2.01.2012

the entertaining posts: dining room





No. 2 of the entertaining post series...




Last time we looked at kitchens, 
and part of the discussion we got going was whether or not we like formal dining rooms.

Not everyone likes a formal dining room, 
but we have one here, and it is well-used.

(although we won't be using it this weekend, as it's currently under a bit of an upheaval - 
we've just painted the walls, have to hang the art, change out the chandy, and add a carpet... 
both of which i also have to paint :) You can see the previous incarnation here....)

We try to have friends in at least every other week for dinner, 
and we host all the big holiday celebrations for both sides of our family.
Nothing makes me happier than the house being full of our favourite people.

I've gathered up a few beauties here for inspiration...
any of them tickle your fancy?


for the maximalist, a plethora of pattern...






for the elegant country home...






for the organic mod -

in black






or white......

(I really, really love the welcoming feel of this room,
truly one of my favourite spaces, ever)







for those of us that adore "junktiquing"....








the classics, happily re-imagined....








a room for stilettos and champagne, non?







If space is an issue
(and who isn't it an issue for?)
a dining room and office combine perfectly...






How about adding a piano, or a DRUM SET?!!
I love these rooms - 
the decor not be quite my style, 
but the idea of that little munchkin rocking out in the corner just makes me smile.







speaking of kids, 
these clever kids have found a way to ensure it's not a wasted space...




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14




So, how about it?
Do any of these make you long for a formal dining space?

Since we are revamping our own,
I've come up with a short list of the elements I prefer -

I'm particularly partial to round tables, I think they encourage good conversation.
I like striking art, to peruse during dinner. 
An unusual, dimmable chandelier as your focal point.
Lastly, since this isn't a space you normally spend long periods of time in,
some daring colour and pattern to fill in the space visually.


What does your list look like?













(next up, sometime during the next few days....
a post looking at entertaining-friendly living rooms-
hope you'll stop by..)




Pin It Now!

11 comments:

Kerry said...

I'd happily sit down to a meal in any of those rooms (except maybe the one with the drum kit!). Beautiful selection, thank you :)

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

Love the one from Elle Decor. You are right, it is such a classic.

We don't have a formal dining room and I don't miss it until we entertain and then I wish the kitchen mess was a little more out of sight.

lisaroy said...

Love all of these - though a drum kit would probably frazzle my nerves! I love the idea of a formal dining room for big gatherings {and of course to decorate!} but our place in Muskoka with a huge adjoining dining area overlooking the river but open to the kitchen was my favourite and I'll probably duplicate that in a future home.

The enchanted home said...

Love a classic dining room but agree they are so rarely used which is a shame. I think if a room can be multi functional...at least you know its getting used a lot more. My friend just put wall to wall bookcases in her dining room and they are amazing and she goes in there now to get books and hang out (also added a settee in the window).

Anonymous said...

Loved that! I liked the second photo although my dining room really looks like the last photo. My dining room is also the home office, it just makes sense - it's the largest room (besides the kitchen) and it's right in the middle of this old house.

Unknown said...

I love the idea of multifunctional anything, so that would be my choice.

Santi said...

hi :)
i'm your newest follower, and i'm loving to discovery this blog :D

in this post, i love the elegant country home... :D

santiroyalhome.blogspot.com

Ramblings of a Redhead said...

how awesome! I loved the organic mod in black. VERY awesome.

Anonymous said...

I honestly love them all!! I know they're all so different, but I can't possibly pick a favourite!

Shannon said...

I love those 'junking' dining rooms

We have a round table, I love it!!!

Unknown said...

It's all so beautiful. I think you made a great choice and I can't wait to see the full reveal (that pink Hatley fabric is my very favorite from Cabbages and Roses).
Furniture repairs Manchester

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...