If like me you enjoy entertaining and having friends around then you need to set up the right space for it. Here I will be giving you some ideas to achieve the right look.
Nowadays either by choice or not, most households don’t have a separate dining room; it's either part kitchen, part office or part living room. If this is your case then you want to make sure to have lots of practical storage.
If you want to either splash out, create a dramatic feel or even a modern country feel there is something out there for you.
-Feature wall
Why not liven up a plain dining room with an eye-catching focal point. Think wallpaper, paint, wall art, wall stickers, quirky shelving or even a great mirror – Remember to keep your design to a single wall for maximum impact.
Ideas:
о Wide horizontal stripes - makes a shorter wall seem longer.
о Paint walls in a bold shade - dress your table with a dinner service, glassware and napkins in complementary hues for a coordinated look. Red is a great colour for stimulating conversation and appetite.
-Dining tables
If you have a large family or a lot of visitors then a table with a built-in extension leaf is your best option. It will also double as a work area or a place for kids to do homework. Materials:
о Glass/Perspex - Perspex or glass dining room tables instantly create a light and spacious effect although attracts dust constantly.
о Wood - Ages beautifully and looks great in both casual and formal dining room. Wood furniture is heavy and difficult to move and store. Depending on the quality and type of wood used they can be expensive.
о Veneer - Less expensive then wood and great for their impermeability. Less durability than wood and prone to chip at edges.
о Marble - Extremely durable and sturdy, but it does require regular maintenance, including regular resealing.
There are a plethora of materials and as you see they all have their pros and cons so you will have to decide which will work best for you and what type of mood you are trying to achieve. Shapes:
о Round - Round tables are conducive to conversation providing a cosier and more intimate setting; albeit a round table is not ideal for large gatherings because although you can see others, you may have to shout across the table in order to be heard.
о Oval - Oval tables are classic and often come with removable leaves which makes them practical as the size can change depending on the number of people you need to seat.
о Square - Square tables provide intimacy and are a great solution to seating a small number of people. Group two square tables to create a larger rectangular seating arrangement for additional guests.
о Rectangular - Rectangular dining tables are probably the most common and are possibly the best shape since most dining rooms are also rectangular. It also allows you to seat a greater number of people.
-Mix and match
The days of matching dining room sets have long gone, and a much more relaxed style is now coming through. For an eclectic look mix the decor up and go for chairs that don't match or even go for a set of mix and match dinner service. It will certainly make a statement!
-Flooring
о Wood flooring - Natural wood is a stylish and practical flooring option for an eating space. It blends in well with both traditional and contemporary dining room designs and definitely a great choice due to hygienic reasons.
о Hard flooring - Granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone, sandstone, terrazzo, concrete, metal, glass and tiles. Impervious to water and spills so becoming good material for floors. However one of its disadvantages is that it is hard and unforgivable, so anything dropped will most definitely break.
о Soft flooring - Vinyl, rubber, linoleum and leather is smooth, resilient, hard-wearing, warm and requires low maintenance so if treated well it can last for a decade or more. Then you have carpets and rugs which offer a great choice in colour, pattern, and texture. Natural-fibres flooring such as coir, sisal, jute and you will find this in a range of natural colours and textured weaves that will complement any type of décor. 
-Pendant lights over the table
Pendant fixtures will establish a design statement through their clear visibility. Lamps suspended above dining room tables cast a soft pool of light, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere. In a modern dining room, a cluster of brightly coloured lights adds a sense of fun but if you have a long table then a row of sleek suspended will create a contemporary look. 
-Curtains
If you are lucky enough to have a separate dining room then by hanging floor-length curtains you will significantly soften the space by adding texture and colour. It will also feel luxurious and add drama. 
-Space-saving furniture
If you're short on space then look for clever solutions, i.e. stools that tuck under the table, coffee table that converts into a dining table, foldaway furniture, or even stackable chairs. 
Chairs can play their part decoratively; choose yours to add a splash of colour to an otherwise understated room. 
If you're going to have a dining table in your kitchen, you need to allow an ideal space of 1.25m between the table and units - this will allow you to open doors of units comfortably.
Be Imaginative, you have no excuse for not having a dining area; remember that even the smallest of spaces can make room for mealtimes. So go and be creative.
www.aguilarinteriors.com
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