We all want to have a unique dining room that will leave guests talking about it for weeks or maybe even longer. It can be your room’s intriguing artwork – who made it, where did you buy it, and how much was it? Also, your room may have a distinct color like Elemental by Magnolia or Cut Ruby by Valspar. The furniture has to be divine and a reflection of the owner’s style and personality.
Of course, we are talking about the dining room here, and well, it can be costly. We still have to remember that designing your dining room must fit all elements together in that space. Everything has to go together, and that includes the owner’s design preference, the dining room’s theme, and the budget.
So, how do you design your dining room with style? Interior designers have a few thoughts and tips about this matter.
What is the “function” of your dining room?
A dining room is for eating, yes. But apart from that, the dining room can also have other uses such as a meeting place, a bonding area, or welcoming some guests. What will the dining room be used for? Is it for your regular day-to-day dining place, or will it be open only for formal parties? How many chairs will there be? Is the space big or small? Do you prefer a formal dinnerware set daily? Once these questions are answered, according to interior designer Giselle Loor Sugerman (B + G Design), you will be able to start planning your dining room style and design. By then, you will also be able to buy the pieces inside your room.
Do you fancy an intimate or private setting?
If you have a few friends over for dinner, you and the gang spend most of the time chatting about everything in the dining room, right? As you much away with those sinful yummies, sipping wine, and such, you all have fun on that table with comfy chairs, surrounded by intricate furnishings. This is your dream.
So, you might want to have a private dining room area for that purpose. What do you do, then? If the house is one ample space without walls, then create a division. Interior designer Marina Mizruh (Chimera Interiors) says that you can place frames or screens to distinguish one room from the other in a wide-spaced home. With that, you can have your intimate dining area without looking at a boring wall.
What is your dining room’s focal point?
In designing your dining room, you must have a focal point. If interior designer Tim Button (Stedila Design) is asked, he often makes the dining table his focal point in planning and designing the room. From there, Button will then arrange the other things within the dining area – the chairs, the end tables, the chandelier, the centerpiece, the carpet, the silverware, the plates, the artwork, and everything else.
Is your dining room a conversation starter?
“This is such a lovely way to dress your ceiling, Marie!” says one of Marie’s friends when they came over for dinner. “What is that?” asked her other guest. “It’s called a faceted ceiling.” Marie then talks to her friends about the ceiling, then they sit down on the dining room furniture and continue to talk about Marie’s dining table, dining chairs, glass vases, candelabras, and more. Interior designer Gideon Mendelson (Mendelson Group) says that when designing the dining room, there should be a hint of mystery in the design that can promote intrigue and start a conversation.
Are you willing to make a “statement” dining room?
Gone are the days wherein dining room areas are in black, gray, and white. Be creative with your space and have fun! Use bold colors and various dining area furniture of all shapes and textures. Courtnay Tartt Elias, creative director of Creative Tonic, says that the dining room has hard surfaces. Play with the ceiling, the floor, and of course, the focal point – the table. Fill it up with eye candy furnishings. Make a statement dining room!
Is your lighting enough?
Lighting in the dining room area is essential. Interior designer Paula Grace Halewski says that the lights carry the room. It makes the space a place of “awe.” No to downlights and lights directly above the chairs. Lightings, especially chandeliers, must hang low and no more than 30 inches above the table.
You can also go custom, mix, match, or a dining room with memorabilia passed down from generations. The point is to go with what your heart tells you and make that particular room in your home all about YOU.
