From Den to Dining Room

Southern Living, May 2004 by Martin, Robert

Just because a room serves a certain purpose doesn't rule out a change. Follow this couple's lead in making a cost-effective switch.

One way to revitalize a room is to give it a new use with a little paint and a few tweaks. just ask John and Caroline Sease.

More Cave Than Cozy

This Montgomery couple didn't deny that their long, narrow den signaled an era several decades shy of the 21st century. The walls were covered in dark wood paneling and the fireplace consisted of brownish brick. Despite its drab state, the Seases realized the room had potential. "Many of the features promised to be nice if spruced up," says John, an architect.

Making the Switch

Seeking advice from interior designer Susan Ferrior, the couple decided that the room, because of its location, would always be a connector to the rest of the house. They didn't want the space to feel like a hallway, so they agreed to make it a dining room.

Removing the mantel and painting the paneled walls and masonry a cream color brightened the space and kept the fireplace from dominating. For the built-ins, the couple selected a richer gray-green hue, giving the cabinetry the quality of a piece of furniture. John and Caroline also replaced the top of the base cabinets, which contained a large hole for a console TV, with a wood countertop. They use the surface as a sideboard for serving food and drinks during parties.

Enlarging the cased opening to the kitchen and removing a door leading to the bedroom hall greatly opened the flow of the house. The couple also installed a new chandelier in place of the ceiling fan.

By rethinking their floor plan, these homeowners gained a dining room that's well worth the effort.

ROBERT MARTIN