Single Design Moves That Make the Whole Dining Room

It takes many design elements to make a room beautiful and welcoming: things like color, scale, furniture, accessories, rugs and lighting. But in this series, we are discussing how, even when all these things are executed well, there is often one particular thing that really kicks the room up a notch — that gives it that little something extra. Without this touch the room would still be good — but not great.

Today we will consider dining rooms, with an eye toward that one particular thing that makes all the difference.

We tend to think of that single design move as an accessory or add-on, rather than one of the primary pieces in the room. And without a doubt, the branches and candles help make this a very interesting dining room. But for me it’s the unique and arresting dining table that gets the prize.

Dining table: Corsica, Joseph Jeup


Unfussy, maybe even austere in its simplicity? Well, yes, except for the stunning wall color. Farrow & Ball’s Ball Green takes this room without pause to simply spectacular.


Pattern, color, interest and charm are brought to this dining room by the slipcovers on the chairs. Can you imagine this room without them?

Slipcovers: custom, Dennison and Dampier Interior Design


My eye immediately and happily travels directly to the pair of chairs that flank the chest under the window in this dining room. Their blue upholstery provides lovely contrast to the white dining chairs, while their solid backs stand in perfect complement to the others’ more open backs. The blue fabric also causes the blue in the area rug to jump to attention.


An area rug is so often that single piece in a room that makes all the difference, as this contemporary patterned rug certainly is. I love staring at it. Are those hot air balloons? Or elongated leaves? Or footprints of some exotic pacing creature?

Rug: Crate & Barrel (discontinued)


Murals may seem like part of a distant era, but this dining room proves they have not lost their punch. The colorful jolt of the elephant’s blanket in this mural is the crowning touch. His grin doesn’t hurt, either.

Mural: custom painted


My husband, Mike, says, “That is not a chandelier; it’s a light fixture.” Picky, picky. (It’s so interesting — or maybe challenging — living with another interior designer.) Whatever you choose to call it, it brings great shape and enticing pattern to this relatively unadorned room.

Light fixture: Galbraith & Paul Zinnia, Room & Board


There are so many things that are successful about this particular dining room. But for me that tree introduces a simply fabulous color and texture.


Can you imagine removing the compelling and beautiful corner cabinet from this dining room? Whoosh … there would go all the interest and substance.

Cabinet: vintage


These custom window treatments embody so much great design, and they are the single item that elevates this dining room. The use of two contrasting fabrics complemented with sumptuous passementerie is … well, perfect.

Draperies: custom, Carolina Design Associates


A single item that can be changed at will or whim, but that never fails to bump up a room’s design, is the right flower arrangement. These violet peonies (don’t you think that’s what they are?) bring this room to life. And using a pair of matching arrangements is just that much better.


When is a dining room more than a dining room? When it is turned into a library-cum-study by the addition of bookshelves. I want to pour a glass of wine, choose a book off those shelves and wriggle into the leather chair. Bookshelves may seem like a big single item, but imagine this room without them!

More: Single Design Moves That Make the Whole Bedroom

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