What is the most useless room in the house?

In the Land Before Time, or a long, long time ago, formal living rooms were for important visitors. You were driven to your host’s entrance in a horse-drawn carriage, a footman opened the carriage door and knocked you to the ground. At the front door, his coat or cloak was taken from him; You left your business card on the lobby table and they took you to the front lounge. Wake up! We mere mortals no longer live like this.

The living room was invented for the double home, salaried with children, so in case they had unexpected visitors, they would not have to run like a chicken with their head cut off putting away toys and dirty clothes. They could retreat to the formal living room. But with the invention of the telephone, perhaps not so long ago, people call and make appointments, rather than just showing up. I know, there are a few who stick to the “I was in the neighborhood” tactic, but they get what they deserve.

So why do developers keep giving us formal living rooms? Someone is asleep on the switch. Someone should tell them that the men no longer go to the studio and have brandy and a cigar; and women long ago stopped drinking tea in the parlor away from men.

If you have one of those useless undersized living rooms that you hardly look at anymore, repurpose it. One feature that would work great in a space that is clearly too small for formal gatherings beyond the immediate family is a stylish home office. Even if you run a business from this space, it can be outfitted so things like built-in storage, books, maps, globes, etc., are front and center. The technology can be stored in cabinets to conceal its actual use as a home business or a place to handle family affairs. Today’s excellent storage keeps important and confidential paperwork safely out of sight under lock and key. With comfortable seating, this repurposed room can double as a great gathering place for a small group.

What about a library that is a special dining room when a formal dining room is missing? A game room where cards and board games are played would be perfect. A music room or a reading room are more useful ideas for the overlooked room. When it comes down to it, just because an architect has labeled a space “living room” doesn’t mean they have to limit themselves to what’s on a plan. It is your house. Make it useful!