Dining Room Decorating Trends

Nature is in the house - or at least in the dining room

Environmental awareness, organic foods, recycled fibers: in clothing, decorating, cooking, and beyond, natural is in. The dining room is no exception. Warm, convivial, organic, and comfortable are some of the words that describe the current trends in dining room decorating.

• Color palettes are natural yet festive, displaying global and ethnic influences that give dining rooms a hint of the exotic
• Dining chairs exhibit the laidback eclecticism typical of rustic, cottage, and shabby chic styles
• Lighting schemes are making use of pendants and other decorative fixtures for richer atmosphere and nuanced color

Seating

More mix than match is the trend in dining room seating. This approach is typical of the cottage style, which tends to feature complementary pieces gathered over time (or that at least appear that way) rather than sets.

White dining chairs are a suitable choice for those who want formal dining chairs or sets; white is a staple of the cottage-style palette. Casual dining chairs excel at creating the relaxed, friendly, cozy mood that many of today's decorators strive to capture.

This approach can even go beyond the traditional dining chair to something rustic and familial, such as the dining bench. Dining benches are uniquely capable of creating a sense of community and familiarity. If you prefer something a bit more formal, wooden dining chairs are a beautiful alternative; light wood finishes are a good tonal match for casual dining rooms.

Some other popular seating choices include counter height dining chairs and upholstered dining chairs, particularly leather dining chairs, which are durable, comfortable, and a great texture for naturally oriented decors.

Colors

Softer, more earth-bound colors and lighter, more natural finishes are in keeping with the organic motif. But decorators are also looking outside of the standard cottage or rustic palettes to include natural colors from elsewhere. Asian influences are creeping into dining room color schemes, primarily as accents. Think rich reds, jade greens, or sunny mango yellows.

Styles

Simpler, natural styles of all kinds are popular for both dining chairs and dining room decors. Traditional pieces such as Mission/Craftsman, cottage, rustic, and country dining chairs are a few examples. But that's not to say that contemporary dining chairs have been neglected. The clean lines and neutral colors of a contemporary dining chair set might be the perfect match for the casual sophistication of a modern dining room.

Lighting

Boldly decorative mood lighting can be the ideal finishing touch for a dining room that has a lot of beautiful, character-rich furnishings but lacks flair. Pendant lights are superb at creating evocative yet functional lighting, and their decorative shades make for eye-catching accents.