Oh the cooler temps call for warm family meals and time to gather and visit. Where do you do this in your home? The kitchen? Is your dining room so underused that you wonder why you even have it?

Let’s fix that! Let’s chat about how you can turn your dining room into a place that people want to gather in, linger in or are even drawn to!

Make a Banquette

I’m not saying hire a carpenter and start building… It can be as easy as using a sofa along one side of your table! It’s an instant cozy spot!

Create a Mural

Wallpapers are prolific right now and they have so much whimsy! Tell a story on the wall and let visitors enjoy the view.

Have You Heard of “Coastal Grandmother Style”?

Coastal grandmother aesthetic is based on the clean and classic style of middle-aged, wealthier women living in luxurious oceanfront properties, similar to that of Diane Keaton in the Nancy Meyers movie, Something's Gotta Give, set in the Hamptons (quote taken from Wikipedia on the wild web). It’s all about the use of natural textures and neutral color palettes. It evokes a feeling of calm. Try toning it down in your dining room.

Feel Like a Queen

With the passing of HRH Elizabeth, this style will definitely be on the rise. Go royal red on everything. Walls, upholstery, painted finishes. Then amp up the glam with gold accents and a big, bold glittery chandelier.

Get Toasty

There’s nothing better than the pop and crackle of a fire from a fireplace. Add a fireplace to your dining room to make long evening meals enjoyable.

Are You a Hobbyist?

Do you collect wine or maybe even cigars? Create your space to emulate a wine cellar or walk in humidor. Tile the walls floor to ceiling, add in shelving to hold your collection of bottles and use rustic elements to evoke an exotic feeling.

Make it a Library!

Do you spend more time reading than eating? Line the walls with bookshelves to display your collection of tomes and not only will you maximize storage, you will get double duty out of your room.

Get Creative

The dining table and chairs don’t have to be completely centered in the room. If your room is odd shaped or has a unique feature, like a bay window, make the most of it. Create different conversation areas but adding in sofas or armchairs for an alternative place to gather. And make it interesting by using mismatched chairs, an unusual color on the walls or complimenting your antiques with abstract art. The creative combos will draw people in and make them want to linger.

No Dining Room at All!

Maybe you live in a loft or small home where there is no designated “dining room”. Make one! Nestle a table next to a wall and slide up 2-3 chairs. Voila! You’ve instantly created a space to dine, work or gather.

We hope the new season brings you time with family and time to sit and enjoy each other.

Stylishly yours,

THE CHELSEE SOWDER DESIGN TEAM

‍