Dining rooms used to be large, space-wasting and unloved rooms. They seemed to be totally out of tune with our desire for more informal living. But now the tables are turning for this once unfashionable space. Gabrielle Fagan looks at how to dine in style.
 Around half of today's househunters - compared with one in 10 two years ago - are now demanding a traditional dining room where they can entertain guests or make family meals into an occasion. It's partly due to the influence of celebrity cooks like Gordon Ramsay and Nigella Lawson, who've encouraged the kind of dinner party menus that call for a fully laid-out table in less casual and more elegant surroundings. According to home finders BDI Property Search, this means dining rooms are fast becoming more of a must-have than conservatories or garages. BDI's Tracy Kellett says: "The days of Jamie Oliver-style informal kitchen dining are numbered. People want a big table separate from the kitchen and away from the TV. "After spending hours creating beautiful food, people don't want to bring their guests into a steamy kitchen where they're surrounded by dirty pots and pans." The trend is most prevalent among families and young couples, with singles still opting for an open-plan kitchen/dining space. Kellett says: "For too long dining rooms were under-used and unloved, but it shows that people increasingly enjoy entertaining at home. They want to show off their culinary skills and like their rooms to match their high standards." So, don't let your dining room let you down - follow the advice of our experts to create the ultimate gourmet space to suit you and your home. Dining room design SHE magazine home editor Harriet Paterson says: "Space is a key factor in the dining room. If you've the luxury of a dedicated room, go for the largest dining table you can so you and your guests have as much room as possible to enjoy yourselves. "There's nothing worse than a cramped table with no room for serving dishes." If you're short of space, she advises, opt for a folding table. "The style of the room should suit you and your home. For a formal look choose a matching set of dining chairs in an upholstered style, with a high back for maximum comfort. "But the most sociable way to sit and eat is on a bench. The close proximity makes it a great way of getting conversation going among your guests and will make for a more relaxing meal." A sideboard can give a real `dining' atmosphere to an eating space, and be good storage for china and glasses. But, if the room is dual-purpose, ensure that the storage furniture suits both functions, that it co-ordinates and isn't too workmanlike or too dressy. Easy tips INTERIOR designer Joanna Wood reveals her tips for creating a room where guests will want to linger. * Don't be afraid to use a dark colour scheme for dining rooms as this space is mainly used at night, and darker wall shades can give a beautiful glowing `jewel' effect. * Remember that chairs with arms will take up more room around a table. * Make sure your lighting has dimmers so it can be adjusted up and down to suit the mood. * Give table settings a theme to suit your food, and dress the table properly. Fill vases with spring flowers or anything else you fancy, like fairy lights. * Place a row of tea lights in glass votives down the centre of the table, sprinkle glitter in between place mats or add bowls of sweets. All these touches will make a table sparkle. * Supplement background lighting with candles to completely alter the atmosphere, especially if the room is used for a different purpose during the day. * Mirrors in antique finishes on walls add hugely to the depth and look of the dining room. | 
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