In larger houses, the kitchen has re-established itself as the heart of the home. It is where the meals are prepared and eaten. It is where the family can relax and guests can be entertained, especially when parties are being held, the table will hold the buffet and there will be room for the drinks as well. In smaller houses, however, the situation is different.

The living room tends to be a multi-purpose place where several functions can be achieved. As a formal living room, it is simple to arrange a sofa and a couple of armchairs around a focal point such as a media centre, a television, DVD player and CD player all stacked into a shelving unit. Collections of DVDs and CDs can be arranged in the unit itself or another low storage cupboard placed against the wall. There needs to be as much space as possible between items of furniture, which can be difficult if there is planty of items needed to be placed in storage.

Kitchens tend to be smaller so the living room needs to double as a dining area as well. A drop-leaf dining table is ideal for the purpose, since it can be folded down and tucked away in a corner or against the wall when not in use.

Part of the living room can also be used as an office. With the laptop computer becoming more popular, the dining table can serve as a desk and file and document storage is achieved with the use of a small bookcase, when the laptop can be stored when not in use.