Dining Room Decor Strategies That Can Help You Find Your Own Style

A lot of homes these days tend to overlook the dining room which used to be a must-have some time ago. We’re now moving towards a more casual and flexible lifestyle which doesn’t necessarily require a separate space for eating. Instead, we often opt for extensions of the kitchen island which can serve as a dining table or for open floor plan that integrate this function. In a way, we’ve kept the essence of the dining room but we altered its character and design a little bit.

Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Add some height to the room with vertical stripes and draw the eye up with light fixtures
Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Mix and match different patterns and textures to create a layered and balanced look

Naturally, the design and decor strategies for this space have also changed. A lot of modern and contemporary dining areas are designed to look refined but to feel comfortable and relaxed at the same time. We’re taking a step back from formality and we’re embracing casual flair and warmth. To achieve such an ambiance you can choose a chromatic palette formed of grays, blues, greens and neutrals although a lot of times it’s all about the overall balance and the proportions. It’s ok to add a fun accent color to bring some cheer to the space and to give it a more dynamic and fresh feel.

Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Add slipcovers to the chairs to bring in some color and pattern
Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Complement a simple table with different types of chairs or mixed seating options
Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Turn the light fixtures into a focal point for the dining area and keep everything else simple
Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
An area rug can be used to delineate the dining space and at the same time to add color to the room
Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Wood is a warm material and you can harvest its beauty and to impregnate it into the decor

Mix colors and styles and layer different textures if you want to give your dining space a personalized look. However, make sure you unify the whole decor somehow to avoid creating an uncomfortable ambiance. There are lots of different strategies you can use. For instance, the dining table chairs can have colorful upholstery or fabric covers or you can add a splash of color with an area rug or with some wall decorations. If you want to give the space a casual, laid-back look, consider bench seating instead of chairs.

Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Personalize the decor with custom wall decorations or other decorative details
Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Invite nature in and give the room a fresh vibe. You can use potted plants and fresh flowers
Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Emphasize the contrast between different finishes and textures to create a less monotonous decor
Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Use earthy color tones to create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Mix them with natural materials

The lighting is pretty important and so are the views. Large window are able to bring in light and at the same time to emphasize a beautiful view or to connect the dining space to its surroundings. Speaking of which, you can find a lot of inspiration in nature and in the surroundings so take a look around before you decorate the space. You can give your dining area a seasonal and trendy look by decorating it with suitable accent pieces. For instance, in the spring, you can bring in some fresh plants and vibrant colors and during fall you can make centerpieces out of pine cones, fallen leaves and branches. Also, you can find out more about various strategies for setting a table.

Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Soften the decor with linens, area rugs, chair cushions and table centerpieces
Dining room with a big chandelier over dining table tufted brown chairs
Hang an eye-catching chandelier above the table to add some drama and glamour to the room

It’s important to develop your own design strategies and to add a personal touch to the dining area. Paint the walls in your favorite color, replace the light fixtures with new and more stylish ones, paint the ceiling, invite nature in, mix and match styles, create your own wall art or keep things simple and neutral, whatever defines you best.