With the uptick of the housing market in Boise, Idaho , I've had the pleasure of taking a number of clients through new construction vs. existing homes more so than in the previous five years. This is due to the lack of inventory of existing residential property leaving buyers no other choice but to look at both. In my travels I have observed a growing trend among builders, which I'll assume is a reflection of buyer taste, and that is very few homes the lower and mid price levels ( $ 150,000-$275,000 ) have any semblence of formal dining rooms.
Is the trend toward more outdoor living- patios and balconies, large walk through door ways from kitchen space and more open less formal dining where people can mingle, eat and enjoy one another's company in a more free flowing layout? I think so. The demise of formal dining room as we traditionally have seen it in smaller homes is being replaced with free standing counter tops and more space granted for foood preparation and cabinet areas.
That is not to say as Americans we are abandoning formal dining. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner will remain the hallmarks of formal dining. However think of it as a trade off- formal dining space that used maybe twice or three times a year for a more relaxed space for informal eating. Small foot prints of home just cannot do both and builders are echoing the drive toward social gatherings and not sit down dining.
Blame FaceBook, or maybe it's the other way around. FaceBook is a direct reflection of our emerging culture to have many acquaintences and friends with whom we share our lives. Why not extend that same rationale to the home with get togethers with larger numbers of people in our homes?
My wife and I will still host formal dinners or celebrate with a close few friends and put out the best China, prepare a special dish topped with first class wine, but these indulgences will take a back seat to standing around in shorts, a beer in one hand and a chip in the other talking over vacations and wha the kids are doing.
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