Little Ms Sunshine asked:
I’m collecting blue & white dishes, vases, etc and want to decorate my dining room around them. Any ideas for a color scheme? How about ways to display them? I want to add more as time goes by.
Stephanie Larkin asked:
Over the last few decades, the purpose of the dining room has not changed much, even though eating patterns have. Especially in modern times, the dining room is one of the showpieces of the modern home, and stylish dining room furniture can help to create a stunning eating area. A family or group of friends happily enjoying a meal, or tea or coffee afterwards makes a great dining room worth the investment. Finding that perfect piece of dining room furniture is the first step.
A vital part in the modern home
A beautifully designed dining room puts one in a relaxing mood even before any food is served. The multitude of dining room furniture designs and styles available today can suit virtually any budget. A great layout of dining room furniture combined with an appropriate amount of lighting will surely set the mood for a great meal.
In many houses, the dining area is used only for Sunday meals and occasional celebrations; during the rest of the week the kitchen is where family meals take place. In other households the dining room is used when supper is served and breakfast or lunch is eaten in the kitchen.
In modern homes the dining room is placed next to the kitchen to make it easily accessible. An open plan kitchen and dining area is also a very practical; as carrying food and dishes back and forth is more manageable over shorter distances.
Although many families prefer to eat out, large Sunday lunches are still an occasion in some households. Due to the fact that many individuals work during the week and do not want to prepare meals on their off days, this custom has become less prominent. Even though the dining room may be used less frequently in some houses, it is still an important room.
Practical pieces to enhance the dining area
Today’s dining rooms include more than just a table and chairs. Sideboards and server tables are accent pieces which are very popular. Many dining room suites come with a matching sideboard. Many individuals prefer selected pieces of tables, chairs and servers that do not necessarily match but blend well together. Sideboards come in a vast selection of wood types, styles and sizes. A blended look as opposed to matching furniture pieces may not always have the desired effect. If this is the case, an interior decorator can be consulted to provide alternative plans. A good decorator will help in both the selection of dining room furniture as well as the final layout of the pieces.
As sideboards provide extra storage space, all the ‘special’ cutlery and crockery can be kept here. This versatility makes it a piece that can be used in any room. In small spaces it would do well to place a suitably sized mirror above the sideboard. A mirror gives the illusion of spaciousness and contributes to the lighting effect as well. Framed mirrors can be found in all sizes and matching one up with your décor should not pose too much of a problem. Coordination of the various accent pieces are important if the desired effect is to be reached.
If space is not an issue a display cabinet is a great option for a dining room. Display cabinets come in contemporary as well as in antique styles and provide a way for displaying personal treasures like antique china or memorabilia. As some display cabinets have drawers it can be used for extra storage space. The showpiece is of course not limited to the dining area only and can be placed in a spot where it enhances the setting. The drinks cabinet is a popular piece and ideal for the dining room setting. There are many cabinets that come with the complete suite and some are cleverly built into the sideboard. This is a great space saver and is ideal for the smaller home.
Lighting plays a very important role in interior decorating. Lamps placed in strategic positions in the dining room should do the trick for creating an appropriate setting. Correct lighting often sets the mood in a room. Stylish lamps will do much in creating the desired effect. Matching table lamps can be placed on the sideboard or standing lamps can be utilized if it is required. The endless variety of lamps and lamp bases could make the task a bit difficult when it comes to selecting one.
Smaller pieces to add some style
Plants can do much for a room when it comes to decorating, and dining rooms are no exception. Placing the plant in a beautiful pot can be attractive and eye catching as well. Pedestals can also be very effective when it holds a lovely plant and is placed on the correct spot. As plants tend to bring about a relaxed and cool atmosphere, it is recommended for use in all the living areas of the home, including the dining room.
Wolf asked:
I know that if you don’t pay your restaurant bill you are required to wash the dishes to make up your cost. However, since the other dishwashers are still employed and therefore getting their salaries, how does the restaurant owner recover his money? I have never been able to figure that out.
savorycities asked:
Homaro Cantu talks about the amazing dishes he creates in his restaurant. Get more info on Moto on Savory Cities: www.savorycities.com
