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6 Tips for a Multifunctional Dining Room

If you're like us, in recent months, your dining room has doubled as a home office, homework station or just a hub for everyday living, explains Lainey Hollis, our in-house design lead. As our homes become even more central in our lives, Hollis thinks it’s more important than ever to blend functionality with style.

“Cooking at home and creating memorable meals is part of the daily experience.” Thoughtfully designed spaces can help “create an environment that you love” & “make home your favorite place.” Open-plan dining areas naturally flow into other rooms, like the kitchen or living room – and the dining room has become the go-to spot for more than just eating. It’s all “about enjoying your space by optimizing design.”

1. Choose a Versatile Style

Round tables invite conversation because everyone’s gathered around and can easily see each other. Hollis says that round tables are really versatile. They're great for “family meals and homework sessions and work in basically every eating space of your home,” from the dining room to the kitchen or great room. Choose a customizable design that allows you to select a base and tabletop, then layer in mixed materials to add another layer to a thoughtfully designed space.

A chair with a “wraparound design echoes the curves of the table, making a seamless aesthetic pairing,” explains Hollis. The best designs combine “versatility and customization for multifunctional living spaces that allow you to express your personal style.”

2. Bring the Outside In

Find ways to connect with the outdoors by infusing your home with natural elements. Gorgeous wood finishes and natural stone surfaces topped with fresh flowers can make the dining room feel like an oasis. “Natural stone, like travertine, makes a beautiful backdrop for dinnerware and provides a sense of serenity and calm with its warm color,” says Hollis. She also notes that mixed natural materials, such as an oak base and stone top, make for a stylish update and bring the outside in.”

3. Modernize It

Go for a simple update on a classic look. “Modern minimalism is ideal to refresh your space and make it a hub of your home with livable functionality,” says Hollis.

Clean lines and timeless silhouettes get a fresh update with a matte white finish. The monochrome scheme and clear glass top are both timeless and effortless to coordinate with, creating a cohesive room design. Hollis also notes that “glass surfaces are easy to clean, maintain, and offer chic functionality – believe it or not, they’re really family friendly!”.

4. Define with Details

“Look to small details to elevate everyday spaces,” advises Hollis. “Special design details, like a beveled top, French inspired base, and extendibility provide great functionality and a beautiful look.” For example, an extendable dining table provides maximum versatility, creating the perfect place for everything from big family meals to a work space. Angled planes and beveled surfaces are the kinds of thoughtful details that take a dining room from ordinary to extraordinary."

5. Add Handwoven Texture

Infuse handmade elements for a special touch. “Handwoven chairs that are crafted from high-quality natural fibers are designed to last,” says Hollis. Artisans use traditional techniques that have withstood the test of time, infusing your space with enduring style. Hollis notes that “adding mixed-material handwoven chairs to the dining area is a great idea. Sustainable natural materials help balance any room – and they're good for the earth.”

6. Comfort Meets Style

For the ultimate in dining chairs, custom upholstery is a great choice. “Choosing high quality, bench-made upholstered chairs will make you want to linger at the table," says Hollis. With our range of styles and fabric options, it’s easier than ever to create quality custom seating that enhances your space. “With some dining chairs, you want to eat and go. But ours invite you to stay and sit,” notes Hollis.”