Five Ways to UP-STYLE your Dining Room

Hello and Happy Monday!

I hope you weekend was great and that there was sun in your neck of the woods.  Here in Atlanta we had rain which made for a good weekend to stay indoors and “try” to catch up on work.  One of the projects I’m working on is a dining room revamp for a client and the entire project got me thinking about different ways to give a dining room added style. Furniture is always the first element that defines a dining room but beyond that, there are some other ways to enhance the style and make your dining space a bit more personal and unique.

 

1.  MIX and MATCH CHAIRS

Adopting this look can be done pretty easily just by painting different styles of chairs in the same color or color family so that they work with the textiles and color you have in your dining room.  I love this look for eclectic and vintage styled homes but it can also be done with more traditional styling as well.

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The neutral colors along with the grey tones are used in different applications giving each chair a unique look while keeping the entire statement coordinated.

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In a more traditional space, variations of the same color keep the color palette tight and classic.

2.  REPLACE CHAIRS WITH A BENCH

A bench is a fun way to break up a dining room set while still providing the same amount of seating that chairs would.  Using a bench also allows you to incorporate a strong pattern statement with the upholstered seat and helps to lighten the visual impact of a heavy wood dining set.

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With the bench finish the same as the chairs, it feels like it is part of the set.

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Fully skirted benches add softness and provide a contrast against the legs of the table and chairs.

3.  USE A NON-TRADITIONAL CHANDELIER OPTION

Switching out your traditional chandelier for something that is unique in style, material or shape is one of the easiest ways to up-style your dining room.  I also like the idea of hanging double chandeliers instead of one for a more personalized look.

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These uniquely shaped hanging glass pendants grab your attention and help define the style of this dining room.

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A popular trend of late is turning vintage wire and wicker baskets into chandeliers.  This look works great for more casual dining rooms.

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I love this cluster of round lights, shaped to form a unique chandelier.  Keeping the chandelier white allows the shape to command attention and not a color.

4.  BUILD YOUR DINING ROOM AROUND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

I’ve always wanted a house where the rooms were such that the dining room and living room could switch places.  If your home gives your this option, move your dining room into the living space where there is built-in architectural features or a fireplace.  These elements will add instant character to your dining space.

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I’m seeing bookcase walls being used in dining spaces more and more.  This look adds a personal feel and in a pinch the lower shelves can be cleared and used as a serving station.

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Opt for open shelving in a dining room versus a china hutch or closed cabinets.

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Glass front cabinets will keep your dining space open and airy while still adding an elegant touch.

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With open shelving, your serving pieces become decorative objects that help style the room.

5. DO SOMETHING TO THE WALLS BESIDES PAINT

Yes paint is the easiest and cheapest way to dress up a space but in a dining room think about doing something different to your walls like adding a fun wallpaper, stencils or mirrors.

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A unique wallpaper will immediately define the style of your dining room.  Be bold and use it throughout instead of just on one wall.

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If you have lots of windows in your dining room, use your drapes as the decorative statement.  Double up the panels to make the curtains plush and full and drape them back to add visual movement and shape.

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A wall of antique mirrors is a great way to add style without your dining room looking like a dressing room.   And check out those unique light fixtures above the table.

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If your room doesn’t come with built-in architectural detailing, you can always add it.  Cut a niche into the wall and using a wide molding, create a dramatic frame.

Beyond these 5 Ways to Up-Style your Dining Room, make sure your centerpiece is also something that stands out and defines your space.

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Happy Decorating!

Do you have a design challenge you’d like help tackling?  Contact me about my design services!

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Tablescapes to Admire

It’s been a while since I’ve done a post about beautiful tablescapes but since we are in the midst of wedding and party season, I thought I’d share a few of my latest tablescape inspirations!

Enjoy!

 

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Mercury Glass is one of my favorite materials to incorporate into any type of decor.  When used a part of a table scape the entire table takes on a glamorous and chic feel.  Grouping different sizes and styles of vessels keeps the tablescape interesting and eclectic.

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Sometimes simplicity is the best formula.  I love the theme of square elements used on this party table.. square menus, plates, candle and centerpiece. 

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One of the easiest ways to make your party table stand out is with an unexpected table-cloth option.  Consider fabric pieces, scarves or elaborate runners in multiples to add impact.

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I so adore this look combining black and white with gold and a pop color.  The color combination are endless and the placemats are a great DIY project using gold tape!

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Fruit is an inexpensive way to dress a table.  I love how the lemons are used to create a runner down the center of this table adding bold color and visual impact.

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Paper Confetti is right up my alley!  What a fun way to add a really festive touch to a table.

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We’re so use to seeing round charger plates so this table with square charger is so refreshing.  The clear plates allow the color to show through and help to keep the table feeling modern and classic.  Glass plates are so versatile and definitely an entertaining essential!

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It has never crossed my mind to use decorative tiles to create a table runner…brilliant!

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Creating a beautiful tablescape is one of the best parts of planning a party don’t you think?

 

I hope you found as much inspiration in these beautiful images as I did! 

There’s even more over at my Party Decor Pinterest Board.

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Planning for a Party–Table Decor Ideas

Can you believe February is just a  day away and Valentines Day is right around the corner?

I’ve pulled together items to create the Valentine’s table the hubby and I will dine at on Valentines. We’ve decided to stay in for the evening and I want to create a table that is pretty and unique.  I’ll be sharing the finished table with you next week. 

As part of my planning, I’ve looked through magazines, my photo files and on Pinterest  to come up with some decorating ideas and have come across a few I thought I’d share with you.  Now that spring is here, there are birthday parties, anniversaries, girls get-together and weddings to plan.  These ideas just might come in handy. 

100layercake.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

My style is not Victorian or overtly floral but I love this mix of  china and the burlap utensil caddy used in this place setting.  The utensil caddie could be adapted for so many occasion and would also be great to hold a menu card.  I also love this idea for a bridal shower luncheon.  I’d pin a vintage brooches on each utensil caddy and give it to each attendee as a party favor.

oncewed.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

I love the arrangement of this napkin, menu card and placecard.  The pattern mix  and black and white color theme are sophisticated yet informal.  When summer approaches, use this same look for a BBQ, substituting a traditional napkin with a dishtowel which would be a for great for keeping the fingers clean of BBQ sauce.

hostessblog.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

What a fun way to set the table for a spring party!  I love the teacups as flower vases and the fun mix of cylinder flower vases as the centerpiece.

busybeelauren.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Another table with a beautiful mix of patterns.  The oversized dollie placemats are such a fun touch.  This type of tablescape would be perfect for all those leftover fabric scraps I know we all have.  I’d even go so far as to mix and match the napkins too!

stylemepretty.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

I am a big fan of mix-and-match plates and love this casual party look. The white dinner plates help to create consistency within the tablescape while the different salad plates give it personality.  And those flowers are just stunning..nothing but bright and bold.

reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

I was thinking about using 12″ x 12″ scrapbook paper as a placemat alternative when I came across this image.  Love it!  Not only is scrapbook paper a simple and easy tabletop decorating element, but it’s inexpensive to.  Lay several pieces together to create a runner.

sayyestohoboken.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

All you need is a little time and a circle punch to create this fun table decor.  Punch circles from different colored papers and scatter them along the table to create a runner.  When the party’s over, you’ll have lots of confetti circles to create a fun paper garland with.

Don’t these images make you throw a party for no other reason than to decorate?  As for me, my first party of the year will be Valentine’s with my guy.  Stay tuned for a Table For Two!

 

Do you love decorating for Valentines?  Any fun ideas to share?

 

 

If you’ve got a special event or party coming up and would like help creating a design that will take their breath away, email me or visit my design services page.  There’s nothing more that I love than a great party!

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Mirror, Mirror On The Table

When I was planning my Christmas Tablescape, I thought about incorporating a mirror as the centerpiece.   

Why?…

• Mirrors are a great way to add shine and reflection to your table decor,
• Mirrors will give just a few decorative elements larger than life impact,
• Mirrors will enhance the light and brighten your tablescape,
• Mirrors will add dimension and depth,
• Mirrors are easy to decorate with,
• AND, mirrors are an inexpensive design element! 

 

If that’s not enough to convience you to decorate your Christmas or New Year’s table using mirrors, these beautiful images just might do the trick.

 

Isn’t this centerpiece arrangement beautiful?   Beveled edged mirrors will provide more visual interest to your table decor than a framed mirror. 

 

Such a quick and simple centerpiece. 

Look around your home and see if you have a framed mirror that could be used on your table.  I love the antique finish of the mirror and candlesticks in this centerpiece.

Gorgeous!

The bolder the frame of your mirror, the more dimension your table will have.

Just look at the reflection of the candleholders and flowers!

Inexpensive mirror squares, which you can buy at the hardware store, add instant glamour to your tabletop.  I love them positioned as a runner, but they would also look great as a placemat alternative under each plate.

If you happen to live in a warm climate, mirrors are great to use as part of your outdoor table setting. 

 

So now that I’ve got you thinking about decorating your holiday table using a mirror, here are 5 value priced mirrors you can add to your shopping list.

The perfect table runner mirror!

Bonett Bevel-Edged Mirror–IKEA  $ 19.99   10 1/4″ w x 65″ L

 

Versatile centerpiece mirror!

RAM Mirror–IKEA  $9.99  15 3/4″ W x 38 1/4″ H 

This mirror has a wood frame that can easily be painted to coordinate with your decor!

Stylish centerpiece mirror!

MOSIAC Mirror–Pier 1 $59.99   23″ rd

 

Great place setting mirror or to use under glass hurricanes!

Scoop Mirror Set–Target  $19.99  10″ sq

 

A more elegant centerpiece alternative!

Beveled Hanging Mirror–Target  $74.99  19″ dia

 

 

Whether it’s a rectangular, round or square mirror, mirrors are a great way to decorate for the holidays (and all throughout the year)!   

 Don’t you agree??

 

all images via pinterest

 

 

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Thanksgiving Centerpiece–A Mix of Natural and Faux

Several weeks ago I mentioned that I was going to create a Thanksgiving centerpiece that could travel with us when we go visit family for the holiday.  Well, our plans changed a bit and we are staying close to home for Thanksgiving. 

Despite that we aren’t traveling, I wanted to create a centerpiece that was simple and easy and one that used some of nature’s beautiful elements. 

So, while I was out walking the other day, I clipped a few magnolia branches and picked up a few pinecones. 

Once home, I pulled out a round basket that I already owned, some crystal candlesticks and a few faux flower stems and created this. 

 

Magnolia branches are one of my favorite elements to decorate with during the winter.  There are several varieties of magnolia here in the south and I always look for ones with the brown underside on the leaves because of the added dimension that color brings. 

To elevate my candlesticks, I placed several books in the center of the basket and arranged the candlesticks on top.  Then I placed my magnolia pieces around the edge, added my flowers and pinecones, and had a beautiful centerpiece in no time flat.

If you’re lucky enough to have magnolia trees where you live, but have never decorated with them, you just might give it some thought this year. 

 

Check out some of these beautiful holiday images using magnolias leaves, and be inspired!

Magnolia leaves make a stunning holiday wreath. 

 

Magnolia leaves are easy to spray paint and look great in shades of gold or silver.

I love this mix of magnolia leaves with fresh flowers and berries.

Magnolia garland…time consuming if you DIY, but so beautiful. 

 

Love this mix with hydrangea and curly twigs.

And how about combining magnolia leaves with fresh fruit.  This would be an easy Thanksgiving centerpiece.

 p.s.  Magnolia branches are also beautiful clustered in a simple glass vase!

 

It’s countdown time.  Have you created your Thanksgiving centerpiece yet?

 

images via Confettistyle and Pinterest

 

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