Today's High-Tech Dining Room: The "New" Formal Eat-In Space

It used to be that dining rooms were utilized all the time, with fine china brought out for evening dinner parties. Then, the entertaining trend moved to the kitchen with the open floor plan and great room. Some home experts predicted the demise of the dining room altogether, but it’s making a comeback – just with a few new ingredients. In 2015, we’re seeing less of the “formal” dining areas that we’ve all become accustomed to. The room that seats 8 for Thanksgiving dinner has essentially run its course, but dining in is still very much in style.

The new trend? A spacious, open area that offers a relaxed and modern approach to the age-old dining room. There are a few new themes to look for if you’re buying, and to consider if you’re looking to renovate:

Technology: It isn’t a bad idea to up your dining room’s IQ with some “smart” gadgets, especially in this day and age. Whether that’s with a flat-screen TV hung in the corner to display pictures or on-the-wall speakers for background music, technology is a simple and quick way to get current.

Entertainment Items: This may seem out-of-the-box, but that’s because it is. The formal sitting room is on its way out, but by incorporating entertainment-related items, you can drive guests to your newly renovated dining space. Adding something as unique as a pool table can be a distinctive way to step-up your dinner parties.

Unique Lighting: The main attraction in this space doesn’t necessarily have to be your beautiful granite table or recently upholstered chairs. Adding different lighting accessories will highlight the space in a simple way. According to HGTV, lighting fixtures can showcase an exceptionally-designed piece and help bring necessary lighting to your meal in an unexpected way. It may even help strike up a conversation!

Benches: Instead of your standard, run-of-the-mill chairs, why not go a different route and add benches? It provides a cozier feel and creates an intimate environment for your guests. Though unconventional, it can be major space-saver if you’ve got a smaller area to work with, but doesn’t force you to compromise your larger guest list.

Textured Wallpaper: A stress-free way to add depth and texture to this area of your home is to use the back-in-style textured wallpaper. To further modernize, make the wallpaper stand out and catch the eyes of your guests by using a darker color, such as a navy blue. Textured wallpapers are not only interesting, they elevate the dining experience.

If you’re lucky enough to have a large dining room space, the sky is the limit to what you can do – but smaller spaces work, too. For more casual gatherings, the kitchen is still a popular place, but you’ll find more and more dining rooms are taking reservations these days.

By incorporating some of these modern trends, you’re sure to be the go-to host for dinner parties in your neighborhood!