Room Envy: A retro dining room gets a midcentury remodel

This article showcases three distinct dining room renovations in the Louisville area, each demonstrating unique design approaches and transformations. The first featured dining room, once a cluttered catch-all space, has been re-imagined with a casual yet functional dining set. The design incorporates a dining bench that offers additional seating, and the overall color palette of the room harmonizes with adjacent areas of the house, creating a cohesive living space. This renovation prioritizes practicality and a relaxed atmosphere, making the dining room suitable for everyday use and comfortable gatherings. The second dining room highlighted in the article exemplifies a blend of antique and modern aesthetics. This space features aqua-colored wallpaper with a subtle metallic plaid design, adding a touch of sophistication and visual texture. The renovation incorporates unique, updated lighting fixtures that serve as focal points and enhance the room's ambiance. A key aspect of this design is the strategic mixing of old and new furniture pieces and decorative elements, resulting in a timeless and eclectic style that is both elegant and inviting. The thoughtful combination of different eras and styles creates a personalized and refined dining environment. The third renovated dining room focuses on drama and elegance. This design features a new dining setup that includes modified wingback host and hostess chairs, contributing to a sense of grandeur and formality. The room's walls are adorned with bold geometric wallpaper, applied both above and below the chair rail, which significantly enhances the dramatic effect and adds a contemporary edge. Furthermore, the article notes the inclusion of a bar cart within this revamped dining room, which is presented as an ideal piece for integrating both vintage and contemporary items. This bar cart not only serves a functional purpose but also acts as a curated display area, adding to the room's sophisticated and dynamic character. Each of these three Louisville dining room remodels offers distinct inspiration for transforming dining spaces into appealing and functional areas tailored to different tastes and needs. #DiningRoomRenovation #HomeDecor #LouisvilleHomes #InteriorDesign #RoomRemodel #HomeOfTheWeek #DesignInspiration

Kelsey Matyas, a designer from Kelsey Deirdre Designs, and her husband sought to restore the 1920s Colonial charm of their historic home in Maplewood, New Jersey, after moving from a prewar building in New York City. Their preference for a home with character, rather than a modern, minimalist or 'cookie-cutter' style, led them to this particular 1920s center-hall Colonial property. The dining room, visible immediately upon entering the house, was a top priority for renovation. Matyas envisioned a space that felt 'soft and whimsical with a traditional feel to it,' aiming to transform the existing builder-grade gray walls and basic pendant light into a striking, vintage-inspired environment. The foundational element for the entire dining room redesign was an Ethan Allen dining set, approximately 15 years old, that belonged to Matyas's parents. This set, which had been a part of her family's life and travels across the East Coast, including the dining table, chairs, and a sideboard, served as the primary inspiration and anchor for the room's new aesthetic. To achieve the desired soft and whimsical traditional feel, Matyas incorporated a hand-painted-style wall covering called 'Canopy in Overcast by Quercus & Co.' She discovered this paper at Studio Four NYC. Complementing the wallpaper, she painted the ceiling and trim in Benjamin Moore’s Maple Shadows, a brown hue chosen partly as a personal touch, as it shared a name with her dog. This color palette and wallpaper selection provided a warm and inviting backdrop for the inherited furniture. While aiming for a traditional look, Matyas also sought to integrate modern elements to prevent the space from feeling dated. Above the sideboard, she installed a custom mirror from L.A.-based studio Parts + Assembly, specifically chosen to add a unique, contemporary touch without overshadowing the wallpaper. Matyas's favorite design element in the renovated dining room is the alabaster stone chandelier from Lucent Lighting. She expressed a particular fondness for alabaster, noting that the chandelier significantly contributes to the room's updated, modern feel. Despite its formal dining room designation, the space functions as the family's primary eating area, lacking a separate kitchen table. Matyas appreciates that the room feels both elevated and lived-in, reflecting her design philosophy of creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing environments. While the dining room, office, living room, and nursery have been completed, the kitchen and bathrooms remain on her future renovation list. The success of this dining room makeover has even extended to her professional work, with clients, particularly those designing an early 1900s home in Rye, New York, drawing inspiration from her personal dining room project. This highlights the impact of personal design projects in influencing broader design trends and client preferences. #DiningRoomMakeover #HistoricHome #VintageInspired #InteriorDesign #KelseyMatyas #QuercusAndCo #BenjaminMoore #EthanAllen #TraditionalDesign

The perception and use of dining rooms have evolved significantly, moving from formal spaces to more casual kitchen dining, and now, to a blend of both. This shift has rendered certain design features and decisions outdated, making dining rooms appear dated in 2025 and beyond. Despite not being the highest-traffic area, the dining room holds considerable importance during hosting seasons, making it crucial for it to be timeless yet on-trend, functional yet aesthetic, and relaxed yet occasion-ready. One significant cliché to avoid is the use of banquettes in formal dining rooms. While banquette seating offers coolness, comfort, and additional storage, designers argue that it is misplaced in a formal setting, often creating awkward situations during dinner parties. Instead, fully upholstered dining chairs are making a comeback, adding softness, texture, and ease. Reupholstering heirloom or vintage chairs with modern fabrics like linen or cotton can update their look, making them feel fresh and less formal. For families, wipeable fabrics like leather are recommended to maintain beauty and livability, aiming for an elegant yet approachable dining space where people want to linger. Another outdated trend is oversized chandeliers. Historically, grand chandeliers were a must-have in formal dining rooms, signifying decadence and status. However, designers are now moving away from this, opting for more unexpected and contemporary lighting fixtures. With dining rooms increasingly being combined with semi-open concept kitchens or repurposed into new spaces, a large, heavy chandelier can overwhelm the area, especially when combined with other statement lighting. Artistic, asymmetrical, and odd-shaped chandeliers, or those incorporating color beyond traditional neutrals, are suggested to add a unique dimension and visual interest. Single-use formal dining rooms are also considered a cliché. Many dining rooms previously went unused for most of the year, becoming mere storage spaces. Modern design emphasizes multifunctional rooms that reflect contemporary living, moving beyond just a few holiday meals. Designers are creating dining rooms that double as home libraries, lounges, or game rooms, making them inviting spaces for everyday use. This transformation involves incorporating plush chairs, layered lighting, and a mix of textures to encourage lingering. Adding bookshelves or a casual seating area can easily introduce multiple functions without a full remodel. Additionally, "museum-piece" designs, characterized by overly formal, stiff, and generic interiors, are losing relevance. The trend of filling dining rooms with matching furniture sets and builder-grade lighting is fading. Instead, homeowners are embracing character-driven, lived-in elegance, focusing on collected, personal, and integrated designs. This involves incorporating historic architectural details, interesting color stories, statement lighting, and a mix of vintage pieces. The emphasis is on creating a space with patina and warmth that invites conversation, rather than a perfect, untouched display. Finally, perfectly matched dining chair sets are another cliché to abandon. Similar to how matching bedroom suites are discouraged, all-matching dining furniture lacks character and fails to achieve a cohesive look. While banquette-style nooks are preferred in open-plan spaces for their intimate and cozy feel, for more formal dining rooms, mixing and matching chairs is recommended. This can involve placing different chairs at the head of the table or adopting a fully mismatched look. Shopping vintage is an excellent way to achieve a collected and characterful aesthetic, provided a common thread like material, upholstery color, or pattern is maintained across the chairs. #DiningRoomDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #OutdatedDesign #ModernLiving #BanquetteSeating #LightingFixtures #MultifunctionalSpaces #VintageFurniture

This article details the transformation of a 1980s dining room, which homeowner Alexis Moore described as "dated" and lacking personal style. The original room featured dark red wallpaper, which was a dominant element, and while it possessed some positive attributes like hardwood floors and natural light, its overall aesthetic was considered drab. The renovation was part of the One Room Challenge and was completed in eight weeks. A key challenge identified was the removal of the old wallpaper, which appeared to be directly pasted to the drywall, making conventional stripping difficult. To circumvent this, Alexis opted to paint directly over the existing wallpaper. This involved thorough preparation, including filling holes, skim coating the walls, and priming, before applying Sherwin-Williams’ Hardware, a tan-gray paint. This method proved successful in creating a smooth base. The upper portion of the walls, above the chair rail, was adorned with a vintage-inspired forest wallpaper called “Wedded Woodlands” from Wall Blush. This step was initially daunting for Alexis due to the size of the area and the investment involved in wallpaper, but with assistance from a friend for the initial panels, she gained confidence to complete the rest of the project independently. A significant aspect of the makeover involved sourcing furniture. Most of the new pieces were acquired secondhand, demonstrating a sustainable approach to redecoration. The dining table and chairs were found on Facebook Marketplace, while the buffet was purchased from Habitat for Humanity Restore. Alexis also recouped some costs by selling her old furniture on Facebook Marketplace, highlighting the economic benefits of using pre-owned items. She emphasized that vintage pieces contribute character and a cozy, lived-in feel to a space. Attention was also given to the final decorative touches, with much of the decor, including an oversized antique-looking mirror, also being sourced secondhand. Items that were not secondhand were bought at a discount, such as a lamp from HomeGoods for $30. Alexis advised against settling for items that don't perfectly match one's vision, encouraging a patient search for the right pieces. The completed dining room is characterized by its dramatic and moody ambiance, evoking the feeling of being inside an oil painting, and reflects Alexis's pride in undertaking the DIY project and utilizing secondhand finds. #DiningRoomMakeover #HomeRenovation #VintageDecor #DIYHomeDecor #SecondhandFurniture #WallpaperInstallation #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter

This blog post details the complete renovation of a mid-century ranch-style home in New York, originally built in 1954, by designer Amy Courtney. The primary goal of the renovation was to update the property to a modern aesthetic and functional open-concept living space, specifically focusing on transforming the previously closed-off kitchen and dining areas. The project aimed to increase natural light, expand perceived square footage, and improve circulation throughout the home, reflecting both its historical character and the current owners' needs. The original dining room, described as dated and lacking character, had no built-in storage or overhead lighting. The designer's vision was to make it more usable as an entertaining space by incorporating appropriate storage, comfortable furniture, improved lighting, and a cohesive color scheme that extended from the adjoining living room. To achieve this, the millwork from the living room was extended into the dining area, creating a built-in sideboard for ample storage of serveware, craft supplies, linens, and entertaining decor. Floating shelves were integrated into the upper portion of the dining room millwork to provide distinct character while maintaining visual continuity between the spaces. These custom millwork elements were crafted by HB Construction of Westchester. For the dining area's furnishings, vintage chairs were sourced from a Danish seller via 1stDibs and reupholstered in white bouclé to give them a fresh, modern look. A versatile lighting fixture offering both uplighting and downlighting was chosen for task and ambient illumination, featuring a contemporary design. An emerald-colored bamboo silk rug was selected to add a touch of color and anchor the dining seating, consistent with a mid-century modern aesthetic and offering durability. The kitchen, previously separated from the dining room by a small doorway, suffered from a closed-off feel and lacked sufficient light and circulation. To address this, the dividing wall was removed, creating a spacious and inviting open kitchen and dining area suitable for both family life and entertaining. The new kitchen design emphasized practicality and a casual yet curated aesthetic. A breakfast bar/peninsula was installed where the old wall once stood, offering a convenient spot for quick meals and additional counter space. The renovation minimized major plumbing work by retaining the gas stove and sink in their original locations, focusing instead on maximizing functionality and aesthetic appeal. Handmade Zellige tiles from Zia Tile were chosen for the kitchen backsplash, providing a distinctive, artisanal touch with their natural variations in semi-translucent glaze over a warm terracotta base. The kitchen storage incorporates both open and closed elements: custom hand-rolled steel cabinets with glass fronts by Emmanual Delalain for decorative items, and Omega cabinets for utilitarian storage. Drawers were preferred over doors for most lower cabinets to facilitate easy access to pantry items, pots, and pans. Full-height cabinets were added along the fridge wall for extra pantry storage, along with specialized compartments like a cookbook nook at the peninsula and pull-out drawers for spices and cutting boards near the range. All appliances were paneled to ensure a seamless, integrated look. A smart blue-green tone, inspired by Benjamin Moore’s Knoxville Gray, was selected for the kitchen cabinetry to instill a calming vibe that extended throughout the connected spaces. The cabinetry was sourced through Jilco in Westchester, with Omega Cabinetry providing the ideal color match. Breakfast chairs, sourced from a Brazilian artisan via 1stDibs, were chosen to complement the dining room's wood tones, ensuring a cohesive design without being overly coordinated. The overall renovation successfully transformed the home into a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and open-concept living space, demonstrating a thoughtful integration of modern design with the home's original character. The enhanced storage solutions and improved spatial flow contribute significantly to the home's practicality and luxurious feel. #KitchenRenovation #DiningRoomDesign #OpenConceptLiving #MidCenturyModern #HomeTransformation #InteriorDesign #CustomMillwork #SustainableDesign #KitchenStorage

This article details the renovation of a 1905 kitchen located in the Fairmont National Historic District of Fort Worth, Texas, undertaken by Urbanology Designs, led by principal Ginger Curtis. The project focused on restoring the historical integrity of the kitchen while enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The original kitchen, under 300 square feet, suffered from a cramped layout due to a large, dysfunctional island and lacked adequate seating. The existing historic architectural details, including door framing, molding, and slatted wood ceilings, were preserved and repaired where possible, contributing to the kitchen's authentic old-world charm. Due to extensive damage, the original flooring was replaced with narrow plank wood, chosen to align with the historical context of the house. A significant design decision involved removing the oversized island, which was consuming too much space, a move that diverged from contemporary kitchen trends but was crucial for improving the room's flow and usability. The cabinetry was replaced with Shaker-style units painted in Sherwin Williams’s Foxhall Green, a "dusty" green selected for its depth and unique character, aiming to avoid a color that would quickly become tiresome. Vintage cup pulls and latches were incorporated to further enhance the old-world aesthetic. A key element in the design intent was to avoid a jarring contrast between the historic home and a new, overly modern kitchen. This was achieved through careful selection of materials and fixtures. A notable addition is an Italian Ilve oven range, sourced from Facebook Marketplace, which serves as a central design feature and reinforces the nostalgic and historical feel of the space. The countertops are simple quartz, paired with a square-tile backsplash. The square tile was chosen as an updated take on a classic style, offering a subtle variation from more common subway tiles and helping to maintain visual balance within the small kitchen. Instead of modern floating shelves, an open cabinet was installed, contributing to the unique character of the space. Seating is provided by an antique table featuring an oval marble top and a metal base, sourced from Chairish. This oval shape was deliberately chosen to introduce an unexpected, non-average element, providing functional seating that the original kitchen lacked. The design also integrates fine art, such as a marble bust and oil paintings, into the kitchen decor. This approach, which the designer terms "relaxed modern," involves incorporating untraditional elements to create a bespoke and sophisticated atmosphere. The project successfully reimagined a historic kitchen, blending functionality with a deep respect for its century-old roots. #KitchenRenovation #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #HomeRestoration #VintageStyle #UrbanologyDesigns #ShakerCabinets #PeriodAccents

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

This article details the transformation of a formal center-hall Colonial home in Canton into a light, airy, and casual space, a challenge undertaken by mother-daughter interior designers Susan Hayward and Jillian Hayward Schaible. The clients, whose tastes lean traditional, sought a refreshed aesthetic for their long-standing residence. The renovation began in the kitchen, located at the back of the house, which was initially made brighter through the addition of skylights by the builder. The designers' role involved selecting fixtures and finishes to imbue warmth into the all-white kitchen the clients desired. To achieve this, the designers incorporated nickel gap and walnut beams to visually break up the extensive ceiling in the large, cabinetry-filled space. A warm white paint, Benjamin Moore Cotton Balls, served as a foundational creamy hue, complemented by oil-rubbed bronze accents and a hammered copper sink, with the bronze hardware's subtle gold undertones adding depth. A custom walnut top on the dining island introduced a rich contrast to the quartzite used on the perimeter and prep island. The connection between the kitchen and breakfast nook was enhanced by widening the opening, allowing more natural light to flood the spaces. Hayward noted that sunlight now streams directly into the nook, drawing attention to this area, which was further embellished with a textural wallpaper featuring oversized leaves. The breakfast nook also features a curved banquette, strategically implemented to maximize the natural light and views of the surrounding greenery. This design choice also resolved a furniture layout challenge, as the clients' original table and chairs did not fit centrally. Positioning them with a banquette in a corner created a cozy gathering spot. In the front of the house, an office, already featuring new, traditional walnut millwork, was transformed into a feminine retreat. The design process for this room started with selecting wallpaper, with the client being drawn to Lee Jofa panels by Aerin, which provided an old European, romantic garden feel. Complementary elements included a subdued neutral rug, a velvety blue chair, and a distressed iron chandelier adorned with glass crystals. A key objective for the designers was to ensure that the refreshed home did not appear to be recently redone. Schaible emphasized that the design aimed for an aesthetic where everything seemed to have always been in place, belonging naturally within the home's existing character. The article also provides resources for the interior design services and the carpenter involved in the project, along with a correction regarding the carpenter's phone number. #HomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #ColonialHome #KitchenRenovation #BreakfastNook #HomeOfficeDesign #TraditionalStyle #ResidentialDesign #CantonMassachusetts

The formal dining room, once considered obsolete due to increasingly casual lifestyles and on-the-go meals, is experiencing a resurgence, according to leading interior designers. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this shift, reminding individuals of the importance of gathering and sharing meals at home. This renewed appreciation for intentional social connections made designated dining spaces more appealing. Designers emphasize that the comeback of the formal dining room is also driven by a desire for spaces that feel distinct and special, moving away from years of open-concept living. These dedicated areas allow families to slow down, connect, and celebrate both everyday meals and special occasions. The consensus among design professionals is that the formal dining room is officially back and offers a valuable opportunity to inject character and personal style into a home. From a design perspective, formal dining rooms provide an excellent canvas for creativity. Designers enjoy the opportunity to introduce drama, make bold statements, and infuse personality through elements such as unique lighting fixtures, elegant furnishings, and striking wall treatments. This visual distinction not only creates an enjoyable aesthetic but also reinforces the room's primary function as a dedicated dining area. Brittany Farinas, creative director of House of One, notes that these rooms provide a dedicated setting for special occasions, fostering connection and celebration. Alex Thies of Adelyn Charles Interiors highlights that a dedicated formal dining room encourages a slower pace for meals, inviting guests to linger and socialize without the distractions often found in open-plan living spaces. This separation from kitchen activity and everyday clutter contributes to a calm and polished atmosphere ideal for both entertaining and family dinners. Beyond personal enjoyment and aesthetic appeal, the formal dining room can also add significant value to a home, particularly for resale. As the pandemic prompted many to invest more time and effort into their living spaces, the desire to entertain at home has also grown. However, for a formal dining room to be truly worthwhile, it needs to be actively used and integrated into daily life, rather than reserved solely for a few holidays a year. It should function as a natural extension of the kitchen, regardless of whether it's an open or closed-off space. To ensure modern formal dining rooms are inviting rather than stuffy, designers recommend balancing style with comfort. Mimi Meacham of Marian Louise Design suggests focusing on comfort, versatility, and warmth. This can be achieved by incorporating upholstered or cushioned chairs that encourage prolonged seating, layering soft lighting for an ambient glow, and mixing refined pieces with inviting textures. Durability is also a key consideration for seating, with designers recommending performance fabrics that can withstand spills. Completing the space with a beautiful rug and personal touches helps create a lived-in and loved atmosphere, making the room feel less reserved and more a part of everyday life. #FormalDiningRoom #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #HomeEntertaining #RoomFunctionality #ResaleValue #ComfortInDesign

Contemporary dining room design emphasizes personalization and a harmonious blend of diverse elements rather than adhering to rigid, matchy-matchy aesthetics. Interior designer Dan Davis highlights the importance of incorporating a mix of old and new pieces, along with varied textures and styles, to create a space that reflects the homeowner's unique personality. This approach moves away from traditional, formal dining rooms towards more versatile and comfortable areas suitable for various activities beyond dining, such as reading or working. The article showcases several examples of this design philosophy, including a Birmingham residence where Dan Davis Design used recessed lighting and ceiling beams with a combination of old and new furnishings to create a distinctive dining space. Another example features a highly personalized area with an antique armoire, a salon-style art arrangement, and mismatched chairs surrounding a modern table, illustrating the principle of mixing styles. Open-concept layouts further encourage creative and unexpected design choices, allowing for a special blend of materials and elements. In a new-construction home, a dining room corner is transformed into a cozy reading nook with a chaise, abstract art, and a whimsical side table. Leaning art is suggested as a casual and unexpected way to bridge different areas and fill empty spaces. The article also explores the integration of various textures and materials, such as a shapely mirror reflecting light from a metal chandelier above a rustic table, complemented by velvet chairs, creating a modern dining room with a rich mix of design elements. Small bar areas are presented as impactful additions to dining rooms, with one example showcasing a colorful display of green glass and eye-catching accents. Mary Liz Curtin, co-owner of Leon & Lulu in Clawson, reinforces the idea of incorporating color prominently, moving away from the dark wood prevalent in past designs. She advocates for distressed tabletops, suggesting that their imperfections tell a story and make them a better fit for contemporary dining rooms. The article encourages the inclusion of at least one playful piece, whether it's a whimsical centerpiece, a painted table, or fun fabric for chairs, to layer in lighthearted elements that create a delightful space for entertaining. Examples from Leon & Lulu feature botanical-patterned host and hostess wing chairs, painted tables, and café chairs that together create distinctive displays. The importance of displaying collections, such as whimsical vases on a dining table, is also highlighted for spaces not used daily for dining. Unexpected elements like old signage and quirky artwork are presented as ways to create surprise and visual interest, making dining rooms more engaging and memorable. The strategic use of buffets, ranging from vintage dressers to distressed pieces, along with conversation-starting art and mirrors to reflect light, further enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal of these mixed-style dining spaces. #DiningRoomDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PersonalizedSpaces #MixedStyles #ModernDining #HomeStyling #EclecticDecor

Jojo Barr, founder of House Nine, details the renovation process of the living room in her new rural home, a project undertaken after she moved from London to the countryside. The living room serves as a sanctuary and the first room visitors encounter, located directly off the entrance hall. Despite being the darkest area of the house, receiving morning sunlight only until 10 am, its view of the valley makes it an ideal spot for relaxation. Barr anticipates that this room will eventually become a 'snug' once the ground floor is converted into an open-plan living space. The living room, a 5m x 5m square room with a working fireplace, required only cosmetic upgrades as its structure was sound. A key challenge was integrating the television. Barr typically advises against wall-mounting TVs but found it unavoidable due to the room's layout, ultimately placing a Samsung Frame TV above the mantle. She highlights the aesthetic appeal of the Frame TV, which displays artwork when not in use, and cautions about ensuring adequate heat protection in the chimney breast to prevent damage to electronics. Lighting presented another compromise for Barr, who prefers not to use downlights unless task-specific. However, the low ceiling necessitated their use, preventing the installation of a central pendant. Curtains were a significant point of contention; Barr strongly advocates for floor-length curtains, or those that 'kiss' the floor, contrary to the short curtains found in the room initially. She dispels the notion that short curtains are designed to facilitate heat circulation from radiators, arguing that long, lined, and interlined curtains are more effective at retaining warmth. For tricky window designs where floor-length curtains are impractical, Roman blinds, either sheer for privacy or blackout for total darkness, are recommended alternatives, with French café curtains being the sole exception to her rule against short coverings. The design objective for the living room was to create an effortless, comfortable, and warm environment suitable for both family relaxation and entertaining. Barr replaced the existing beige carpet with an engineered oak, white-washed floor from Chaunceys Timber, a bold choice that brightened the room. A woven jute rug was added to enhance comfort. The old bookcase cabinet and fireplace were retained and repainted. The room's character was further developed through the addition of tongue and groove to the ceiling and half-height wall panelling. The chosen color scheme is neutral and warm, complemented by earthy textures and autumnal accents, low-level lighting, vintage pieces, and unique finds. Comfort is prioritized, with a House Nine-designed sofa and ottoman featuring plump cushions to invite relaxation. Barr emphasizes a relaxed approach to her interiors, aiming for guests to feel at ease.

This article explores ten design strategies to create a sophisticated and memorable dining room, drawing inspiration from Restoration Hardware aesthetics and insights from leading interior designers. The primary focus is on transforming the dining space into an inviting area for entertaining, emphasizing both visual appeal and practical functionality. The initial design tip highlights the importance of strategic lighting. Designers stress the necessity of multiple light sources, including statement chandeliers, wall sconces, and even table lamps, to establish an enticing ambiance. A statement light fixture is identified as a crucial focal point that can inject personality and creativity into the room, with some designers suggesting it is more critical for flow than furniture. The article then moves on to discuss how to create a captivating visual environment, recommending the harmonious use of art and wallpaper. Designers advocate for bold wallpaper applications, potentially covering entire dining rooms, including ceilings, and layering artwork on top to create dynamic and textured spaces. Wallpaper is presented as a powerful tool for adding texture, pattern, and interest, sometimes serving as the art itself or as a dramatic backdrop. Practicality and flow are underscored as essential considerations in dining room design. The article advises selecting dining tables of appropriate shape and size to accommodate guests comfortably and ensuring sufficient space for movement. Incorporating functional yet stylish storage pieces, such as sideboards, is also suggested to define the dining area and provide showcase opportunities. The integration of bar carts is highlighted as a popular and functional addition for large gatherings. Precise measurements are emphasized for optimal comfort and flow within the dining room. It is recommended to allow ample space behind chairs for comfortable movement and between chairs to avoid crowding. Sideboards are considered indispensable for their practical storage benefits and their ability to define open-concept living and dining spaces through stylish functionality. The selection of the dining table is explored, with various shapes considered. Round tables are often favored for fostering conversation and eye contact, but the ultimate choice should align with the room's primary function, whether for daily family meals or occasional formal events. Proportionate furniture is crucial to maintain good flow, and occasional seating can offer more relaxed options before or after dining. Comfortable dining chairs are presented as a paramount element, encouraging individuals to test chairs for adequate comfort and support. Upholstered or slipcovered chairs are noted for their customization potential through fabric selection. Attention to detail is crucial for enhancing the dining experience. Suggestions include using elegant serving ware, natural stone or brushed metal accents, beautiful dishes, flatware, and linen napkins with stone napkin rings for both formal and informal settings. Table linens and centerpieces are considered vital finishing touches, with advice on developing a deliberate palette for materials and colors and creating sculptural centerpieces or using decorative vases and candles. The article encourages taking design risks in the dining room, such as using complementary but different fabrics for chair seats and backs or introducing bold color schemes through upholstery. Mixing and matching styles and materials, such as combining metal-base tables with stone tops and upholstered chairs with wood legs, is advocated for achieving a customized and unique look. The concept of "going to the same party" through customization, like refinishing antique chairs to match a table, ensures cohesion amidst variety. Finally, integrating natural elements like plant life, blooms, and herbs is recommended for their aesthetic appeal and their positive impact on well-being, cleaner air, and a meditative atmosphere, enhancing the dining experience for guests. The importance of material mixing, such as incorporating wood, glass, and metal, is highlighted to create visually curated and thoughtful spaces, ensuring that each piece appears intentionally collected. #RestorationHardware #DiningRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LightingDesign #WallpaperArt #FurnitureSelection #SpacePlanning #MaterialMixing #EntertainingSpaces

Washington-based designer Allison Lind, known for her interest in fixer-uppers, discovered a 1940s house on Puget Sound in 2020. The property, situated on three acres of waterfront land, was heavily overgrown and the house itself was half-gutted, with exposed studs and subfloor, and filled with debris, including moldy walls and garbage. Despite its dilapidated state, the structural integrity was confirmed to be sound by a home inspector, prompting Lind and her husband to purchase it as a vacation home. Lind decided against restoring the house to its original 1940s glory, opting instead for a more personalized design. She incorporated graphic tile, glamorous lighting, and black trim paint to create a "fun family beach house" that reflected their contemporary tastes. To finance the renovation, they listed their other beach house on Airbnb. In the kitchen, Lind implemented a unique design choice by covering the wall space above the backsplash and wrapping the vent hood in tambour wood. This unconventional material combination visually heightened the low ceilings and integrated the vent hood seamlessly into the small space, despite initial skepticism from her contractor. Addressing the practical needs of a family with children and large dogs, Lind installed luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring throughout the house. A challenge arose when they ran out of LVP boards for the entryway and sunken lounge steps, and the product was discontinued. Rather than attempting a mismatched repair, Lind embraced the transition by installing a supergraphic black and white swirly tile in these areas, turning an potential flaw into a distinct design feature. For the sunken lounge, Lind used Iroko wood for the walls and ceiling paneling. This durable, rot-resistant African wood, often a substitute for teak, features a natural golden-brown tone that complements the groovy tile, contributing to a 1970s aesthetic. Although unable to salvage original architectural details, Lind reintroduced mid-century charm through smaller elements. She added medallions around the dining room chandelier and breakfast nook pendant lamp, blending traditional and modern styles. The dining room chandelier, resembling a wind chime, was chosen to harmonize with the waterfront views. A significant renovation involved adding a full bathroom on the second floor for convenience. An unused, awkward nook near the top of the landing, long and narrow, was converted into this bathroom. To utilize a remaining 2-foot gap, Lind designed a waterproof toy cabinet, which also served as storage without obstructing the window. To enhance sleeping capacity for family and guests, Lind expanded each bedroom by adding dormers. This allowed for the inclusion of a twin XL daybed and a house-inspired bunk bed in the kids’ room, demonstrating how slight structural adjustments can significantly improve functionality and comfort. #HomeRenovation #FixerUpper #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #VacationHome #KitchenDesign #BathroomRemodel #CustomDesign #MidCenturyModern

Designers anticipate a shift towards intentional functionality in dining room trends for 2026, moving away from open-concept living towards more defined spaces that encourage deliberate and intimate gatherings. This includes creating separation between the kitchen and dining room through elements like cased openings, varied ceiling heights, or distinct flooring, making the dining room feel like a purposeful and enclosed space. The focus is on enhancing the entertaining experience, extending beyond just tables and chairs to encompass a variety of design elements. Reflective ceilings are expected to gain prominence, with treatments such as gold leafing or high-gloss paint adding depth, dimension, and a jewel-like glow that subtly diffuses ambient light throughout the room. This approach aims to create a flattering and sophisticated atmosphere without overwhelming the space. A significant trend highlighted is the resurgence of darker woods. This shift reflects a broader preference for warmth, depth, and traditional designs, with an impressive 262% year-over-year increase in interest. Darker wood furniture, particularly sideboards and dining tables, serves to anchor a space, harmonizing with materials like stone, metal, and textured neutrals to create a collected rather than overly coordinated aesthetic. Incorporating a neutral-textured rug can balance the richness of dark wood elements. Sculptural stone tables are set to challenge traditional wood tables, with travertine, marble, and quartzite emerging as leading materials. These stones, when paired with unique sculptural shapes and silhouettes, transform dining tables into artistic focal points, drawing inspiration from 1970s Italian and postmodern forms. This trend reflects a desire for unique, handcrafted pieces that tell a story, and these tables are often complemented by artful lighting and sculptural chairs to create a captivating destination. Murals, which gained popularity in 2025, are continuing their upward trajectory into 2026. The market now offers a wider range of decorative options, from accessible printed murals to bespoke hand-painted and embroidered masterpieces. Designers suggest enveloping dining rooms with murals, sometimes incorporating clever design twists like using them to disguise hidden features, providing a "visual hug" that brings timeless, art-driven drama to the space. Vintage and vintage-inspired chandeliers are replacing contemporary bubble chandeliers. These fixtures, often featuring unlacquered brass, soft gold accents, or milky glass, introduce a sense of history and warmth, allowing for the integration of newer dining furniture without a completely modern or matchy-matchy feel. Traditional chair profiles, including ladder, Windsor, and slat-back designs, are experiencing a resurgence. These chairs are valued for their elegant, lyrical quality and perceived "soul," offering an alternative to mass-produced modern designs. Their enduring appeal lies in their simplicity, sturdiness, ergonomic comfort, and adaptable sculptural qualities, fitting diverse aesthetic styles from Italian to Shaker. Finally, conversation-worthy art is becoming a crucial element in dining rooms. Designers advocate for large-scale pieces, especially in rooms with high ceilings, to bring energy and color. Instead of gallery walls, single impactful artworks, such as contemporary photography, are chosen to balance the space and provoke thought, ensuring the dining room remains an interesting and dynamic environment for various activities, from daily meals to special occasions and even remote work. #DiningRoomTrends #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ReflectiveCeilings #DarkWoodFurniture #SculpturalStoneTables #WallMurals #VintageChandeliers #TraditionalChairs #ArtisticDecor

The article details a renovation project of a 1930s Colonial home in which the homeowners, Tom and Mary, transitioned from a family-focused aesthetic to a warmer, more relaxed design as empty-nesters. Interior designer Heather Peterson led the transformation, aiming to honor the traditional architecture while introducing casual charm and unexpected details. The project emphasizes the idea that a home renovation can effectively mark a new chapter in life without requiring relocation. The design process began with the selection of a vintage-style sunflower chandelier for the dining room, which served as the foundational piece for balancing old and new elements throughout the house. This approach set the tone for the entire renovation, blending traditional forms with playful and casual touches. Heather Peterson's design philosophy is evident in the bedrooms, where thoughtful color choices create dramatic yet inviting spaces. The primary bedroom features chocolate brown walls, creating a cocoon-like and on-trend vintage atmosphere. The guest room, designed with twin beds and vintage-style decor, maintains the home's original symmetry while incorporating soft textures for a relaxed feel. Antique furniture pieces were integrated to add character and practical storage solutions. The kitchen, described as transitional, showcases a clear balance between old and new. Initially, a blue island was considered, but Peterson proposed a deep red hue from Farrow & Ball to align with the Colonial roots of the home and introduce warmth. This decision resulted in an unexpected but highly effective color choice, with blue elements subtly incorporated elsewhere in the home as a compromise. The pantry wall is a highlight, featuring hidden storage and a coffee bar behind retractable doors. A notable detail is the use of an antique mirrored backsplash, which enhances light and dimension. The glass-front kitchen cabinets are cleverly designed with shirred fabric, specifically a delicate block print by GP & J Baker, to conceal clutter while adding softness, movement, and a nostalgic touch to the otherwise clean-lined space. This innovative cabinet treatment offers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. In the living areas, the blend of traditional and informal styles continues, creating a soulful ambiance. The snug room, for instance, is furnished with a tufted olive green ottoman and a plaid corner sofa, promoting a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The overall design achieved a relaxed elegance by combining high-end and accessible pieces, as well as vintage and contemporary elements. The renovation successfully transformed the formal Colonial house into a personalized, character-filled home that reflects the homeowners' evolving lifestyle and preferences, enabling them to embrace their future within their existing property. The project serves as an example of how a well-executed design can update a historic home while preserving its essence. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColonialHome #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #VintageStyle #TransitionalKitchen #ColorPalette #CustomCabinetry

This article highlights the design and features of a new Colonial Revival kitchen created by Kennebec Company, celebrating its 51st anniversary, in collaboration with Colin Smith Architects. The project involved renovating a 1920s revival house to integrate a combined family room, dining room, kitchen, and pantry space, while maintaining an aesthetic that respects the home's original character. The design cleverly uses architectural elements like columns and room-dividing cabinets to define distinct areas without completely sacrificing open sight lines, a modern adaptation suitable for older homes. The kitchen's cabinetry is a key feature, employing plain, inset cabinets from Kennebec’s Maine Farmhouse collection. These cabinets, simpler than the raised-panel woodwork typical of the original house, are hand-painted, a finish that echoes historical casework and furniture traditions while being a luxury touch in contemporary design. The choice of black and white for the kitchen creates a classic and elegant contrast that complements the house's revival style. Material selections emphasize quality and historical appropriateness, including wood and glass doors with true divided lights, durable soapstone counters, and brushed-nickel hardware. Lighting fixtures, such as the ‘Hampton’ pendant from Hudson Valley Lighting, are chosen to evoke colonial-era designs, further enhancing the historical ambiance. The article also touches upon design elements that bridge historical styles, suggesting that the underlying design principles of this kitchen could be adapted for homes transitioning from Arts & Crafts to Colonial Revival, or for integrating modern kitchens into early houses. The ability of Kennebec Company, founded in 1974, to produce a wide range of period cabinets, especially for older Maine homes, is underscored, demonstrating their expertise in historical renovations and custom cabinetry. The narrative subtly praises Kennebec's longevity and adaptability in the custom cabinetry market. Beyond the primary kitchen design, the article briefly features home decor items that complement the vintage aesthetic. These include reproduced ‘Vintage Etched’ glasses from Williams-Sonoma, available in pink or clear, providing an option for those seeking period-appropriate glassware without the challenge of finding original antiques. Additionally, it mentions a 'Cal Floor Lamp Adjustable Pole' and a 'Plank + Beam Mid-Century Square Bench Black' as versatile pieces that can blend with various traditional and mid-century styles, and a 'C Knight Mission Storage Ottoman' for its multifunctionality and classic design. These product recommendations are curated to inspire readers looking to furnish or accessorize spaces in a similar historical or transitional style. #ColonialRevivalKitchen #KitchenDesign #HistoricRenovation #CustomCabinetry #HomeDesign #PeriodStyle #InteriorArchitecture #TraditionalHome #KennebecCompany