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Real Estate Advertorial Some homeowners may aspire to have expansive dining rooms replete with seat- ing for 12 beneath a stunning chandelier. That kind of space certainly makes host- ing dinner parties easier. However, mod- ern homes typically have small dining rooms that require homeowners or rent- ers to be resourceful when entertaining guests. Hosts may not be able to expand their dining spaces, but there are some clever ways to maximize every inch of a small dining room and even some smart solu- tions for those who don't have dining rooms at all. • Create the illusion of more space. Eating areas can be made to feel larger with a few tricks. A mirror on the wall will reflect light and make the room appear larger. In addition, a large-scale patterned floor or oversized artwork on the wall may make the room appear more spacious. • Maximize seating. Chairs can take up a lot of room in a dining space. To maxi- mize seating availability in smaller dining rooms -- or in spaces where you need to create a seating area -- look to built-in banquettes or bench seating. These ideas can help create an instant cozy nook and save on space in the process. • Let space lead furniture choices. Depending on the size and shape of the room, select a table that will fit comfort- ably. A round, pedestal table may take up less real estate in a smaller room than an oblong or rectangular one. Also, if you have a narrow, galley-type dining space, select a narrow table and low- profile chairs. Again, benches may work well in narrow spaces. • Utilize the kitchen island. Many mod- ern homes have no dedicated dining rooms but kitchens that open up to living rooms. Homeowners with kitchen islands can utilize large islands as dining areas, and they're easy places to enjoy casual meals when stools are pulled up to the island. • Install a drop-leaf table. Drop-leaf tables do for dining spaces what Murphy beds do for guest rooms. A wall-mounted drop-leaf table can be dropped down for entertaining and folded back up when the space needs to be repurposed. • Lighten up the colour palette. Make dining spaces seem larger with brighter colours. Brightly coloured decor, furniture and flooring can do the trick. • Invest in storage pieces. A simple buf- fet can store silverware, table cloths, wine glasses, and more, but also serve double- duty as a bar or server for a buffet. Petite dining spaces can be functional when space is maximized and design tricks are called into action. (MCC) How to make the best of a small dining space in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, F eb ru ar y 3, 20 22 | 20 When You Sell With Tony You Will Receive The Following At No Extra Charge: √ FREE Services Consultation √ De-Cluttering √ Packing √ Moving √ Un-Packing & Set-Up at your new retirement suite √ Donation, disposal or auction of your unwanted belongings √ Preparation of your original home for maximum results √ Retirement residence incentives √ Professional Financial Consultation (if required) Tony is your one-sTop service provider TransiTioning seniors wiTh digniTy, respecT & peace oF Mind HELPING EMPTY NESTERS & SENIORS ACROSS THE GTA WITH REAL ESTATE, DOWNSIZING & TRANSITION SERVICES www.twhitehouse.metrolandwebservices.com Tony Whitehouse Sales Representative Accredited Senior Agent (ASA) Call: 647-378-1789 Email: twhitehouse@royallepage.ca home� nder.ca Find the perfect home, start online at