Dazzling Dining Rooms

By J. A. Young

As any cook well knows, after putting so much time into preparing a meal, it is only natural to want to serve it in a room that will compliment it. The dining room, however, is not only the room where good meals are enjoyed; it is where conversations are held and memories made between family and friends. Consider the following suggestions when revamping your dining room's décor.

Just mentioning dining rooms conjures up some basic pieces - table, chairs, and some type of overhead light fixture. These may be the essentials, but there is more to it than that. If you are decorating your dining room from scratch, before you even get to table and chairs, consider the style of décor you are after. There are, of course, traditional plans - something modeled on Colonial Williamsburg, for example. These tend to be stately rooms with high back chairs and polished maple wood tables.

Of course, styles can vary widely, but you may think of trying something more novel like an Oriental-style dining room. Other possible considerations could be English cottage, French Provincial, Tuscan, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, rustic country or a hodge-podge of all of the above. A design theme is not necessary, but it can tie your elements together. However, there's no reason why you cannot pair old and new items up for an elegant appeal or even to refinish what you have with an updated look.

It never hurts to consider what you already have when choosing a style. If you love crystal and have many fine pieces, you may want to consider a style to compliment it. Or, you might even take design cues from the view - if French doors open onto your heirloom rose garden, why not incorporate that theme into your dining room for an interesting blend between indoors and out? Of course, it never hurts to have fun with a design plan either. A Tudor style room with a portrait of Henry VIII at the head of the room and lots of replicated relics of the era is bound to meet with praise from your guests.

Before you move in your furniture, consider the floors, walls and windows. Parquet flooring is a great option for a dining room. It lends itself to many different design approaches both formal and rustic. Designs can be embedded into the wood for an inlaid look or a large area rug can be situated beneath your table. Walls may be painted or papered; other wall options may include wainscoting or adding crown moulding. These touches will provide the room with more personality that comes from greater definition. Instead of plainly painted walls, you might try a paint effect.

Of course, if you really want to change the look of the walls, you might consider mirroring a wall or adding recessed areas for candelabras or tall vases. Built-ins can be dynamic room upgrades to showcase special china collections or wines. Built-ins might be more expensive options, but using them is a great way to create a design suited to your exact needs.

As for the windows, much depends on your style. A rustic country look could incorporate wood shutters with a valence of calico fabric. An elegant, yet non-descript room might employ more intricate window treatments of silk or velvet. If you are after a Victorian look, consider tassels and fringed draperies. Your choice of window treatments will greatly impact your room. You might even want to incorporate the fabric of your draperies onto the chairs or place settings.

Lighting for the room usually requires a fixture above the table. This might be a hanging fixture like a chandelier or ceiling fixture possibly made from stained glass. Lighting possibilities are vast. From spotlights throughout the ceiling to wall-mounted fixtures, much will depend on your individual style and taste. Fixtures that allow for dimming make excellent additions for dining rooms when you want to create special candle-lit ambience.

Tables, chairs and pieces of side furniture run the gamut of design as well. From traditional chairs with sturdy arms and straight backs to ultra-comfortable padded slipper chairs, you can find the perfect set for your room. The size of your family and the amount of guests you typically seat at a table will possibly impact your decision. You might simply employ a large rustic French country table flanked on either side by long rustic benches. Choose a style right for your style of entertaining.

As for sideboards and other dining room furniture, you might add a baker's rack or antique buffet. Shelves are not out-of-place in the dining room, nor are desert or wine carts. Additional furniture in the dining room can also be used to showcase special collections of carnival glass or vintage pottery. Extremely large dining rooms may even feature a sofa and chairs or a bar area.

Finally, choose art that you love - pictures that not only compliment your design, but that you truly like. Other objects for the room might revolve around table settings and centerpiece. Flowers are lovely and traditional. You may want to employ a gothic style candelabra or a seasonal object to serve this primary spot. Whatever you choose, make your room comfortable for you and your style - it's sure to please the company!

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