Decadent dining décor

Madeline Latti, Interior Designer for Chattels & More, and the design specialists at Interiors on designing the perfect dining space from the ground up

When styling your dining room, you need to begin by focusing on key elements. Surrounding furniture elements will be the base of your dining experience, while the table décor will be flexible and transform the dining space experience based on your needs! It is important to measure your dining area so that you can select furniture accordingly based on size and design. As retail stores often have seasonal collections, visiting physical stores is important to gain inspiration as well as envisioning your design in person.

The carpet

Select an area rug, which is not only functional - by protecting the floor - but also aesthetically pleasing, as it will create a homier and cosier atmosphere. The rug colour, texture and pattern vary depending on factors such as natural light, existing furniture and personal preference. A shorter pile rug is recommended as they will last longer, dining chairs are effortlessly adjusted atop, and they are easier to care for.

The table

Once you settle on a rug, the dining table will act as the centre point of the space. If you go for a modern contemporary style, the best table is a glass or laminated tabletop with a unique pattern and black metal base. With a bohemian or rustic style, a ceramic tabletop with a wooden base will look chic, clean and match your style. For the classic direction, a marble dining table creates a look that is bold, withstanding and elegant. The dining table should have a smooth surface, and preferably a central base rather than separate legs - as this will allow for more chairs to be added at any time.

The chairs

When selecting the chairs, refer to the dining table. If the chosen dining table is heavily textured and patterned, choose a more minimalistic dining chair. The dining chair legs should be the same colour or material as the dining table base to create a unified setting. If your dining table is minimalist, explore a range of dining chairs that have different textured upholstery or a unique backrest and leg design.

Wall décor

If your dining room is closed and has limited natural light, use a mirror atop the dining console, to make space feel larger and to bring in more natural light. If you have an open plan with enough lighting, you can opt for framed photographs, a distinctive wall clock, or large abstract paintings placed above the console or filling an empty wall.

Lighting

For homes with shorter ceilings, you can compensate for lighting by using a floor lamp in the corner, or a table lamp on the console. With high ceilings, explore different ceiling lamps depending on your dining table shape. For a round dining table, a pendant will frame the table perfectly, whilst for a rectangular or oval dining table, a ceiling lamp with a greater horizontal length will drape the length of the table aesthetically.

Finishing touches

A centrepiece will complete any dining setting. It can be interchanged depending on the celebration, however, when the dining table is being used daily, a combination of different heighted vases, sculptures, and flowers will make the perfect display!