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Jill Rae

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Dazzling Dining Rooms

Top interior designers give us their take on making your dining space extra luxurious

We have the inside scoop on what's trending for dining rooms this fall. Interior designers Andrea Romeo, Jill Rae, Beth Krupa, and Jennifer Lanna provided their individual takes on what makes a dining room this season, adding in their tips for making your dining space extra lush.

Andrea Romeo of Romeo + Baglio Design

"We are seeing these formal spaces in warm, neutral, earth tones with small pops of color infused for Fall," interior decorator Andrea Romeo said. "I think we will continue to see more formal looks and furnishing with unique and formal lighting, spaces that will be used more for special occasions and entertaining."

Romeo states most clients want to create a backdrop where they can host family and friends for holidays and dinner parties, but "nothing too formal that they can't enjoy," adding the chandelier is often used as her clients' "wow moment."

As for ideas to make your dining room extra luxurious, Romeo suggests using good-quality furnishings, draperies and accessories. "Spending a little extra elevates the room," she says. 

Another tip Romeo gives is to embrace mixing old furniture with new. "Don't buy a set," she advises. "Varying the furniture makes it interesting and adds character." Examples are vintage couches mixed with newer end tables and a stylish bar cart that adds character.

Website: romeobaglio.com

Jill Rae of Jill Rae Designs 

Interior designer Jill Rae says that we can expect to see an emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable materials for dining rooms' furniture and decor, such as reclaimed wood tables, recycled glassware, and energy-efficient lighting. 

Rae notes that many of her clients are looking for a "fun and unique space," providing examples of wallpaper on the ceiling, custom built-in furniture and pops of color where it's not expected. 

She suggests not to be afraid of layering in textures, stating textures add warmth and character to any space. "You can add texture by adding some amazing window treatments, a fun area rug under the dining table, wallpaper on the walls or several pieces of art," she encourages.

Rae agrees with Romeo's mixing vintage and contemporary tip, stating this is a fun way to decorate your table or fill any glass cabinet. "Sourcing some fun pieces of china in a local thrift shop or some vintage silverware can complete the look to any diner setting," she adds.

Rae's final tip? Bring the outdoors in! "Clip some branches as they start tuning their vibrant red and oranges. Place them in a vase and display on a sideboard or the center of the table."

Website: jillraedesigns.com

Beth Krupa of Beth Krupa Interiors 

Greenwich-based interior designer Beth Krupa demonstrates her calming, elegant style of work through her corresponding photos. "A classic design while using modern elements, a tonal dining room sparkles with a striking chandelier and varied textured fabrics as wall-coverings are shown here. A custom built wine wall is also a chic space saver," she says. 

Website: bethkrupainteriors.com

Jennifer Lanna of Jennifer Lanna Design

Fairfield County-based interior designer says she is seeing exciting wallpaper and interesting lighting from her clients, the kind of design that "sparks conversation."

"A popular trend with my clients is that they want a gorgeous dining room they can entertain adults in, but with materials that are also kid-friendly," Lanna states. "We are able to provide both with beautiful performance fabrics including luxe velvet or leather, and durable rugs that stand up to spills but look fabulous."

Website: jenniferlannadesign.com