Series 101

Hello and Happy Monday!

I hope you weekend was great and that there was sun in your neck of the woods.  Here in Atlanta we had rain which made for a good weekend to stay indoors and “try” to catch up on work.  One of the projects I’m working on is a dining room revamp for a client and the entire project got me thinking about different ways to give a dining room added style. Furniture is always the first element that defines a dining room but beyond that, there are some other ways to enhance the style and make your dining space a bit more personal and unique.

 

1.  MIX and MATCH CHAIRS

Adopting this look can be done pretty easily just by painting different styles of chairs in the same color or color family so that they work with the textiles and color you have in your dining room.  I love this look for eclectic and vintage styled homes but it can also be done with more traditional styling as well.

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The neutral colors along with the grey tones are used in different applications giving each chair a unique look while keeping the entire statement coordinated.

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In a more traditional space, variations of the same color keep the color palette tight and classic.

2.  REPLACE CHAIRS WITH A BENCH

A bench is a fun way to break up a dining room set while still providing the same amount of seating that chairs would.  Using a bench also allows you to incorporate a strong pattern statement with the upholstered seat and helps to lighten the visual impact of a heavy wood dining set.

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With the bench finish the same as the chairs, it feels like it is part of the set.

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Fully skirted benches add softness and provide a contrast against the legs of the table and chairs.

3.  USE A NON-TRADITIONAL CHANDELIER OPTION

Switching out your traditional chandelier for something that is unique in style, material or shape is one of the easiest ways to up-style your dining room.  I also like the idea of hanging double chandeliers instead of one for a more personalized look.

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These uniquely shaped hanging glass pendants grab your attention and help define the style of this dining room.

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A popular trend of late is turning vintage wire and wicker baskets into chandeliers.  This look works great for more casual dining rooms.

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I love this cluster of round lights, shaped to form a unique chandelier.  Keeping the chandelier white allows the shape to command attention and not a color.

4.  BUILD YOUR DINING ROOM AROUND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

I’ve always wanted a house where the rooms were such that the dining room and living room could switch places.  If your home gives your this option, move your dining room into the living space where there is built-in architectural features or a fireplace.  These elements will add instant character to your dining space.

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I’m seeing bookcase walls being used in dining spaces more and more.  This look adds a personal feel and in a pinch the lower shelves can be cleared and used as a serving station.

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Opt for open shelving in a dining room versus a china hutch or closed cabinets.

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Glass front cabinets will keep your dining space open and airy while still adding an elegant touch.

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With open shelving, your serving pieces become decorative objects that help style the room.

5. DO SOMETHING TO THE WALLS BESIDES PAINT

Yes paint is the easiest and cheapest way to dress up a space but in a dining room think about doing something different to your walls like adding a fun wallpaper, stencils or mirrors.

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A unique wallpaper will immediately define the style of your dining room.  Be bold and use it throughout instead of just on one wall.

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If you have lots of windows in your dining room, use your drapes as the decorative statement.  Double up the panels to make the curtains plush and full and drape them back to add visual movement and shape.

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A wall of antique mirrors is a great way to add style without your dining room looking like a dressing room.   And check out those unique light fixtures above the table.

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If your room doesn’t come with built-in architectural detailing, you can always add it.  Cut a niche into the wall and using a wide molding, create a dramatic frame.

Beyond these 5 Ways to Up-Style your Dining Room, make sure your centerpiece is also something that stands out and defines your space.

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Happy Decorating!

Do you have a design challenge you’d like help tackling?  Contact me about my design services!