Question for Topaz owners

[Michael 61]

Hi- just closed on my beautiful Topaz patio villa in Richmond last week. Love the large garage and open floor plan. The one area I’m trying to figure out though that since there is not a designated dining area, whether to buy a small dining set, or forego dining area all together and just eat at the open island kitchen counter. If I put in even a small dining room set, it will intrude onto my living area. The model pictures for the Topaz floor plan on the Villages site, shows a virtual dining room set, though I don’t see that is practical in reality. Want to know from other Topaz owners what you do for dining? Was also thinking of maybe a small drop leaf table against the wall, or since I seldom entertain, just keeping a folding table in the garage for those special events, and cover with a tablecloth.

[Keefelane66]

Agree keep it simple

[JohnN]

We have a different model but similar situation. If you don't entertain much, then just use the area however it works best for you.

[Nucky]

That wall's strange angle is problematic. If you look at the drawing for the Topaz, the "plans" it seems like if the wall could be squared and the wall in the garage was on an angle this would conquer the living area problem. It would square off the dining area and then all your would need to do is have an electrician drop a chandelier into the new area.

Being new here I would highly suggest that you speak to the ARC. Architectural Review Committee and get their approval and see what they thought are. Don't even think about doing anything without a permit. Welcome to The Villages. Your life is going to be great here.

[Miboater]

I don't have a Topaz but what I did to get ideas is go on the Villages app and use the "Home and Villas" tab and then "Search Homes". From there you can use the filter to just search for your model of home and see what other people did and it did help.

[Debfrommaine]

The Topaz does have an unusual kitchen design. My friends use the bar area mainly and have a table that folds down and up against the wall when needed. Another person did away with a table and uses the bar area only.

[Michael 61]

Thanks - I am thinking of just doing away with dining table - it’s just me, so I don’t mind eating at the island counter, or eating on a tray in the living room when watching TV. I’m thinking of investing in a very nice outdoor patio dining set for 4 or 6 people, with a nice umbrella for the few times I have guests over for a meal (I realize that will be subject to weather). I’ve gone onto listings for Topaz’s for sale to get ideas, and many people kinda try to hide photos of this area in their listing, others have tables either up against the wall, or up against the island bar, which look way too bulky, and butt up right near their living room furniture, which I’d not care for.

[vintageogauge]

If it's only you, the desk area in the kitchen will work well as a table as a chair slides under the desk. It's well worth having that large garage and the double sinks in the master bath in place of a large dining area and if needed in the future get a folding table to place against the garage wall as that is just dead space.

[Oldragbagger]

Hi- just closed on my beautiful Topaz patio villa in Richmond last week. Love the large garage and open floor plan. The one area I’m trying to figure out though that since there is not a designated dining area, whether to buy a small dining set, or forego dining area all together and just eat at the open island kitchen counter. If I put in even a small dining room set, it will intrude onto my living area. The model pictures for the Topaz floor plan on the Villages site, shows a virtual dining room set, though I don’t see that is practical in reality. Want to know from other Topaz owners what you do for dining? Was also thinking of maybe a small drop leaf table against the wall, or since I seldom entertain, just keeping a folding table in the garage for those special events, and cover with a tablecloth.

Welcome to paradise. We love our Topaz. It is just perfect for the two of us and the occasional guest.

The dining thing was a challenge and our first attempt was a fail. A lot will depend on how you arrange your living area. This is ours.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/oldragbagger-131018/albums/my-pictures/9685-c54a3df6-3c24-47dd-84d4-021aac568ae6.jpeg

We have 100” from the end of the sofa to the edge of the island counter (the counter itself, not the base). We started with a 45” round table but found we could not put all four chairs at it without obstructing the walkway between the dining table and living area. We had to get a bit creative to find something that would fit perfectly. Our solution was a 48”x30” butcher block from Lowe’s, a set of metal table legs from Amazon, and some compact modern chairs that I reupholstered with real leather. Along with the counter stools we can seat 8 if need be, but that would be a unicorn situation for us.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/oldragbagger-131018/albums/my-pictures/9684-c20cf0f2-df93-46ea-ae7b-dd6cd32a2608.jpeg

We keep three chairs around the table and the fourth is at the desk area but we can easily scoot the table out a few inches and bring it in when needed.

Hope that helps.

[Michael 61]

Welcome to paradise. We love our Topaz. It is just perfect for the two of us and the occasional guest.

The dining thing was a challenge and our first attempt was a fail. A lot will depend on how you arrange your living area. This is ours.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/oldragbagger-131018/albums/my-pictures/9685-c54a3df6-3c24-47dd-84d4-021aac568ae6.jpeg

We have 100” from the end of the sofa to the edge of the island counter (the counter itself, not the base). We started with a 45” round table but found we could not put all four chairs at it without obstructing the walkway between the dining table and living area. We had to get a bit creative to find something that would fit perfectly. Our solution was a 48”x30” butcher block from Lowe’s, a set of metal table legs from Amazon, and some compact modern chairs that I reupholstered with real leather. Along with the counter stools we can seat 8 if need be, but that would be a unicorn situation for us.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/oldragbagger-131018/albums/my-pictures/9684-c20cf0f2-df93-46ea-ae7b-dd6cd32a2608.jpeg

We keep three chairs around the table and the fourth is at the desk area but we can easily scoot the table out a few inches and bring it in when needed.

Hope that helps.
You home looks beautifully and tastefully furnished - thanks so much for posting the pics - this is great inspiration for me, as it’s kinda hard to visualize all this with an empty house right now.

[spachic]

We have a Topaz in St. Catherine and we have a drop leaf table that can sit 4. I drop the 2 sides dow and push it against the wall when not used. I keep 2 chairs at either end and put a flower pot on it for decoration. That is the difficult part of the Topaz model. But we don’t have many parties so it works for us. :mmmm:



Hi- just closed on my beautiful Topaz patio villa in Richmond last week. Love the large garage and open floor plan. The one area I’m trying to figure out though that since there is not a designated dining area, whether to buy a small dining set, or forego dining area all together and just eat at the open island kitchen counter. If I put in even a small dining room set, it will intrude onto my living area. The model pictures for the Topaz floor plan on the Villages site, shows a virtual dining room set, though I don’t see that is practical in reality. Want to know from other Topaz owners what you do for dining? Was also thinking of maybe a small drop leaf table against the wall, or since I seldom entertain, just keeping a folding table in the garage for those special events, and cover with a tablecloth.

[La lamy]

oldragbagger's set up looks beautiful, but if you have a bigger TV, you may want to be further back from it than that set up.
I like your idea of a folded table in the garage if ever needed. I know I personally use my dining area once or twice a year!
Outdoor table also sounds nice if you want to host meals outside, but I'm one for always having my feet up, so lounge chairs with side tables is a must. I also have a few normal outdoor upholstered chairs with a living room style table for non lounging people.
Enjoy finding the furniture that works for you, and welcome to retirement heaven!

[TeresaE]

Hi- just closed on my beautiful Topaz patio villa in Richmond last week. Love the large garage and open floor plan. The one area I’m trying to figure out though that since there is not a designated dining area, whether to buy a small dining set, or forego dining area all together and just eat at the open island kitchen counter. If I put in even a small dining room set, it will intrude onto my living area. The model pictures for the Topaz floor plan on the Villages site, shows a virtual dining room set, though I don’t see that is practical in reality. Want to know from other Topaz owners what you do for dining? Was also thinking of maybe a small drop leaf table against the wall, or since I seldom entertain, just keeping a folding table in the garage for those special events, and cover with a tablecloth.
Forgo the table for a while and see how you like dining without one. You can always add one later. BTW, San Francisco native here. Welcome to The Villages

[msilagy]

As a single person I always eat in front of the TV - never use the table in either of my homes however there is room for one so I have one. I'm not crunched for space.

[ttc1991@aol.com]

Hi- just closed on my beautiful Topaz patio villa in Richmond last week. Love the large garage and open floor plan. The one area I’m trying to figure out though that since there is not a designated dining area, whether to buy a small dining set, or forego dining area all together and just eat at the open island kitchen counter. If I put in even a small dining room set, it will intrude onto my living area. The model pictures for the Topaz floor plan on the Villages site, shows a virtual dining room set, though I don’t see that is practical in reality. Want to know from other Topaz owners what you do for dining? Was also thinking of maybe a small drop leaf table against the wall, or since I seldom entertain, just keeping a folding table in the garage for those special events, and cover with a tablecloth.

Go to City Furniture in Sumter Landing or Spanish Springs. They have the floor plans of all the models in The Villages and can do a furniture layout to scale for each room. They will then help you find the pieces that fit your model.

[Dlbonivich]

They make cabinets that look like an entry table that the doors open and the table folds out and it stores the chairs. It would work for entertaining and be out of the way when not needed look at the Otar Trestle Dining Table on Wayfair. I’m sure there are other options , just an example. It shows how it works on the bottom of the listing. I have seen nicer ones before. Good luck and welcoming

[GmaLisaG]

We have a topaz and have a table (from city furniture) with a bench seat which we have near the bar and the rest of the table has regular chairs. Plenty of room for couch and chair with tv on the wall. Perfect..

[Ptmckiou]

Something we didn’t think about when choosing a dining table… We thought we would never have more than 4-6 people over for dinner, so no need for a large table. As it turns out, we made friends with 4 other couples on our street and we all rotate weekly playing cards. I never dreamed I needed to squeeze 10 people around a table. The dining table is not just for eating.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

We do have a Dining Area and never use it…we eat at the island or on the lanai. See how you do without a table before buying one. You really don’t need it.

[sallyg]

We love our Topaz, you will too! We do not entertain much either, but prefer to sit at a table rather than counter, so we have our dining room table snugged up against the counter lengthwise. It does not encroach on our " living room" and we can seat up to six. We do not use barstools at the counter. It looks nice and that space seems like it would be wasted otherwise. The huge garage, huge master closet etc were all great with this model.

[MaryShields]

Thanks - I am thinking of just doing away with dining table - it’s just me, so I don’t mind eating at the island counter, or eating on a tray in the living room when watching TV. I’m thinking of investing in a very nice outdoor patio dining set for 4 or 6 people, with a nice umbrella for the few times I have guests over for a meal (I realize that will be subject to weather). I’ve gone onto listings for Topaz’s for sale to get ideas, and many people kinda try to hide photos of this area in their listing, others have tables either up against the wall, or up against the island bar, which look way too bulky, and butt up right near their living room furniture, which I’d not care for.
We have a Topaz in Monarch Grove and put a slim sofa table with a lamp against that angled wall. We use the large kitchen counter for entertaining. We can seat 6-8 people around it.

[Michael 61]

Thank you for everyone who has responded so far - all great ideas - I like having options - as someone posted, it may be best for me not to be too anxious right now, and live in my new Topaz for a few months first without buying any dining furniture, and see if I really need it or not - though I don’t currently do a lot of entertaining, and I need to wait and see as meet friends, how much of my socializing will be inside my home vs out at the rec centers, squares, restaurants, etc. I’m don’t want to discount having friends and neighbors over to my home, if that becomes something I want to do in future.

[HRDave]

We’ve got a dining table in our Topaz and after two years we’ve decided to do away with it and use stools at the bar. We really love the look of our table and chairs but because we used a large sectional in our TV area we just feel like it’s too crowded.

[MareL]

Here are a few more ideas. I love my round table set-up against the wall with a hanging light. I use it everyday for meals and computer work. I leave 2 counter height stools at the table and the other 2 at the bar. I have a small narrow table and a wall hanging over it against the angled wall. For one or 2 people its GREAT, there's more than enough room and not crowded.

[Cobullymom]

Thanks - I am thinking of just doing away with dining table - it’s just me, so I don’t mind eating at the island counter, or eating on a tray in the living room when watching TV. I’m thinking of investing in a very nice outdoor patio dining set for 4 or 6 people, with a nice umbrella for the few times I have guests over for a meal (I realize that will be subject to weather). I’ve gone onto listings for Topaz’s for sale to get ideas, and many people kinda try to hide photos of this area in their listing, others have tables either up against the wall, or up against the island bar, which look way too bulky, and butt up right near their living room furniture, which I’d not care for.
We had a brand new Topaz 2 years ago, and we just used the counter area to eat everyday. Special occasions (because we had a Topaz in the entrance of our patio villas neighborhood) the long birdcage down the side and front lanai, we put a large table for 6 and an umbrella in the birdcage. It worked well till mid summers. We have a lot of friends and family in the Villages area, so ultimately we sold because of that. We just needed more area to entertain in. The Topaz is a great little home though especially if your single.

[bp243]

As a single person I always eat in front of the TV - never use the table in either of my homes however there is room for one so I have one. I'm not crunched for space.
Friends have a coffee table in front of their TV. Half of of the table lifts up so you can sit on your sofa while eating at the raised half of the table. If you have no need for a larger table and are eating alone, this may suffice.

[bp243]

Here are a few more ideas. I love my round table set-up against the wall with a hanging light. I use it everyday for meals and computer work. I leave 2 counter height stools at the table and the other 2 at the bar. I have a small narrow table and a wall hanging over it against the angled wall. For one or 2 people its GREAT, there's more than enough room and not crowded.

Very lovely setup! Just curious, but where did you find your living room chairs?

[La lamy]

Very lovely setup! Just curious, but where did you find your living room chairs?

If you don't get a reply, just google Lazy boy furniture to find a huge gamut of choices.

[Nell57]

Go to City Furniture in Sumter Landing or Spanish Springs. They have the floor plans of all the models in The Villages and can do a furniture layout to scale for each room. They will then help you find the pieces that fit your model.

But remember their goal is to sell furniture. We were over decorated and over sold by a furniture store when we first moved here.
Less is more. Don’t bring much with you, what worked in your last place probably won’t work in your new Florida life.
Start with your essentials. You can always add pieces later. Welcome home!

[bark4me]

Hi- just closed on my beautiful Topaz patio villa in Richmond last week. Love the large garage and open floor plan. The one area I’m trying to figure out though that since there is not a designated dining area, whether to buy a small dining set, or forego dining area all together and just eat at the open island kitchen counter. If I put in even a small dining room set, it will intrude onto my living area. The model pictures for the Topaz floor plan on the Villages site, shows a virtual dining room set, though I don’t see that is practical in reality. Want to know from other Topaz owners what you do for dining? Was also thinking of maybe a small drop leaf table against the wall, or since I seldom entertain, just keeping a folding table in the garage for those special events, and cover with a tablecloth.
Welcome to TV and to how they make the homes look bigger than they are. Hence why so many people move after their first year to a bigger home.

[asianthree]

Welcome to TV and to how they make the homes look bigger than they are. Hence why so many people move after their first year to a bigger home.

In person the room is what it is. Picture of homes can be construed many ways, but who buys a home without physically walking in a model or preowned?

OP we started with a PV, and had many parties, that spilled into the garage, and lanai (great space to entertain). In our current house we have had parties with 40 plus people, with buffet set up on the counters, and tables in the lanai and garage. Most will bring a card table and chairs, if you ask. Enjoy

[MareL]

Very lovely setup! Just curious, but where did you find your living room chairs?

Thank you.
The chairs and love seat were bought at Babcock Furniture.