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Come the holiday season, it seems like we’re spending the bulk of our time in limbo between the kitchen and the dining room. And let’s be honest, the latter (more often than not) seems to be an afterthought when it comes to decorative upgrades. This year, we’re all for making a handful of easy changes that’ll take the dining room from drab to fab. Read on to discover the spaces currently inspiring us and the design lessons we learned from each.
We’re never not stealing design tips from the French and this vintage-inspired, Parisian abode is no exception. An array of cool blues blanket the space with a near ethereal feel that permeates down to every thoughtfully curated detail. The pared-back aesthetic boasts two prominent hues (blues and natural browns) that lend to a complementary finish with a subtle hint of contrast. For those working with a monochrome scheme, take a visual cue from this spot and bring in a handful of decorative accents to add interest and a layer of chromatic depth—new curtains or even a structural centerpiece vessel will do the trick.
Tradition may dictate a decorative palette heavily influenced by grounded neutrals but let that not be an excuse for you to take a more vibrant approach to the colors you’ll be channeling this season. This saturated spot, home to artist Angela Chrusciaki Blehm, is a prime example of embracing the non-traditional. Take note from the eclectic array of tonal accessories involved, and emulate the look by opting for tabletop essentials that bear a similar theme. Color-heavy linens, patterned dinnerware, and bright taper candles make for ideal starting points.
Sure, fresh florals make for the perfect tabletop addition but why stop there? For those pressed for time and uninterested in a “quick” decorative upheaval, consider this simple, last-minute fix: potted greens. Fill the empty corners of an otherwise bare or drab dining room with various plants and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the instant transformation it will result in. This Dallas home is all the proof we need.
For those looking to make a more dramatic change, it’s all about the walls. Nothing transforms a space quite like an eye-catching wallpaper—actress Megan Ferguson’s LA abode is proof. Plus, it’ll allow leeway in terms of actually having to fill up the room, if you prefer to decorate on the sparse spectrum. Can’t fully commit to the wallpaper? Opt for a temporary installation you can easily swap out at a later point.
This story was originally published on October 2017, it has been updated with new information.