You can use a room for anything you want. Do you have an eat-in kitchen with a table? But you have a TV in your living room. Why isn't the living room good for the use you described? Maybe you just need some toy storage there.

Well it's completely up to you and your needs. However, do you really need two lounge/sitting areas next to one another? Does your living room need to be formal vs. casual? Where will you eat your meals--do you have an eat-in kitchen? And will you ever have guests for dinner?

The good thing about what you're proposing is that it doesn't take a lot of money for any renovations, so if you decide to change it back to a dining room, it won't be a problem.

Yes have an eat in kitchen with a separate area with a table . Just thinking would be nice to have an additional area for my son to hang. Something maybe more cozy.

Dont need any formal room. if we have guests would have them in kitchen area.

just feel like the dining area would be w waste of space so trying to think of other ideas for it.

I'd build in white bookshelves with closed storage in the lower half on the wall with the shorter window - and a desk on the wall adjoining the living space. Add a colorful rug with some blue/turquoise in it to tie in with your artwork in the room with the tv. And, get a large bean bag or two to put in the corner opposite the bookshelves. Get large frames, and hang your son's artwork throughout the room.

So make it kind of a playroom for your son? That's a good idea if you don't need it for dining. It's your house, and you should use it for your needs.

First off, you appear to have a gorgeous older home. If you don't use your dining room much it would make sense to convert it to a function that better suits your life. Will advise you to take precautions though and not change the room so drastically that it can't be converted back to a dining room. If you ever sell many potential buyers might be put off if the house doen't have a dining room.

Absolutely, make the house work for you! I have a similar needs and set up. I’m using my dining room for my crochet space and grandson play area. I’ll be putting some shelves, braced to the wall, and I have a toddler table, mat, toys, and changing table. I’m not changing anything structural or lighting. Your area pix seems like this will work well for you and your son. Go for it!

I agree with Norwood. Use it as a playroom but don't do anything permanent. You may eventually want a formal dining space back, and playrooms don't last forever. Plenty of furniture ideas that are not built in that would work great.

There's a fantastic (way overpriced) art table by Martha Stewart that has been awesome for us. Maybe some small beanbag chairs. A bookshelf, sure - just don't build it in. And a tent. Play kitchen if your son is into that (we just got rid of ours @ 7).

Art Table

Bookshelf

Play Tent

Yea i was thinking a kids area but also a lounge area and storage. maybe paint it a navy blue and add a cozy lounge couch. want it to be kid friendly but also look nicer like the example in that green photo above. Will not do built ins. what are those couches that are almost like beds ? Picturing in my head but cant find.

They are called daybeds.

I’d optimize both rooms. Create a cozy and flexible living room that can be easily reconfigured when you have guests. My daughter just purchased a Cozey sectional (extremely comfy) and they come in all kinds of configurations. The ottomans allow for various options to meet needs as well.

Your son may love the other space to play, have friends over, etc. Be sure not to make changes that cannot be removed easily. Consider what would meet your son’s wishes/needs and can be adjusted easily without much effort. My son and his wife have transformed their dining room into a play room and I can’t tell you the times the room has been altered to stimulate their sons’ growth, new interests, and enjoyment. Hidden storage is also important in keeping your sanity.

Yes! this is exactly what i am looking for. that couch looks super cozy and just what i am looking for. what brand is it?

yes definitely thinking a basic cozy room with storage and ability for him to be able to use as he grows. it could be a multipurpose room. spot for him and his friends but also for a good movie night etc.

Sorry I couldn’t send link to their site. If interested, search Instagram to see videos on how easy it is to set up and will provide a better sense of how it feels.