These two very different dining rooms prove dining at home doesn't have to be traditional or bland. They are painted in two of Dulux Paint's hot new colours for 2014. Each space speaks to the owner's taste and style, which is what we're going to review.
Make it your own
When was the last time you updated your dining room? If you're hosting a holiday feast this year it might be prudent to take stock of your dining area before the big day arrives. Breathing new life into the dining room may make this holiday feast more memorable and it doesn't have to be an overwhelming or expensive task.
Take the more traditional dining room pictured here with the dark spice-coloured focal wall. Terracotta and spice hues will be all the rage in the coming year. Lively and expressive, the new oranges are both soothing and eclectic. Orange works particularly well on an accent wall and is a good colour for a dining room. Painting a focal wall, then hanging dramatic artwork or a large mirror will make your dining room shine this holiday season and beyond.
Freshen up the dining table by recovering the chairs in a contemporary fabric. The mix of fabrics in this particular dining room gives the table an unexpected flair and helps tone down all of the wooden elements. If doable, consider updating the chandelier with something dramatic and sleek.
Modern and bold
The dining space in our second photograph touts an entire wall of Dulux's trendy green called sea isle. Because there is no defined dining room and the table is floating in an open-concept space, painting the entire main wall brings freshness and youthfulness to this modern decor. Leaning more toward blue than yellow, the hottest green shade for 2014 is cool mint. Playful yet delicate, this hue pairs well with more intense greens, as well as blue, pink, soft neutrals and pale khaki.
The oversized globe light fixture brings drama and focus to the diminutive dining table. An inexpensive swag lamp, from places such as IKEA, Walmart or Canadian Tire would be a good fit in a similar situation. Swag lamps can be hung just about anywhere the table is placed.
The area rug in this vignette helps define the open-concept dining area and adds subtle colour and pattern. The splash of orange added through fresh-cut flowers brings a punch of colour and flair to the dining table. Though modern and sleek, this dining area is still inviting and lively.
Ways to update your own dining room
As mentioned, painting a fresh colour on a focal wall is an easy and inexpensive way to add drama to a dining room. Consider painting a large square or rectangle instead of an entire wall and top it with a great piece of artwork. A wallpaper or fabric-covered focal wall is another option that is quick and easily reversible. Consider adding chair slipcovers in a fresh new colour to give the dining table softness and elegance. Painting old wooden dining chairs in a co-ordinating colour is another way to breathe life to a hum-drum dining set.
Connieoliver@shaw.ca
