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Design Center - Dining Rooms

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Dining Room: Holiday Decorating Do's and Don'ts for your Dining Room . With several holidays right around the corner, many of us enjoy sprucing up the house -including the oft-neglected formal dining room, since much of the holiday spirit is embodied in some kind of special feast! Ideally, the holidays are supposed to be about celebrating and sharing special moments with your loved ones. But with the endless list of things to do, presents to buy, visitors to entertain or coordinating travel plans, the holiday season can sure pile on the stress as well. So whether you're hosting a big family gathering or just decorating your dining room for two, here are some simple guidelines to help keep your holidays merry and bright. Plan ahead. · DON'T wait until the last minute. · DO start early and have a plan. Of course this needs to be first on the list, but who doesn't wait 'til the last minute to do anything nowadays? However, it's always a good idea to first take inventory of what you have and what still works from last year. Then make a list of what you need before you go to the store so that you don't get overwhelmed or overspend. Make room for the decorations · DON'T just pile on holiday decorations with everything you already have on display. · DO put away some of your everyday items to keep the focus festive. Change the everyday into the special - remove all regular pictures, knick-knacks, plants, and so on to make way for all your holiday pictures, treasures and decorations. Create a colorful focal point. · DON'T just scatter decorations everywhere. · DO take the time to create a memorable focal point in your room. The most obvious place for the focal point of your room is the dining room table. The one mistake a lot of people make is to overdo the centerpiece - too tall and it will hinder conversation and separate your dining guests unnaturally. A low centerpiece will accent your table without getting in the way. Start with a nice, wrinkle-free tablecloth as your foundation. Depending on your color scheme, you may want to keep it simple with white, or you may try a more colorful or patterned fabric. Just remember that you want your tablecloth to draw attention to your centerpiece, not compete for attention, so it's best to keep it simple. If your china is not color-neutral, you should keep that in mind when crafting your centerpiece. Colors don't have to match, but they at least should be complementary. For a traditional look, you might use a large wreath as your centerpiece, decorated with bells, bows or special ornaments. For a natural look, try hanging simple wreaths at the doors and windows, and evergreen clippings draped from the chandelier. Fresh flowers and lit candles can create a soft and intimate table centerpiece to bring together the earthy tone of the room. Even an eclectic blend of not-so-formal furniture can look formal when dressed with an elegant table runner in gold and cream. Add two pillar candles in oversize vases with a few sprigs of greenery at its base, and augment the table settings with delicately decorated napkins for a romantic feel. Another nice touch would be to add decorative chargers to your table setting. If you are using gold or silver as an accent color, you can match your chargers to give a little more formal feel to the place settings. You can even dress up the dining room chairs by tying a wide ribbon around the backs of the seats. Be careful about going too "out of the box." · DON'T think everything has to be red or green. · DO be careful about changing the entire color scheme. Yes, there are plenty of new and untraditional colors used in holiday decorations, from oranges, pinks and purples to simple black and white schemes. It's fun to switch it up and try something fresh, but as color trends change, you may end up spending a lot of money on a style that you'll be tired of by next year. If you're looking to jazz up what you've already got, think of adding metallics and glass to the mix - lots of gold or silver accents will make your other colors shimmer, and the light reflecting off the metallic colors and glass will add lots of sparkle. An elegant approach is to go with a monochromatic color scheme such as winter white, New Year's silver, gold, Christmas red or evergreen can give your dining table a unique, classy look. For something a little different, you could try using colors such as mustard yellow paired with white to create a star theme, or use silver, light blue and white to create a snowflake/icicle theme. Use what you have on hand. · DON'T spend a bundle to create a cozy, holiday atmosphere. · DO get creative and use items you already have around the house. Gather all of your candles into one vignette and place them together on your sideboard or serving hutch. Get out all your children's Christmas books, your Christmas craft books or holiday magazines and display them in short stacks on the shelves. Wrap some empty boxes with leftover wrapping paper to use as decorations, along with some special ornaments - perfect for adorning the smaller pieces in the room. Lights are sure to give any room a special feel; try working some holiday LED or rope lights on the buffet or hang elegant crystal icicles from your chandelier. A mirror over your buffet will help reflect light and color into your dining room and open it up, giving the illusion of a more spacious room. Enjoy yourself! · DON'T get so caught up in decorating that you forget to enjoy the holidays. · DO take time to sit back and relax. It's easy to let holiday activities overwhelm you during this busy season, but don't forget the best and most important part of the holidays - getting to see the people you love, having a great time together and counting your blessings!

Dining Room: Casual Dining with Style . Have you ever noticed when people are visiting your home that they tend to stay in or around the kitchen? Perhaps that's because that area is where many of us nurture and connect with our own families, and it's a good place to bond with guests as well. Casual dining spaces were thus created as part of the kitchen or closely connected with the kitchen, and they are designed to be used as a part of our daily lives (as opposed to formal dining rooms that most people save for special occasions). Not only is it probably the place you sit and eat with your family, but it also might function as your children's homework zone, a bill-paying center, newspaper/coffee break spot, crafts station, and place to catch up with friends. But just because your casual dining space is a great multi-tasker doesn't mean it has to suffer for style. There are lots of great furnishings that are functional and chic. Size up your space Casual dining spaces are usually on a smaller scale than formal dining rooms, so it's all about keeping it simple. Think carefully about the size you have available ­ is it rectangular? Square? Or would a round table work best? Use masking tape or pieces of newspaper to visualize the most appropriate size for your table, chairs, and extra two feet behind for you to move around comfortably. Many casual dining tables are round, but square gathering tables have become popular over the last few years as well. Although a round or square table accommodates fewer people than the traditional rectangular table, they do offer a more relaxed and conversation-contributing approach to dining. Whatever you decide, be sure to choose tables and chairs that are proportional to your space. What's your style? Casual dining furniture comes in all kinds of styles, from country to uptown modern. Since casual dining areas usually share space with the kitchen and/or family room space, you'll want to make sure that the style of your furniture is compatible with the style of the entire room. Casual dining room furniture can be found in rustic, casual, country, formal and modern styles, making it a breeze to find pieces that complement your existing style. Better yet, it comes in a huge variety of materials, so you can find the pieces you really love: · Wood: The traditional and classic material is known for a natural look that is durable and low maintenance. Wood is a perfect fit if your style is casual, warm and natural. · Wicker: Traditionally neutral in color but now available in many shades, wicker is a lightweight and versatile material that works in both indoor and outdoor areas. Woven wicker is made from different natural materials, including rattan, bamboo and cane. Lightweight, easy to clean and sturdy, wicker is a great option if your style is country, elegant or cozy. · Aluminum: Aluminum is a firm and sturdy material that is lightweight and easy to move around. It also is easy to clean, resists corrosion and stands up well to the elements, making it a popular material for many furniture designs and styles. Aluminum is a favorite material used for contemporary, streamlined pieces. · Wrought Iron: Wrought iron is a strong, sound material that ranges from contemporary to traditional in style. Because of its heavyweight composition, wrought iron will not tip easily, making it ideal for windy environments. Wrought iron is frequently chosen for formal, classic environments. · Mixed Materials: Some people prefer outdoor furniture that combines more than one material, such as a chair of teak and aluminum or a table of glass and wicker. Mixed materials complement spaces that are eclectic, incorporating elements of many different design styles. Have a seat! Seating can be really untraditional and fun in a casual dining area. Throw the rule book out and find the seating that works best for how you use the space and shows off your personality. Here are a few ideas to consider: · Try mixing the fabrics on your chairs - instead of having them all look the same, cover a couple with a complementary fabric. Or choose a couple of different chair styles in the same wood finish or material. · A pub or bistro table with counter stools, swivel chairs or barstools can be a great addition for a small dining nook or a corner of a kitchen. When people are sitting at bistro tables they are almost on the same eye level as someone who may be standing nearby, which encourages conversation. · How about a freestanding bench along one or both sides of a rectangular or square table? The look is fun, relaxed, and practical for seating several children at a time. · A similar idea is to incorporate a cushioned bench or L-shaped bench, which could serve the dual purpose of storage space - several styles feature a top that lifts to reveal storage space beneath for shoes, toys, umbrellas, jackets, and so on. · Try adding in another style. Super-modern chairs or 70's retro casual chairs are a fresh and surprising addition to a traditional wood booth or table. As long as the table or chairs complements the rest of the room, a little whimsy creates a fun and eclectic look! Keep in mind that because of its multi-purpose nature, you want your casual dining furniture to stand up to plenty of use - a good piece of furniture can give you years of function, comfort and enjoyment. You may pay a bit more for better quality but, in the long run, quality furniture will last for many years, and you will save money by not having to replace it frequently.

Dining Room: Mix and Match your Favorite Dining Room Pieces . Gone are the days when furniture buying meant you had to purchase "sets." Today's homes are all about reflecting our own personalities, and there's no rule that says everything in a room has to match! The dining room is an excellent space to show off some personality and style, from the furniture you choose to the table settings you use. Maybe you've found that when you shop for a dining room set, you find a dining table you like, but you don't like the chairs that go with it, or vice versa. Or, maybe you love the buffet or sideboard in the set, but not the table or chairs. Don't worry! You should love every piece of furniture you buy, so don't be afraid to mix and match the pieces you like to get the look you want. Consider these helpful hints for finding your eclectic style and creating a dining room that is uniquely you: Tables Dining room tables are manufactured in several shapes, styles and materials, so first consider how you are using the room. Do you want the room to feel more formal or use it as an everyday, casual dining area? Dark wood finishes tend to add more formality to a dining group, while light finishes, painted finishes and glass table tops create a more casual feel. Also consider shape: is your space or room long enough for a full rectangular table, or would a square or round table work better? Many tables come with leaves to extend the table size for special occasions, but consider how the table will be used most frequently. Ideally, you want to have at least four feet of space around the table to be about to pull out chairs and get around the table comfortably while people are seated. For more casual dining spaces, you might also consider "gathering height" tables, which are simply tall tables that use barstools or counter-height chairs. Chairs Even in a formal dining room, the chairs don't all have to be the same. If you have a rectangle table with eight chairs, consider getting different chairs for the two end chairs, three side chairs in X-back style, and the last three in a simple microsuede fabric - then stagger the styles around the table. Or, if you have a round pedestal table with four chairs, you might place two leather armchairs across from each other and two upholstered chairs opposite each other. For formal rooms, you may want to stick with the same general wood finish or color for the chair legs to tie them together, but don't worry if the wood finishes on the furniture don't match - just blend them with some pattern or symmetry and they will work. Casual spaces allow even more freedom. Instead of pairing wooden chairs with your casual wood table, try using a couple of rattan chairs to add an earthy and natural element to the room. Or if you want to play up your retro style, scout out some flea markets or antique shops for a few vintage chairs - they may look completely different but they'll provide a great nostalgic element to your breakfast nook. You might even add a bench to one side of the table and have chairs on the other for a fun, outdoorsy feel. Side note: if you're mixing chairs, don't forget to measure the height of the seat - you'll want all your chairs to sit at the same height as each other, as well as be the correct height for the table you have. Serving and accent pieces Sideboards, china cabinets and buffet tables are great ways to add lots more personality to the room. Consider a completely different material and style for this piece - for example, if your table and chairs are mostly dark mahogany, maybe you could add some sparkle and glamour with a silver, mirrored china cabinet. Or you might consider a painted sideboard to add a bold splash of color in the room. To pull the room together, add a colorful area rug underneath the table, and use some of those colors in your curtains and to decorate the table with candles, vases, or even a simple bowl of fruit. Don't feel like you're stuck buying a "set" of furniture if you don't like all of it! Pick the pieces you like and add to them. Let your room design reflect your creativity and personality - you will enjoy it much more if you do!

Dining Room: Today's Dining: Dazzle or Casual? . Today's homes are built with practicality in mind. Kitchen and dining areas have become the hub of the home ­ a place to relax, grab a bite and enjoy time with family and friends. Your furniture dealer will show you a variety of dining styles, all of which can be tailored to your own lifestyle and budget. (Contemporary) Dining that Dazzles Want to have a dazzling dining room? Then start with a striking set of chairs and a stunning table. With all of the chrome, brass, brushed steel, polished lacquer, and aluminum creations, you can certainly achieve a setting that shines. Pairing these contemporary materials with glass, any of these contemporary materials will result in a dining table that is a standout. Chairs can match the table perfectly or you can search for ones that complement it beautifully. Whether your tastes lean toward the streamlined or the sculptural, there are plenty of up-to-date dining designs to choose from. By adding a coordinating curio, buffet, tea cart, or china cabinet you will have created a dining room that is certain to dazzle both family and friends. Get Creative with Casual Dining Does your home, apartment, or condo leave you challenged for dining space? Well, there's no need to compromise on style because you're short on space. Casual or "junior" dining room groups are a fast growing furniture trend offering the same smart styling as their larger counterparts. If you can't accommodate a junior dining room, consider a casual dinette set, a perfect choice for your kitchen or dining area. Whatever your space limitations, your home furnishings retailer will show you multiple options for your lifestyle needs. Casual / Country Dining Room Country dining "opens its arms" to you and your visitors. You are the first visitor you have to please, so choose furniture and materials that invite use. If they look well loved, they will add the informal element you crave. In general, country dining tends to offer rustic textures. Wicker, rattan, pine and cast iron are all less formal than glossy wood or sleek glass. Weathered and distressed objects will be right at home in a country atmosphere. Furniture is meant to be used and touched. Consider easy-care fabrics and stay away from shiny textiles or dry-clean only. Coarse weaves embody the casual style. You will feel right at home with denim, canvas and homespun cottons. Mix It Up A mixture of furnishings will relax your room. Uniformity is a trait of a formal style. Consider six vintage one-of-a-kind chairs with a similar shape and size. Or your chairs can all match, but the table could be different. Even one oddball chair at the end of the table as a focal point will make a casual decorating statement. Fabrics soften the edges. Dress down formal chairs and tables with slipcovers in textured fabrics and floor-length cotton tablecloths. Vintage table linens are still relatively easy to find in antique stores or even at your local flea market or yard sale. What Goes Where in the Dining Room? Choose your dining room table to fit your space. If your room is a long rectangle, a long table is a natural use of the space and won't leave unnatural gaps on either end of the room. Tiny dining rooms will require a small table. A square table with a bench on one side might allow an extra guest to squeeze in. Sometimes a round table will allow for more place settings without bumping too many elbows. If you're looking at a round table because of lack of space, look for one with a single pedestal in the center rather than legs. Keep in mind that the shape of furniture can affect the look of the room. A round table will soften a room with harsh corners. A corner cabinet is both space saving and softening. The Furniture should Fit the Space If you must have a large dining table in a small room, use decorating tricks to lighten the visual space. Try a glass-topped table and furniture with legs. Don't forget the height of the room. If your dining room ceiling is too high, your guests may feel dwarfed and uncomfortable. Fill a tall room with bookshelves for height. A chair rail may also break up the expanse of wall, but should be avoided in a contemporary room. Hanging multiple prints on one wall can add personality and scale down a too-tall room. Vary the heights of your furniture If your table and sideboard are all that you have in your dining room, the room will feel unbalanced. If you can't afford a gorgeous hutch or Welsh cupboard, a set of high backed chairs will add the contrast of vertical height you need. How much room do you need? Elbow room for guests should be between 20 and 24 inches wide and at least 15 inches deep. The center of the table should have a strip about 12 inches wide for serving dishes, centerpieces and candles.