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Making Your Dining Room a Space Where You Can Shine
Written By: Naomi Smith
Are you ready to make your dining room shine?
Creating a dining room that truly reflects your personality is more than just a design challenge — it’s an opportunity to transform a functional space into one that feels uniquely yours.
Renowned interior designer Leah Alexander emphasizes the importance of bringing
elements that resonate with your own life
and experiences into your dining area. For instance, her appreciation for nature is evident in the nature-themed artwork and houseplants she incorporates into her kitchen and living room designs. These choices are not just aesthetic but are deeply connected to what inspires her.
When it comes to your dining room, why settle for the ordinary? This guide will help you transform it into a space where you can truly shine, with tips on everything from tableware to furniture to bold design choices.
Start small with cutlery
One of the simplest ways to inject personality into your dining room is through your choice of cutlery and tableware. The
mix-and-match aesthetic
was popularized by stores like Fishs Eddy in New York and has become a favorite trend in recent years, particularly among those with a love for eclectic design. This allows you to combine pieces from different eras, patterns, and even colors to create a table setting that is completely one-of-a-kind.
To try it out, start by collecting plates, bowls, and cutlery that speak to you. An art lover might choose cutlery with handles in different bold, bright colors reminiscent of a painter’s palette. Meanwhile, a music enthusiast may use a mix of shiny metallics and matte finishes to create visual “rhythms” at the table that echo musical compositions. The idea is to create a table setting that feels curated and intentional but also relaxed and personal.
Look for unique furniture pieces
It’s easy to fall into the trap of standard dining room setups — think of a symmetrical table with matching chairs. However, exploring different furniture arrangements can significantly enhance your dining room’s character. A great alternative to traditional seating would be dining room sets with a bench for their casual yet incredibly practical function. The bench can be used to extend seating capacity to accommodate larger groups and then tucked away to save space when not in use.
These sets come in multiple designs as well. Those who appreciate clean, modern lines may opt for the rustic yet sophisticated look of the Voyage Brown 94″ Trestle Dining from Living Spaces, which features mismatched chairs in wood back and white upholstery. Meanwhile, those looking for more cultural flair can find the blend of Japanese and Scandinavian “Japandi” design of the Mariko Natural Rectangular Wood 78-96″ especially appealing. These pieces will not only serve their purpose but also bring beauty and creativity into your everyday mealtimes.
Play with patterns and colors
Bold wallpapers and paint choices can completely transform a plain room into something truly spectacular. Interior designer Kerith Eckart tied together a subtly mismatched table and bench from Logan Industrial and a hutch from Herman Miller with a bold teal wallpaper with gold and white accents from Anthropologie. The trim color was kept consistent across the entry, living room, and dining room, creating a seamless flow between spaces.
You can adopt a similar approach by choosing a bold pattern or color that resonates with you, whether it’s magenta, or vermillion, or both — and then using it as a focal point in your dining room. Whether it’s through wallpaper, a statement rug, or even just a brightly colored piece of furniture, don’t be afraid to make a statement.
Experiment with decoration
Finally, don’t overlook the power of decoration in bringing your personality to the forefront of your dining room design. As Kiva Brent said, every dining room table needs an anchor to draw the eye and provide a focal point. This could be anything from a set of candlesticks to something more unconventional, like a sculptural piece of art or a collection of personal mementos.
The key is to place your chosen decor on top of a runner or tray, which not only helps to highlight it but also makes it easy to clear the table when needed. Beware of overloading your buffet table with decorations. Instead, focus on keeping two-thirds of the table clear to maintain its functionality during meals.
By incorporating these tips into your dining room design, you can create a space that feels uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to break away from tradition and let your dining room become a true reflection of who you are.
TrooRa Magazine
Written by
Naomi Smith
Photo Credit
Istock, Pexels.com
