[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.



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.



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]

Originally Posted by Oldragbagger

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.



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.



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.

Originally Posted by 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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.