The components of a dining room are relatively simple: table, chairs, and light. But attaining the chic factor in a dining room is far more complicated. Each element needs to be beautiful in its own right and work well with the other items, too. When the right pieces are paired together correctly, magic happens. The dining room can simultaneously be the simplest and most dramatic room in the home. Whether you are a consummate entertainer or an intimate host, the room can be your proudest achievement.
PHOTO: William Abranowicz for Elle Decor, designed by Marie Turner Carson
In a Chicago skyrise, Nate Berkus pairs a rustic wood table with midcentury chairs upholstered in green velvet and a crystal chandelier with black lampshades. The combination of styles is both inventive and original.
PHOTO: Nate Berkus
PHOTO: Kelly Wearstler (designer and source)
PHOTO: Lorenzo Castillo (designer and source)
The size of dining rooms can vary greatly. If yours happens to be on the smaller side, paint it a moody color and lay down a plushy rug. The room will be so cozy, your guests will never want dinner to end.
PHOTO: Patrick Cline for Lonny
PHOTO: Brittany Ambridge for Domino
Hanging the same light fixture in two adjacent rooms, as shown here in Anne Ziegler’s LA space featured in Domino, will add continuity to your design and make the space feel like it goes on forever.
PHOTO: Manolo Yllera for Architectural Digest España, designed by Julie Hillman
PHOTO: Miles Redd (designer and source)
Designer Miles Redd gives classic furniture an update by upholstering the chairs in various jewel tones. Who says dining chairs need to match?
PHOTO: Prue Ruscoe
PHOTO: Sam Frost for C Home, designed by Clements Design
PHOTO: Douglas Friedman for C Home, designed by Wick Design
Because dining rooms may not be used every day, they are your chance to make bold decorating choices. Paint the walls a bright color, upholster the chairs in a wild fabric, or use your favorite animal print as a rug. You may not use it constantly, but you’ll enjoy looking at it.
PHOTO: Joe Schmelzer for Lonny, designed by Kishani Perera
Recently featured in Lonny, actor Michael C. Hall’s dining room (designed by Kishani Perera) features a 13-foot farm table for ample room to entertain. It’s a good rule of thumb to make the table as large as possible (keeping at least three feet of space from the end of the table and wall), so you never have to turn guests away.
PHOTO: Jake Curtis
When your dining room is not being used to showcase your latest menu, consider it an opportunity to showcase your floral aptitude. A large arrangement or plant on the table will fill the void of an empty table.
PHOTO: Marcia Prentice
Source: www.domainehome.com
