My Experience With Living Room With Dining Area

When I first moved into my current apartment, I was really excited about the living room with dining area combo. It seemed like the perfect solution for someone like me who loves to entertain but didn’t want to sacrifice the space in my apartment for a separate dining room. However, as I started to decorate and arrange the space, I quickly realized that creating a cohesive and functional living room with dining area was more challenging than I had anticipated.

What is a Living Room With Dining Area?

A living room with dining area is a combination of two rooms in a home – the living room and the dining room. This combination is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes as it allows for more open floor plans and maximizes the use of space. The living room with dining area typically features a couch or seating area, a dining table and chairs, and may also include additional storage or decor elements.

Step-by-Step Guide for Creating a Living Room With Dining Area

Creating a living room with dining area can be a fun and challenging project. Here are some steps to follow to help you create a cohesive and functional space:

1. Measure the space – start by measuring the dimensions of your living room and dining area to determine what furniture and decor will fit comfortably.
2. Create a floor plan – use your measurements to create a floor plan that includes the placement of furniture and decor items in the space.
3. Choose a color scheme – select a color scheme that will unify the living room and dining area. Consider using different shades of the same color or complementary colors.
4. Select furniture – choose furniture that is appropriately sized for the space and complements your color scheme. Consider using multi-functional pieces such as a dining table that can double as a work surface or a sofa bed that can accommodate overnight guests.
5. Accessorize – add accessories such as rugs, curtains, and artwork to tie the living room and dining area together.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for a Living Room With Dining Area

Here are some top tips and ideas to help you create a beautiful and functional living room with dining area:

1. Use a rug to define the living room area – a rug can help anchor the seating area and differentiate it from the dining area.
2. Choose a statement piece of furniture – a unique dining table or sofa can serve as a focal point in the space.
3. Use lighting to define the areas – use pendant lights or chandeliers over the dining table and floor lamps or table lamps in the living room area.
4. Consider using a bench or banquette for seating – a bench or banquette can provide additional seating in the dining area and can be pushed under the table when not in use.
5. Use storage to your advantage – use bookcases, credenzas, or storage ottomans to create storage solutions that are both functional and stylish.
6. Choose a cohesive color scheme – select colors that complement each other and use them throughout the space to create a cohesive look.
7. Don’t skimp on seating – make sure there is enough seating for both the living room and dining area to accommodate guests.
8. Use mirrors to create the illusion of space – mirrors can reflect light and make the space feel larger and more open.
9. Consider using a room divider – a room divider such as a bookshelf or screen can help define the living room and dining area while still maintaining an open feel.
10. Personalize the space – add personal touches such as family photos or artwork to make the space feel like home.

Pros and Cons of a Living Room With Dining Area

As with any home design choice, there are pros and cons to creating a living room with dining area. Here are some to consider:

Pros:

• Maximizes use of space – a living room with dining area is a great option for those who don’t want to sacrifice space for a separate dining room.
• Open floor plan – combining the two rooms creates an open and airy feel that is perfect for entertaining.
• Multi-functional – furniture such as a dining table can double as a workspace or game table.

Cons:

• Can be challenging to decorate – creating a cohesive and functional space can be challenging when combining two rooms into one.
• Can feel cluttered – with two functions in one space, it can be easy for the space to feel cluttered or overcrowded.
• Noisy – if the living room and dining area are in close proximity, noise from the dining area can be disruptive to those in the living room.

My Personal Review and Suggestion on Living Room With Dining Area

Overall, I have found that creating a living room with dining area has been a great solution for my small apartment. The open floor plan makes the space feel larger and more inviting, and the multi-functional furniture has been a lifesaver. However, I did find that decorating the space was more challenging than I anticipated, and it took some trial and error to find the right furniture and accessories to create a cohesive look. My suggestion for those considering a living room with dining area is to take the time to carefully plan and measure the space, and to invest in multi-functional furniture that fits the scale of the room.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: How do I define the living room and dining area in an open floor plan?

A: Use furniture and accessories to define the different areas. For example, use a rug to anchor the living room area, and pendant lights or a chandelier to define the dining area.

Q: What are some multi-functional furniture options for a living room with dining area?

A: Some multi-functional furniture options include a dining table that can double as a work surface or game table, a sofa bed that can accommodate overnight guests, or a storage ottoman that can provide additional seating and storage.

Q: How do I create a cohesive color scheme in a living room with dining area?

A: Select colors that complement each other and use them throughout the space. Consider using different shades of the same color or complementary colors to create a cohesive look.