India, Aug. 6 -- The dining room was once revered as the heart of Indian homes, serving several important functions, from hosting everyday family meals to festive gatherings and elaborate dinners. But this is slowly changing, as formal dining rooms are disappearing from Indian homes. More and more homeowners are using this space differently, switching to alternatives that better suit their contemporary lifestyles. So, what is causing this design shift?ALSO READ: Is your home looking gloomy this monsoon? Designer reveals 4 common decor mistakes that may be making it dull

Monica Chawla, co-founder and creative director of Essentia Group, told HT Lifestyle that the perception of formal dining rooms is changing. Once considered aspirational,...