1. COLOR DRENCH THE ROOM
Colors can set a mood, create an ambiance or even change the look of a space. When it comes to dining room paint ideas, we suggest you take the color all across the walls and ceiling, drenching the room in a nice, deep tone. 'One way to soften the look of your dining room is by reducing the contrast in the colour,' says Natalie Tredgett, founder of Natalie Tredgett Design. 'Paint your ceiling as a continuation of your wall.'
2. ADD DIMMERS TO LIGHTS
No matter what dining room lighting ideas you may have implemented, by installing a dimmer, you can create a soft, moody atmosphere in the evenings, ideal for long wine nights and indulgent dinners.
3. CONSIDER A MIX OF PAINT AND WALLPAPER
'Mixing both paint and dining room wallpaper can also help to soften the space,' says Chelsea. 'The addition of a rich-toned wallpaper and matching shade of paint on the woodwork, or separate walls can help tie a room together and change its overall feel.'
4. OPT FOR WALL PANELING
Wall paneling can at times create a modern aesthetic, or at other times, the feeling of being in an alpine lodge. All in all, this is a great way to create a design feature in the dining room and lend a feeling of warmth. 'Architectural features such as a fireplace, wall paneling, ceiling coffers or built-ins add depth and charm to any space,' says Reena. 'When incorporated into the design of a dining room these special features add an expected dose of luxury and softness.'
5. WARM UP THE UNDERFOOT WITH AN AREA RUG
When it comes to rugs, the dining room is perhaps the last place you'll think of for one. But you'll be surprised at how useful a dining room rug can be.
6. CHOOSE FURNITURE WITH INTERESTING DETAILS
When designing a dining room, have a think about the kind of furniture you want to bring in that is inherently statement-making. Make this space the heart of the home with pieces that speak not just of your taste but also craftsmanship or a material journey.
7. DESIGN THE SPACE IN NATURAL MATERIALS
If you're going for a more modern farmhouse dining room style, then seek out vintage pieces and antiques that reference modern farmhouse style. Choose to envelop the room in natural materials such as wood, cane, cork, and more that have a greater effect on the mood than just looking pretty.
8. A BANQUETTE CAN CREATE A COZY FEELING
While it is a small, compact system, banquette seating can set the overall tone for the room. There's an opportunity to add pattern, color, and texture to the dining or kitchen with a banquette. Plus, there's nothing cozier than sitting close together, in an intimate setting with friends and loved ones.
9. CIRCULAR DINING TABLES CREATE MOVEMENT AND SOFTNESS
A big dining table trend that has been around for some time is the love for circles, ovals, oblongs, pill-shape, soft-edged, demi-rectangular tables. These provide plenty of space to walk around in the dining room, to fit guests, and even visually seem to occupy less space because of their rounded corners.
10. FOR DEEP COMFORT, ADD A SOFA IN THE DINING ROOM
A sofa in the dining room? That may sound completely off-beat but nothing says comfort and luxury better than this! In this London home designed by Tala Fustok Studio, the dining room features a brick ivory-painted fireplace, a 1970s Italian vintage travertine table, and a sinfully curved sofa that subtly points to a semi-banquette style-cum living room seating, all set within the dining space.
HOW CAN I ADD WARMTH TO MY DINING ROOM?
To make a dining room feel cozy, and to add warmth to it, start with choosing a warm color palette. Choose hues such as teal, orange, brown, or navy, and consider color-drenching the space to create a cocooning feel.