When Your Dining Room Doesn't Want To Be A Dining Room

Original Dining Room - BEFORE.  This room is positioned between the living room and family room/kitchen.  It appears to be functioning fine - until closer observation.  The placement of this room, in the middle of a traffic pattern from the front of the house to the back, creates an obstacle for guests to move freely from room to room - frustrating when you want your guests to enjoy your living room when they would rather be in the kitchen while your finishing the final details on the evening's menu.  The table creates a divide.  People simply will not attempt to pass through the dining room - even when encouraged. 

The solution.  Re-program the formal dining room into a music room/library.  The dining table, chairs, and chandelier were escorted out and the piano was ushered in.  Moving the piano to this space eased the arrangement of furniture in the living room and gave the instrument center stage on the first floor.  Moving the dining table out of the middle of this space opened up the traffic flow - making the transition from living room to family room effortless.  The piano naturally attracts attention and interest - giving permission for people to use the living room with ease.  Better flow.  Better energy.  Healthier.  Happier.  Vintage chandelier and wing chair - H & B Gallery - Minneapolis.  Glass door book case - Historic Interiors Group - St Louis Park.