Q: My formal dining room doesn’t suit my more casual summer gatherings. Is there a way I can make my breakfast area more versatile to fit day-to-day needs but still function for special occasions now and then?

A: Yes! We all know people like gathering around hubs in or near the kitchen, and in many cases a less formal multifunction space is a better option for family and guests. A designer can help you pick out fabrics that are practical for everyday living yet beautiful to look at. A drop-leaf table or one you can expand with leaves also adds versatility and lets you adjust how you want to use the space from simple sit-downs to larger groups that prefer to mingle.