Today’s homeowners are figuring out how to make every square inch of their properties usable, pushing the boundaries of what we once considered necessary in home design. Several single-purpose spaces that weren’t used to their potential have now become multifunctional spaces that are taking center stage for modern home living. Here are the top three traditional rooms that are changing with the times:

1. Dining room

The formal dining room that families used on holidays is becoming a thing of the past. Open-concept living areas allow for more eating space in and around the kitchen, and the once-coveted dining rooms are now being converted for other uses, such as home bars, wine rooms or lounges. 

2. Sitting Room

Houzz.com identified a recent explosion of interest in in-home art studios and offices—a tenfold increase over the past year. A favorite target for transformation? The formal “sitting room,” which tends to be empty except on special occasions. Now this space can be reimagined to reflect the homeowner’s interests, such as an art studio, music room, or to serve as office space for working from home.

3. Garage

Besides being a place for parking, the garage can also serve as a gym, play area or open-air event space. According to Realtor.com, homebuyers ranked a garage as one of their top five desirable features.

Sources: Realtor.com, nar.realtor.com, Houzz.com.

 

Tina Woods, Editor-in-Chief, Natural Awakenings Magazine