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Create A Dining Space You Love

Whether it's a dining room, breakfast room or a casual dining space near a kitchen you'll want it to be warm and welcoming. It's one of the most important spaces in the home. Dining spaces can be formal, graceful and refined; casual and breezy; country or contemporary.

Each component in the dining space should speak about the image you want to portray. Start with the dining table. Typically, it's the biggest item in the space.

Choose the right dining table for your space, one that will make the best statement. A rectangular table is the most popular and practical but it doesn't have to be wide if your space is limited. Don't be afraid to choose a narrow table so the space does not feel stuffy and overcrowded. Long tables are pleasing to the eye and practical especially if it's parallel to a long kitchen island. Oval tables can help with movement around the table in the dining area.  Round tables encourage togetherness at the table since it's easier for everyone to see and hear each other. Personally, I love my round dining table, it's cozy, romantic and conducive to conversation. Square tables are casual and contemporary, take up more space but can accommodate more people but are also considered multi-purpose because they can be used for puzzles and board games. 

I definitely have a thing for beautiful dining chairs and love the history of chairs, they combine fashion and functionality to the space. Chairs can contrast, conform to or complement the table you select. You can even use mixed chairs at the table with different sizes, shapes and colors. Whether you're using wood or upholstery, using the same color chairs gives more unity and makes the space appear more clean and refined. Upholstered chairs give the space a look of elegance or make it feel more formal while other fabrics can make the space more folksy or lend a farmhouse casual look. Stools work well at casual tables and when stored underneath they help increase the space in a room. Stools are one of the earliest forms of seating and is still used traditionally in several kingdoms around the world.

The color on the walls will create the backdrop to everything in the space. Pale yellows and greens add warmth, softness, happiness and harmony. Cool blues and grays can make the space appear more formal and serious but can also give it a safe, more cozy feeling.

Reds and oranges are more intense, vibrant and add spirit to the room. Purples and chartreuse are eye-catching but meals in the room may not be as savory with so much activity on the walls. Be aware of dark colors on the ceiling, it's the fifth wall in a room and the darkness can lower the ceiling.  Artwork makes for great conversation whereas mirrors tend to make the room appear larger. For a dramatic element, wallpaper transports you and your guests to opulent surroundings. Ceiling trays always excite me because I tend to think of how the ocean meets the sky.  A splash of color or hue from your area rug should be considered to create an effect in the ceiling tray along with a brilliant chandelier.

If other furniture pieces like cabinets or buffets are needed in the room, consider the size and how well they work in your space without overcrowding.  Credenzas and sideboards provide storage and create interest especially if it's an heirloom piece, such as an antique, or something totally striking, such as an interesting design, wood finish or paint. This is the one stand-out piece that will be the buzz especially if used as a serving piece for gatherings.

Other considerations for your dining space include adding an area rug which can increase the warmth in the room or space.  Dining chairs should always rest on the area rug even while you're sitting in them.  You must allow at least 2 1/2 to 3 feet for the chair while pulled away from the table. I suggest a finer pile for an area rug because those with a thicker pile can sometimes prohibit the chair from being pulled out easily.  

Window treatments complete any space and can brighten the room with patterns or textures. If you wish to let more light into the space choose decorative and function if you wish to dim the space and close them for privacy.  Above table lighting, sconces or recessed lights can compensate for a lack of natural lighting from windows but should be installed with a dimmer switch to allow the level of ambiance you desire for the right mood. Overall, chandeliers are the best and truly the jewelry for the room. 

Let your centerpiece be your personal touch, impressive and not take away from clinking glasses or engaging conversations.  

Fine linens, dinnerware, crystal, silverware and of course your centerpiece should be seen as you walk by from every angle.  Everything in the space must be considered and evaluated for the value it adds to the room. For help with designing the right dining space for you and your family contact Interior Designer, Lisa Preyor at lisapreyor@gmail.com or by phone at

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