Asked on Jan 28, 2014
Turned formal living room into formal dining room. Need ideas, please.
by
Ellawatson
+3
I have a square, wooden and very heavy table. It takes up most of the room. I'd like to add some warmth to the area. I've thought about using blue place mats to liven it up. My house is painted a tan color and I have dark stained wood frames around the doors. I need some advice or suggestions to liven this space up. Anyone have any god ideas? Thanks.
6 answers
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Pictures of your room and it's current furnishings would really help Ella.
Z
on Jan 28, 2014
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If you could post pictures of your space, I would love to try to offer some decorating tips and ideas.
Tamela Bowie Interiors
on Jan 28, 2014
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Hi again Ella. Have you seen the dwell studio peacock fabric??? It has some woody colors which would be a great way to bring in the bird :) and tie in the dark woods. If you're interested and haven't seen them send be a note?? I'll send you some images. I'm new here so not sure the best way to connect.
Pamela Sandall
on Jan 29, 2014
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I'm no decorator, but blue is in the "cool" color palette. Warm a room with rich tans, golds, and reds. I, too, would love to see some photos. Without them I could suggest using various textures such as burlap and muslin in creative ways. After those pics maybe I can help!
Lex263207
on Jan 29, 2014
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...if this room is the dining area, and you wish to "warm" it up - you could have an accent wall of a soft orange<which entices the palette that; "it's time to dine!" You could add a burlap table runner in colors of orange, or golds, reds...adds richness to the room. This could be done with felt just glued around the cut edges. Or, to cut out paisley shapes or leaves, and glue them on. Also, same works well with a pretty binding, or even a cream-colored lace. Without knowing about any window treatments, you could add the same - burlap is very inexpensive. So are painter's drop cloths! You could use those as drapes, but sew burlap of a certain color as the trim at top or at the bottom, (also, you could stencil a design at top or bottom of these, too!) add an indoor wreath over a doorway, with a big burlap bow! I, personally, am not into warm colors - I live in Florida! Yet, keep in mind<key word, because it is Winter, remember that soon, Spring will be here! Because of the weather...do not let "that" alone, dictate your color choice. You want colors to compliment all year round - and just change out your chair covers, the runner, and/or placemats. Adding a large "white" tureen or a rooster, or pineapple, or even a topiary will liven your dining area if placed on the table or on a hutch or big enough for the floor - also will brighten - yet bring the room together as a dining area. Same also, for a grouping of white plates on that colored accent wall. Or, even Mexican dinnerware(?) Many ideas...Have Fun! Cheers & Mangia! ;)
Donna Conrad
on Jan 29, 2014
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...if ultra-"formal" is your choice - an alternative would be silks/satins/suedes/brocades. I would still incorporate a table runner, to show off the (unknown?) wood of your table!Paint an accent wall - not, a dark color. Chose softer shades of "Williamsburg" colors. Such as; a Buttercup, which is a pale yellow, instead of a bright orange, or a sage or moss green instead of Hunter green. Instead of informal stoneware or Mexican-ware used in casual dining, then search for some delicate intricate designs found in Lennox/Limoge, or antique bavarian plates that have gold edges, etc., to hang on the "formal" accent wall. You could still use a wreath over a doorway, with a brocade or satin bow that is in same color theme as throughout the room. Maybe, even a large painting of a lush still life depicting fruit and flowers in a gold ornate frame, with a few plates grouped with it, adding all those warm colors. You have not mentioned if your style is traditional, eclectic, modern(?) Is the table of oak or cherry(?) How many windows(?) Bare wood floors, or carpeting(?) Is there going to be a large rug under the table(?) If so, a thick carpet will add more warmth than a low-pile. Rich, dark greens, blues, reds, etc., will add warmth to your bare wood floors. As, a pastel soft-shades in an Oriental rug would not! Do you like drapes - or just a valance overhead(?) How many windows and what do those windows look out to...(?) - all these things would help others to assist you in achieving the type of dining room you would like to have - yet, adding warmth to any room, regardless of style, is done primarily with color choice and accent pieces to add volume to the shade of the color, or to add more items to the room. 'Less" opens a room - denotes a cooler affect; more space - more air! Many items added will bring a room "in," and the deeper the color will add warmth, too! Valances open a room. Drapes add volume. If you have long Winter months - then, drapes might be your choice! Make them "drape" and flounce to the floor! A crystal chandelier for formal - yet, for informal, use a black wrought iron overhead light or a vintage one, painted. Table centerpiece could be a mix of silk flowers and artificial fruit replicating the painting on the accent wall (if you chose) in a porcelain antique bowl. Or simply, tall crystal candlesticks and a topiary on top of a gold charger plate. If you are high-tech modern, and in search of a formal dining room - than, paint that table silver! Add lots of crystal and metal-ware! Have your drapes be all shimmery in metallics of pomegranate or eggplant or plums or tangerine! A large white sheepskin rug off-center under the table.Then, paint an accent wall in any pearlized color you want! In fact, skip the accent wall - paint your ceiling! Pick a plum or a cobalt blue! Add peacock feathers and white twigs in clear glass tall containers on the floor! Wallpaper an accent wall using fabric!! Think orange, think red, think FEAST, not aperitif! Think of what you want to look at when you're hungry ~ for a beautiful room! GO WILD! HAVE FUN! (( :) ))
Donna Conrad
on Jan 29, 2014
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