex space (no wallpaper) and put the dining room furniture in the sunroom (without wallpaper). Thoughts?

Featured Answer

groveraxle

9 years ago

This is a matter of personal opinion, but I don't like a dining room to be the first thing I see when entering a house. I also find it odd to have dining rooms far removed from the kitchen, though if the flex room is through that kitchen door, that isn't an issue here. Just something to think about.

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Comments (10)

smit2380
9 years ago
Pictures would be helpful.
gwen1 thanked smit2380
gwen1
Original Author
9 years ago
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baileysr
9 years ago
The sun room looks nice and bright. I hope you use it as a room that gets used a lot. I like the idea of making it your dining room, but some people don't use their dining room and if that's you it would be a waste. When I see your flex space, to me it looks like it would make a good office/study/library.
gwen1 thanked baileysr
gwen1
Original Author
9 years ago
I don't really use my dining room much, but I love my dining room furniture, so I thought it would be really lovely for guests to walk into. This is my current dining room furniture and the wallpaper I would use just in the dining room area, if the dining room is in the front. The wallpaper has more green in it than it appears. The other walls like the entrance and where the steps and doors are would be painted the green in the photo. Plus a beautiful chandelier.
auntthelma
9 years ago
I vote dining room. A formal dining room is a wonderful thing and it is often difficult to have one. The sun room should be a sitting room. And if you love your dining room furniture, do it! Have it be your first impression.
gwen1 thanked auntthelma
Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
i wouldnt want my dining room there, and i wouldnt buy a house that HAD to have its dining room there but neither is your situation, gwen. your responsibility to dining guests is to provide a comfortable space and good food. as long as the room isnt drafty from the front door it passes the first test.

but some number will think its odd that you have put it there. if that idea bothers you then you have a bit of an answer.
gwen1 thanked Judy Mishkin
smit2380
9 years ago
I had a dining room right off the entry two or three houses back. It worked out great. Since our dining furniture is more attractive than the rest of the stuff we own (by choice), it was nice for guests to go past the dining area before hitting the rest of the house.
gwen1 thanked smit2380
baileysr
9 years ago
Every center hall colonial (very prevalent at least in the northeast) has a dining room off the foyer. That's not my issue with the room. My issues with making that room a dining room are more about access to the kitchen, and apparent lack of windows (though maybe that's just the angle of the pic?). Anyway, if you are excited about it and think it'll work for you, then go for it!
gwen1 thanked baileysr
gwen1
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all for responding!

This home is in a 55+ community. Since these communities are catering to folks that have HAD the big houses before, they are now catering to a "new lifestyle". That being said, I grew up in the northeast and am used to the large foyers with a formal living room and dining room. All I can say is as I heard before "getting older ain't for sissies"! :-)