Another popular idea is to use the larger living room space, which often has a majestic fireplace and windows, as the formal dining room, with a larger and more elegant table, sideboard or butler and other appropriate furnishings. The smaller formal dining space can then be utilized as a cozy and intimate reading den or sitting room where you can still have coffee or tea with special visitors.  This smaller dining space can also be converted into a functional home office.

Your number of options expand greatly the less the formal living room is visible. It can be transformed into a media or theater room, which has become incredibly popular, a billiard room and bar, a children’s play room or even an exercise or craft room. The best room to convert into a media room would have doors and very few windows. Of course, if your house has an open floor plan, you can easily add doors and use heavy window coverings to block out the light. For the other usage alternatives, you would likely want to add doors to preserve the room’s privacy or hide its clutter. Adding doors is an easy alteration that would also greatly increase the options available for the room – and the room’s resale potential at large.

Today, a “living room” is what a homeowner makes of it. The days of formal living in one’s own home and wasted square footage have predominantly passed. Whichever option you choose, rejoice in your reclaimed living space!

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Luxury interiors expert Elaine Williamson is the principal of Elaine Williamson Designs - a full-service, award-winning firm specializing in high-end custom interior design for luxury residences, high-rise properties, and commercial establishments. She may be reached online at www.ElaineWilliamsonDesigns.com.