Over the past few months, we’ve explored creating rooms in your home that support rest — something we could all use more of. We’ve covered physical rest, mental rest, and sensory rest. Now, it’s time for our fourth and final look at designing spaces for rest. This week we’re talking about rooms that support social rest: the kitchen and dining room.
What is social rest and why is it important?
Social rest is about more than socializing. It’s the thoughtful consideration of multiple factors in a space that can contribute to both introverts and extroverts feeling relaxed and recharged in a social setting.
Social rest is about cultivating relationships that replenish us. It’s the comfort we find in hugs from our family or the joy we find in sharing a meal with close friends. This type of rest helps us relax after a long day and creates a sense of belonging that makes our lives better.
Here are some strategies our team uses to design kitchens and dining rooms that serve as havens for social rest:
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Jessie Preza
1. Flexible Seating Arrangements
Adaptable seating in the kitchen and dining room accommodates both intimate family meals and larger gatherings. An island with bar stools invites casual conversation during meal prep, while the dining table can welcome your whole crew for special occasions, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Haylei Smith
2. Warm and Inviting Atmospheres
Ambiance is key in fostering social rest. Warm, inviting colors and textures in the kitchen and dining area create a welcoming environment that encourages lingering over a meal. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and personal touches make these spaces feel like the heart of the home. And don’t forget the importance of fabrics! While they certainly add interest to a space, they also enhance the sound absorption in these lively rooms, which can help prevent social battery draining.
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Jessie Preza
3. Dedicated Zones for Togetherness
Creating areas in the kitchen and dining room for shared activities can enhance the sense of connection. A kitchen island or a spacious dining table becomes not just a place for food preparation or eating, but a center for crafts, homework, or deep conversations (my personal favorite way to find rest in a social situation!).
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Haylei Smith
4. Minimizing Distractions
In these spaces, it’s important to minimize distractions to focus on the people around you. This might mean having a no-device policy during meal times or designing the kitchen to encourage chatting with family and guests, rather than isolating the cook (unless, of course, the cook needs a minute of alone time, but we’ll let you navigate that one!). One thing you’ll never find in an RCL Interiors kitchen or dining room is a TV.
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Jessie Preza
5. Outdoor Connections
Whenever possible, we love designing these spaces with a view or access to outdoor areas. These kitchens and dining rooms can extend spaces for having quiet conversations or laughing with friends. Imagine opening the dining area to a patio for al fresco meals or having a breakfast nook with a view of the garden to start your day over cups of coffee.
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Jessie Preza
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