The Art of Eating In
The economy has spoken - get ready for more meals at home. Whip your dining room into shape this weekend
Image courtesy Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Floor Design with FLOR; Velvet Twist 1 Rug Kit
Cutting back is definitely the name of the game, but you don't have to sacrifice style for dollars. Here's how to embrace the casual, everyday side of your dining room - from candles to cotton linens, the dining room isn't just for the holidays anymore.
Front and Center
For a more inviting dining room table, swap out standoffish centerpieces for warmers ones. "Choose one to three pieces at most for your focal point on the table," suggest Chelsea Bandy, interior designer and owner of Chelsea Remy Design in Austin, Texas.
"Or even consider utilizing a shorter, lower profile piece that could remain on the table during dining with ease of visibility across the table." Having a complicated centerpiece with numerous pieces may discourage you from using the space, she says.
Pittsburgh designer Melodie Schooley recommends garden flowers for a more informal centerpiece. "Anything with lots of texture is more informal, sunflowers or daisies that are garden flowers are more casual flowers," she says.
Kid Tested, Mother Approved
To get your kids more excited about meals at home, incorporate a bright color scheme. Schooley recommends primary colors.
"Get alphabet magnets and use them as centerpieces," she says. "Or also try dry erase boards as a placemats." Bandy says to steer away from delicate textiles that are likely to show wear-and-tear or could break. "Kids need to feel comfortable in the space just being kids," she says.
This Little Light of Mine
To lighten up your dining room without breaking the budget, Bandy recommends checking into simpler lighting options. "Utilize floor lamps, table lamps and candles to increase light in a space without knocking holes in walls," she says. Vary light direction by using a floor lamp to cast light on the ceiling, table lamps to cast light down onto the sideboard and wall sconces with candles to add a fun twinkle, she says.
"Multidirectional lighting will add interest to the space and help eliminate dark corners," Bandy adds.
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