Whetting Your Thanksgiving Appetite!

As Thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts turn to turkeys and side dishes and cranberry molds.  No......that's not completely true.  To be perfectly honest, as the big day approaches, we can't help fantasizing about........dining rooms covered in luscious wall-papers, with dining chairs in yummy fabrics, and whimsical light fixtures paired with seriously sensual tables.  Traditional or modern, large or small, enclosed or open, dining rooms are one of our favorite spaces to decorate.  We like to mix clean-lined contemporary with traditional elements or traditional large scale pieces with pops of modern.  Lots of gratification, lots of style, lots of beauty packed into a jewel of a space.  To really work, dining rooms must be not only beautiful but also beautifully functional.  
 
So, just to whet you appetite, we share our recipe for the perfect dining room.  Enjoy!

There is a lot we love about this dining room.  For starters, we love how the fluffy light fixture (!), the mix of white and dark woods and the pop of coral against the backdrop of blue-greens all combine to make a space that is warm and wonderful. A great example of how white paint and cool fabrics can re-make some very traditional chairs.

This dining room demonstrates that The key to a warm, welcoming space is all in the mix. Don't buy chairs that match the table, don't even buy chairs that all match, use a mix of fabrics and add some vintage items (lighting fixtures are one of our favorite ways to bring in the old). No room should be all new. Love it or hate it, this dining room has personality and style.

Ahhhhh.  Graphic but feminine fabrics and carpeting, the walls bring in a rich masculine touch, while the touch of gold and a vintage chandelier bring it all together.

This dining room was designed by Architect Ken Levenson. We love the perfect balance of formality and the casual contemporary feel that this dining room exudes. Simply splendid!

Not over-designed but reeking of clean-lined sophistication.

One of our favorites.  The curvy chandelier above the straight-backed chairs; the blue vases sparkling against the pale walls; the punch of the chocolate fabric and the gold frame.  Simple perfection.

This is a simple but beautiful dining room designed by Simpson Design Group Architects. The large scaled lantern light fixture, combined with the hearty table and graphic back chairs say, "Wow!" in a very subtle way. Casual with  a kick.

Regardless of how formal a room may be, it's always a good idea to shake things up with unexpected touches.  
Note the fun striped fabric on the back of the chairs.

Clean, but not austere, this dining space exudes both glamour and relaxation.  We can just picture ourselves       having breakfast here (kids not included!).

Not everyone's cup of tea, this dining room is more Tom Collins than Earl Grey, but the punches of color and 

graphic touches are perfectly balanced by the white walls and black elements.  

Undeniably traditional, undeniably luscious. We love the wall-paper and chandelier and mixing upholstered host chairs with classic side chairs. Note the ceiling beams. What a rustic touch to a seemingly formal room.

Dining rooms don't have to be loud or busy.  As this dining room shows, you can create an inviting space by     using two contrasting colors and a great focal point.                                                                                                    

Speaking of focal points...one great piece of modern art can update the most traditional of spaces...not to 

suggest that there's anything very traditional about this space (maybe the light fixture?).  

                                   

Dining rooms don't need to be formal to be wonderful.  We love how the colorful, ethnic fabric (with nailheads too!) adds an unexpected touch to the space.  What a great idea to use painted lattice to give a plain room some architectural interest.

                                   * all photos courtesy of House Beautiful unless otherwise noted

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and if you need any help with your dining room, you know where to find us!