The Great Debate

The Great Debate: Separate Dining Room vs. Great Room with Dining Area in Luxury Homes

Is a separate dining room necessary anymore?

 

As we head into the holiday season, the ongoing debate about separate dining rooms has heated up again. As a residential architecture firm, we design spaces for family and friends to gather for celebrations, meals, games, and even work/homework. There is no right or wrong answer.

When designing a luxury home, every detail matters. From floor plans to finishes, the choices made in the design process directly influence the home's functionality, aesthetics, and appeal. Much of the older housing stock in New England – homes built between 1900-1960 and then in the 1980s – have dedicated dining rooms which reflects eras that were more formal. Today’s lifestyle tends to be less formal which accounts for more of the open concept floor plans with great rooms rather than separate family rooms and dining spaces.

In addition, kitchens have changed to include larger islands that accommodate seating. Many families use the island for informal meals along with meal prep. We’ve also seen and designed more breakfast nooks and eating areas adjacent to the kitchen, but that are not as separate and defined as a formal dining room.

Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each:

Separate Dining Room

Pros:

1. Elegance and Formality
   • A separate dining room inherently brings a sense of occasion. It’s a space that can be styled to elevate any dining experience, from family gatherings to formal dinner parties. Luxury homeowners often appreciate the flexibility to create a dramatic or traditional setting that feels distinct from the rest of the house.
2. Privacy and Intimacy
   • For clients who enjoy private family dinners or intimate gatherings, a separate dining room provides an escape from the rest of the home. It’s an ideal setting for focused conversations or for enjoying meals without background distractions from the kitchen or living areas.
3. Enhanced Design Flexibility
   • Having a separate room for dining allows for unique design choices that wouldn’t necessarily work in an open concept. Bold wallpaper, luxurious chandeliers, statement art, and custom furnishings can all be tailored to create a distinct dining atmosphere that adds value and personality to the home.
4. Easier Acoustics and Temperature Control
   • Enclosed dining spaces offer better control over acoustics and climate. Noises from the kitchen, living room, or even outdoor areas are minimized, making conversation easier. Additionally, temperature can be managed more easily, allowing for a more comfortable experience regardless of the meal’s length.

Cons:

1. Underutilized Space
   • Many homeowners find that a separate dining room is often only used for special occasions, leading it to sit empty for most of the year. Given the premium square footage in a luxury home, this can feel like a missed opportunity to maximize usable space.
2. Reduced Flow and Openness
   • A separate dining room can interrupt the flow of an otherwise open-concept floor plan. It may create a barrier between the kitchen and living spaces, which can feel restrictive, especially if the client prefers a more interconnected, communal atmosphere.
3. Potential for Isolation
   • In some cases, a separate dining room may lead to isolation during meal prep and serving. Those cooking in the kitchen can feel disconnected from family members or guests, which might not suit clients who enjoy mingling with guests throughout the meal.

Great Room with Dining Area

Pros:

1. Enhanced Openness and Flow
   • The great room approach merges the kitchen, dining, and living spaces into one open area, offering a more spacious and fluid floor plan. This layout fosters easy movement and provides an inviting, communal feel that’s particularly suited to families who enjoy spending time together.
2. More Functional, Everyday Use
   • For many homeowners, an integrated dining area is ideal for frequent use, as it can serve both formal and informal meals. It’s particularly beneficial for families who want a functional dining space for daily meals but also want the flexibility to entertain with ease.
3. Stronger Social Connection
   • An open-concept great room with a dining area keeps everyone connected, from cooking and prep to dining and relaxing. This layout is perfect for homeowners who love to entertain or have young families, as it allows everyone to be part of the action, no matter where they are in the space.
4. Versatile Design Options
   • With a shared space, there’s an opportunity to create seamless, complementary designs that connect the kitchen, dining, and living areas. The use of strategic furniture placement, lighting, and area rugs can help visually separate the dining area while keeping the flow cohesive and balanced.

Cons:

1. Reduced Formality
   • Some homeowners may find that a combined dining area lacks the elegance and formality of a dedicated dining room. Without clear delineation, it may be challenging to create the same atmosphere or sense of occasion for more formal gatherings.
2. Noise and Distraction Potential
   • The lack of separation can sometimes make it difficult to manage noise and distractions. Cooking sounds, smells, and other activities from the kitchen can detract from the dining experience, particularly if homeowners enjoy entertaining frequently or hosting formal dinners.
3. Limited Design Flexibility for Dining-Specific Features
   • In a great room setup, it’s essential to create a unified design, which can sometimes limit the creative options for the dining area itself. Bold design choices that might work well in a separate dining room could feel out of place or overpowering in an open-plan space.
4. Clutter Visibility
   • In a great room setup, everything is visible, so any mess or clutter in the kitchen or living area becomes part of the backdrop for the dining area. For clients who value tidiness or want to host effortlessly, this may be a point to consider. Custom cabinetry in the living areas can provide additional storage and lessen clutter.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Ultimately, the choice between a separate dining room and a great room with a dining area depends on lifestyle, entertaining habits, and personal aesthetic. Here are some questions to consider when making this decision:

1. How often do you entertain, and what kind of atmosphere do you want to create?
   • For those who host formal events frequently, a separate dining room may enhance their entertaining experience. On the other hand, if you prefer casual gatherings, an integrated dining area could better suit your needs.
2. How important is everyday functionality?
   • Families and those who enjoy communal living may prefer the great room for its practical, day-to-day benefits, while those looking for a more refined experience may lean toward a dedicated space.
3. What’s your design vision?
   • The architectural design and style preferences of the homeowner play a huge role. A traditional or classic home might benefit from a separate dining room, while a modern or contemporary design could favor an open concept.
4. Priority for privacy or connection?
   • For those who like a bit of separation, especially when entertaining, the enclosed dining room offers privacy. But for families who love a shared experience, the open concept of a great room dining area can’t be beat.

Both options offer unique benefits and challenges. As a luxury residential architect, understanding our client’s lifestyle and preferences is essential to delivering a home that reflects their personality, functional needs, and desires. Whether choosing the sophistication of a separate dining room or the open, communal vibe of a great room dining area, we strive for a design that enriches everyone’s living experience and makes their home feel uniquely yours.