Two Chairs

What is it about two chairs placed together that calls you to sit and stay awhile? There’s something quietly magnetic about that pairing. It suggests conversation, companionship, or simply a shared moment of peace. Over the years, I’ve worked on countless home models with two, sometimes three places to sit and eat. And often, after enclosing the lanai, my clients find themselves with a fourth. Eventually, someone will say, “I don’t need all these places to sit and eat!” That’s when I smile and say, “Let’s make a nook.” A nook isn’t about dining, it’s about delight. It’s usually just two chairs, tucked out of the traffic flow, perfect for quiet moments. It’s a place for morning coffee, scrolling on your phone if you must, or catching up with a friend. A nook doesn’t demand attention, but its gentle presence offers it. Let’s take a peek into two Lantana Models to see how a nook can transform a corner into useful comfort somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Nook one
This space is traditionally the formal dining room in the Lantana model. But in this home, the lanai has been enclosed, creating a dining area there, along with an eat-in kitchen nearby. Since the homeowner entertains often, the original dining room offered an opportunity for a quiet corner out of the traffic pattern. A place to talk with a friend while others are milling about at a party or enjoy a peaceful moment alone. Before the makeover, a large mirror hung on the wall opposite the dining room, but it wasn’t reflecting any light. Once we moved it to the wall across from the sliding glass door, the entire wall came to life, catching and casting light throughout the space.
A tall bar that once occupied that wall was relocated near the kitchen, where it now serves a more functional role. We added a large tree for height and natural interest to the corner, softening the lines and drawing the eye upward. The long table that had previously sat beneath the mirror now graces the side wall, styled with art and decorative pieces that bring warmth and personality to the room. Between the two chairs, a small table offers just enough space for a cocktail or a morning coffee.
And finally, anchoring it all, a round wool rug patterned with Monstera leaves in cream, green, and blue adds softness, color, and a touch of tropical charm. The result is a nook that feels inviting and quietly magnetic.

  •  Nook two
This nook is typically used as an eat-in kitchen, but it’s a space that can feel tight if the table is too large. In this home, the owners already enjoy meals at a spacious dining room table, a generous island, and a large lanai table, so they were understandably puzzled about how to use this area. Creating a cozy nook here was a natural choice. Tucked back into the home, it feels wonderfully private and inviting. It’s the perfect spot to read the paper, sip coffee, or enjoy a quiet moment and the TV is in the direct line of sight, for added comfort. We anchored the space with two Mariko chairs from Best Furniture Company, hands down the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever recommended. Instead of a traditional dining table, we opted for a small coffee table to provide a grounding effect. If needed, a petite side table could easily be placed between the chairs for added function. To define the area, we added a 5×7 rug and hung several decorative panels above the chairs to create a finished look. The windows are trimmed with crisp casement molding and topped with white wood cornices, which lend a cohesive, tailored feel. Hidden behind the cornices is a drop-down privacy blind that activates with the touch of a button. The look is practical and polished. The homeowners had just enough wall space between the sliders to add a hutch that doubles as a wine rack. To complete the transformation, we removed the chandelier and replaced it with an integrated recessed light. This new fixture offers dimmable lighting and remarkable longevity. You won’t need to change the bulb for 25 years. It’s a sleek, low-maintenance solution that keeps the space feeling open and modern.

  •  Enclosed Lanai
For homeowners with an eat-in kitchen who choose to enclose the lanai, I often recommend turning part of the lanai into a dedicated dining space. It’s a smart way to free up the kitchen area, allowing for easier movement between the island and the outdoors because there is no need to navigate around a bulky table.
The extra dining chairs can live comfortably in the nook for everyday use, but they’re also ready to slide across the floor and join the living room when entertaining a larger group. The key to making an enclosed lanai feel like a true extension of the home is proper air conditioning. I don’t recommend simply opening the doors and hoping ceiling fans will do the trick. Florida summers are hot and humid, and your main HVAC system isn’t designed to cool that extra square footage. Installing dedicated air conditioning during the enclosure process ensures year-round comfort and keeps the whole space feeling cohesive and livable.
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