Updated Oct 12, 2018 3:41 PM EDT
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For ages, our packed schedules shoved the seated family dinner onto the back burner, replaced by sad desk salads and takeout containers. But since March, everything flipped — everyone started baking sourdough, working in sweatpants, and actually embracing bonus time with their families. The dining room went from neglected afterthought to MVP of the house: a desk by day, a gathering spot by night, a gaming hub by midnight. So we’re reimagining how the space works and dreaming up fresh ways to make it feel like the main event.
From playfully mismatching chairs to sprinkling in black accents, four interior designers dish on the furniture and decor trends from Canadian brand EQ3 that’ll save your dining room from afterthought status.
Interior designer Natalie Myers says her clients are craving permanence — and with that comes quality. “People are investing in high-quality natural materials for their dining tables, like stone and wood. Styled with large ceramic urns stuffed with wild branches and sculptural hanging lighting, these are not fly-by-night dining rooms,” she explains. Since the dining room obsession isn’t fading anytime soon, Myers says it’s worth springing for pieces that’ll survive years of family gatherings and dinner-party chaos.
Since we’re all still parked at home, it tracks that we’re gravitating toward more casual setups. “People want a flexible space — they want to work from the dining room and also enjoy a great meal,” says Calgary-based interior designer Alykhan Velji, who’s noticed a spike in demand for banquette seating. “Banquettes give you plenty of seating but also feel (and look) approachable.” Not ready to commit to a banquette — or don’t have a nook to carve one out? Start with a simple bench and dining table combo. Pro tip: pile on cushions for extra comfort and personality.
“Dining rooms are the perfect place to inject some character, get playful, and lean a little whimsical,” says interior designer Tamara Kaye-Honey, who suggests trying a mixed seating arrangement to crank up the drama. “Pair a mid-century classic with an armless Parsons and you’ll have the perfect conversation starter — especially when you see who picks which seat!”
Layering colors and textures is non-negotiable, says Velji. “Everything from linens and natural oak to caning and earth tones is perfect for warming up a space,” he says, noting his current favorite palette runs to terracottas, mossy greens, and deep mustards. Oakland-based interior designer Carmen René Smith agrees: “I love mixing hues across the room — think a deep, earthy green like Benjamin Moore’s Vintage Vogue on the walls, cushions in velvety merlot, and comforting ochre woven linens. Pair those with brass and black metal finishes and cognac-toned leather and the space gets seriously cozy.” Want to push it further? Smith suggests offsetting neutrals with a pop of color — a hot pink pillow, a striking cowhide — for something a little unexpected.
“Styling black furniture and decor can be intimidating,” admits Smith. Working black accents into a space is really about picking the right complementary colors. “Just ask yourself: what mood am I going for?” she adds. Pair black with a creamier or blended shade for a deeper, more sophisticated look. Contrast it with white for something striking. Mix it with gold to make a room feel more opulent. Or go all-in with black-on-black — “it gives a sexy, edgy vibe that we all secretly crave sometimes,” notes Smith.
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