Walk into most new home renovations and you might notice something missing: the dining room. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2026 Kitchen Trends report, 79% of designers say their clients are eliminating formal dining rooms to make their kitchens bigger.
This isn't just about knocking down a wall. It's a complete shift in how we think about cooking, eating, and gathering at home.
The traditional setup is being replaced by one large, multifunctional space where everything happens.
The Kitchen Island Takes Center Stage
Over the last 100 years, the island has become the heart of the modern kitchen. 88% of designers reported to NKBA that the island now serves as the kitchen's focal point and defines the space's character. The 2026 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study notes only one-third of kitchens are without an island.
These aren't the small prep stations of the past. Today's islands are massive. Houzz reports that more than half of islands extend longer than seven feet, and the overwhelming majority (80%) are rectangular. Islands of scale are more likely to be multitasking hubs where families cook, eat, work, and socialize all in the same spot.
NKBA notes that 87% of kitchens are being designed to fit larger islands, with some homeowners even adding a second island when space allows. The shift makes sense when you consider how we actually use our homes. Most people gravitate toward the kitchen during gatherings anyway, so why maintain a separate room that sits empty most of the year?
How We're Sitting Has Changed Too
Kitchen seating is evolving along with the space itself. NKBA notes that conversational seating on two sides of the island is becoming more popular than traditional bar-like seating on one side. This setup lets people face each other while they eat or chat, creating a more intimate atmosphere. The shift is changing how islands function:
- Comfort over convenience: Deeper seating areas with upholstered chairs instead of backless stools
- Built-in banquettes: L-shaped or U-shaped seating that wraps around one end of the island
- Lower countertops: Some homeowners are adding a lower dining-height section to their island for easier, more relaxed meals
- Power outlets and USB ports: Integrated charging stations turn the island into a workspace and dining spot
The design change reflects a broader trend: we're not just passing through the kitchen anymore. We're living in it.
What Happens to Formal Dining?
Only 35% of homeowners still prefer serving meals to guests at a traditional dining table, according to NKBA’s research. That's a dramatic drop from previous generations who considered the dining room non-negotiable.
For many families, the formal dining room had become a glorified storage space or homework station. By removing it, they're gaining square footage where it matters most.
Some homeowners are converting old dining rooms into home offices, playrooms, or extended living areas. Houzz noted that 25% of its respondents tap into their dining areas in order to expand their kitchen. The result is homes that feel more open and adaptable to modern life.
Will removing my dining room hurt resale value?
It depends on your market and home size.
In smaller homes, buyers often appreciate the extra kitchen space more than a formal dining room. In luxury markets or larger homes, some buyers still expect a separate dining area.
Before making changes, research recent sales in your neighborhood and consider consulting a local real estate agent who understands what buyers in your area want.
