Dining room for beauty, for appetite

By Pocyline Karani

When you think about a dining room, it need not be the same old image of a table with the perfunctory chairs. Today’s dining rooms have transformed to become much more than just a place to eat and entertain guests.

There are people who have incorporated small offices-cum-studios in their dining rooms.

A simple dining table with simple decoration creates a pleasurable feeling. Photos: Martin Mukangu/Courtesy

However, in order to know how to design your dining room, it is important to first determine your lifestyle and that of your family.

If opting for a formal dining experience, identify the typical types of furniture that will give a formal look to your eating space.

This could be a large, long table in round or square shape, complete with side chairs, a hatch or chest to hold food and serving dishes.

Do not forget to incorporate table settings, lighting, carpeting, an area rug and window treatments.

Glamorous dining space

On the other hand, simple dining rooms require simple decorations that will still create a pleasurable feeling to your family and friends.

Before choosing a dinning room table, consider the available space and how often you plan to entertain.

Ask yourself, will you and your family/guests be eating on trays? Will the table allow you to serve the contemporary buffet style or the traditional manner of serving? Is there a way the room can be used for more than just dining?

What type of furniture will the room hold without blocking traffic lanes?

To create a glamorous dining space, consider upholstering the chairs for a comfortable elegant look in a classic setting. You could also consider painted furniture embellished with gold.

A round or square table will achieve that ‘dining-room status’ although you will still require several accessories for that magical setting.

If you have a hard flooring surface, choose an area rug that ensures when the chairs are pulled back to accommodate guests while seated, the entire chair rests on the rug, not half on the rug and the other half out.

Floral arrangement

If you place a floral arrangement on the centre of the table, make sure it is not so tall that it obscures those sitting across from each other.

Try matching the tablecloth with the tablemats. Use your own china and serving pieces as inspiration.

An ornate mirror hang on one wall of the dining area enhances the light both during the day and at night. It is also spectacular when enjoying a candle-lit dinner.

Balance all these elements together. For instance, the colour of the walls should go well with the type and colour of wood.

Often, with rich colours on the wall, you are sure to add depth to the space making it appear more opulent and cosy even on the chilliest of evenings.

It is important to realise that the most memorable rooms feature a surprise component. Consider spectacular ceiling mouldings like a decorative pattern rather than a mundane white canopy.

At the end of the day, the idea is to create the dining room of your dreams.