PublishedNov 5, 2018 1:20 PM EST (Turkey Day prep, initiated)
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Come the holiday season, it seems like we spend the bulk of our time marooned somewhere between the kitchen and the dining room. And let’s be honest, the latter (more often than not) is treated as an afterthought when it comes to decorative upgrades. This year, we’re all about a handful of easy changes that’ll take the dining room from drab to fab. Read on for the spaces currently inspiring us—and the design lessons we swiped from each.
We’re never not stealing design tips from the French, and this vintage-inspired,Parisian abodeis no exception. An array of cool blues blankets the space with a near-ethereal feel that seeps into every thoughtfully curated detail. The pared-back aesthetic boasts two prominent hues (blues and natural browns) that lend a complementary finish with a subtle hint of contrast. For those working with a monochrome scheme, take a visual cue from this spot and bring in a handful of decorative accents to add interest and chromatic depth—new curtains or even a structural centerpiece vessel will do the trick. Voilà.
Tradition may dictate a decorative palette heavy on grounded neutrals, but let that not be an excuse to skip a more vibrant approach to this season’s colors. This saturated spot,home to artist Angela Chrusciaki Blehm, is a prime example of embracing the non-traditional. Take note of the eclectic array of tonal accessories, and emulate the look with tabletop essentials that bear a similar theme. Color-heavy linens, patterned dinnerware, and bright taper candles make for ideal starting points. Go big or go home.
Sure, fresh florals make for the perfect tabletop addition—but why stop there? For those pressed for time and wholly uninterested in a ‘quick’ decorative upheaval, consider this simple last-minute fix: potted greens. Fill the empty corners of an otherwise bare or drab dining room with various plants and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the instant transformation. ThisDallas homeis all the proof we need. Greenery: the lazy decorator’s best friend.
Old meets new in thissimply serene dining room, complete with an inspired floral-and-fruit arrangement that perfectly echoes the season’s signature hues. Here’s proof that a well-designed space doesn’t require an over-the-top decor scheme—minimalism never looked so good. Restraint: a true flex.
Revamping a dining room can be as easy as swapping out a single key item. Think along the lines of decorative vases, window treatments, or a fresh landing pad. Use this as an opportunity to take a plunge and bring in pieces you’d otherwise find intimidating. Case in point? The stunning floor piece pictured here, which instantly transforms this mod dining area. One rug, whole new room.
Tour the rest of this boho Nashville homehere. (You know you want to.)
Talk about a statement piece. While a table centerpiece is great in theory, it can absolutely get in the way of your servingware—especially with the abundance that’ll ensue come Thanksgiving. Ditch the standard table setting in favor of a more dramatic statement. We’re taking major pointers from this breathtaking setup, where an extravagant cloud-inspired floral installation steals the show. Cue the gasps.
See the rest of this fete onOur Food Stories. (Bring snacks.)
Up for a (relatively) quick DIY? While a full dining room overhaul may not be realistic timing-wise, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your space using the pieces you already own. Drab, old dining chairs? Nothing a fresh coat of paint can’t fix. Bonus points if youmimic an existing huefrom nearby. Lazy? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Tight on space? Word of advice: don’t try to squeeze every single culinary dish onto the tiny table. Instead, opt for a statement-making centerpiece to fill the otherwise empty middle. Establish a self-serve buffet area and keep your teeny table free of the superfluous. Bonus: it gives guests a reason to stand between indulgent courses—digestion, etc.
See more of this dreamy setup onJojotastic. (Swoon alert.)
We’re taking a page out of designerLeanne Ford’sbook when scheming up a decor plan for the dining room. Amidst the exclusively whitewashed space, a handful of earthy accents and textures instill a much-needed element of warmth. At a loss for a centerpiece? Take to the outdoors and bring in a colorful branch (bonus points if the leaves boast a multitude of shades), pair it with an oversized pitcher, and voilà—you’re basically a stylist.
For those looking to make a more dramatic change, it’s all about the walls. Nothing transforms a space quite like eye-catching wallpaper—actress Megan Ferguson’s LA abodeis proof. Plus, it gives you leeway if you prefer to decorate on the sparser side of the spectrum. Can’t fully commit to wallpaper? Opt for a temporary installation you can swap out later. Commitment issues, solved.
This story was originally published in October 2017; it has been updated with new information. (Freshened up, like leftovers the next day.)
Anna has a penchant for travel, fresh flowers, and books. You can usually find her on some sort of culinary adventure, hunting the best burgers or waffles in the city with the focus of a heat-seeking missile.
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