The breakfast room is often overlooked as it is considered an extension of the kitchen. However, just as breakfast is the most important meal of the day, a breakfast room is significant. It is where most people break the fast after a night of restful sleep. In some instances, the breakfast room, because of its daily use, is more important than the dining room, which is oft reserved for special occasions and holidays.

A breakfast room should be a peaceful and serene area. It is a place that should feel relaxed and comforting, one that should feed the soul. As the hearth of the home and accessory to the kitchen, it is where family members exchange ideas and information before beginning their day of labor, creation or schooling. This is also a likely place for other activities — homework, craft projects, family board games and, from time to time, Dad's poker game.

There are three basic locations for the breakfast room: an area in the kitchen itself, a small room adjacent to the kitchen or, in certain grand homes, the conservatory. Rather than the expected eight dining chairs of a formal dining room, the breakfast room is usually set with just enough places for the family. This makes it a more intimate space requiring a smaller table.

Additional tips for your breakfast room:

— Slipcovers are your friends in this room. The covers can be laundered as needed.

— Using outdoor fabric on the chairs makes spills easy to clean up. This is especially important when there are young ones in the household.

— A round table is recommended, as it is conducive to conversation, although any shape will do.

— This room can have multiple functions when placed adjacent to or as a part of the family room.

— If a low window is near, building a bench will help anchor the breakfast room.

— Adding French doors near the breakfast area can help achieve a conservatory feel.

— Incorporating a rustic table into your existing kitchen gives a "vintage" feel to your new kitchen.

— Consider using a small settee or building a banquette for seating along one side of your table. Don't be afraid to spruce it up with decorative pillows, which add color and make it comfortable.

— An interesting chandelier or lighting fixture can center your breakfast area.

— Curtains and valances in a beautiful fabric accentuate the special features of a bay window or nook.

— If the area doesn't have a window, hang a mirror on the wall. This will act as a "virtual" window, reflecting other items in the room.

Spend some effort on the design of this area of your home. Your breakfast room will turn out to be comfortable and stylish and will reward you day after day and even at night. Who says you can't have breakfast for dinner?

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash