18 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2024
Many homeowners can undoubtedly take a stroll through their homes and find at least one space that could be repurposed to provide more functionality . Real estate professionals know that such sentiments are not uncommon , and many point to formal dining rooms as spaces that have fallen out of favor in recent years .
Formal dining rooms were once common in newly built homes , but the pivot toward open concept floor plans left it up to homeowners to decide if such spaces were for them . In a 2017 book published by the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press , authors used cameras to monitor life in many people ’ s homes , including how they used each room . The authors concluded that formal dining rooms were rarely used for eating . If that sounds a lot like home to many current homeowners , then it might be time to consider some ideas to convert formal dining rooms to make these spaces more functional .
• Home office : Though the percentage of professionals working remotely has dipped considerably since the end of the pandemic , hybrid working is perhaps among the more lasting work-related byproducts of COVID-19 . In its Global State of Remote and Hybrid study published in early 2024 , the career networking resource LinkedIn noted that 13 percent of jobs posted to the platform were for hybrid positions . That means millions of workers can still utilize an accommodating home office space . A formal dining room can be converted to provide such a space , and the good news is that such a conversion need not require extensive renovations . A fresh coat of paint , an additional outlet or two and perhaps a new overhead lighting fixture can instantly transform the space at minimal cost .
• Reading room / library : Homeowners who dream
Dining room conversion ideas
of having a designated space for quiet reading can convert a little-used formal dining room into a space to curl up with a good book . Some comfortable armchairs , built-in bookshelves and perhaps an expanded floor-to-ceiling window overlooking a side or backyard can help homeowners create a home library that will be the envy of any avid reader .
• Studio space : If there ’ s a resident yogi and / or artist living under the roof , then converting a dining room into a yoga or art studio , or perhaps even a hybrid space for those who enjoy both activities , is a no-brainer . A yoga studio conversion may not require as much investment as a kitchen overhaul or bathroom renovation , but an ideal home yoga space requires more than a mat and room to stretch . The Yogapreneur Collective notes that flooring in a yoga studio should be non-slip , easily cleaned , durable , sound-absorbing , and low maintenance . The Yogapreneur Collective asserts that different flooring materials may be ideal for certain types of yoga , noting that cork flooring is a go-to choice for professional studios that offer hot yoga . Similarly , the right flooring for an art studio may depend on the artist ’ s preferred medium , whether it ’ s oil painting , arts and crafts or another artistic pursuit . But any artist knows that a floor that ’ s easy to clean is perhaps best for a home art studio .
• Additional ideas : Some additional ways to repurpose a dining room include a gaming room for avid gamers , a memorabilia showcase for collectors or a pantry for foodies who love to cook but need some extra space to store ingredients and tools of the trade .
If a formal dining room is only utilized on occasion , homeowners may want to consider the many ways to convert such spaces into areas that are more usable every day .
18 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | NOVEMBER 2024