Table with a view

This versatile dining nook can also be used for conversation, studying, or curling up with a book.

Large, formal dining rooms are becoming obsolete as families increasingly opt for generous, live-- in kitchens instead. Such spaces better suit today's casual ways of living, dining, and entertaining.

Stately dining rooms are even less functional for a beach retreat, where the relaxed atmosphere suggests a more casual setting. Donna and Tom Brown realized that when they purchased their 1,400-square-- foot cottage in Rosemary Beach, Florida. They knew the space originally designated for a formal dining room was unnecessary for their small family and laid-back style.

At her decorator's suggestion, Donna decided to reverse the open floor plan, creating a sitting area out of the spacious dining room and making a small dining nook at the other end of the room. By inverting the floor plan, Donna was able to position her small dining area against a set of scenic windows, while still keeping it conveniently close to the kitchen.

Each furniture component in the room serves dual purposes. A custom wooden bench with leather upholstery provides seating for meals or watching TV A pair of slipper chairs offers additional seating and can be moved to the adjoining living room. Even the table is versatile. "It's the site of all of our family meals," notes Donna, "but it has also frequently been used as a work surface for laptops and my daughter Ellen's coloring books."

An accompanying pine sideboard displays seashells and other treasures. When cleared, it functions as a buffet table for small dinner and cocktail parties. An oversize plantation mirror completes the breezy informality of this West Indies-style cottage.

where to find it

TABLE WITH A VIEW

Page 114: Architecture by Lourdes Reynafarje, Kiara Designs Company, Seagrove, Florida, (850) 231-8844.

(D) Available only through a designer or an architect; (M) Contact the manufacturer for a retail source near you; (O) Mail order; (R) Retail store. Unlisted items are one of a kind or unavailable.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2002
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