Question:

Hi Steven and Chris,
My family has just purchased a nice big home in the suburbs. While I love our house, it is a builder home with little to no character. I want to decorate our dining room which is open to the rest of the home but am not keen on colour or pattern. I love soft neutral colours, but don't know how to make it interesting. I would love your opinion on what to do with this space.
Thank you,
Kate




Tips:

• Your bones are beautiful and the space is quite large, which is the perfect start for a fantastic new space. A neutral space has the potential to be very dynamic and interesting, you just have to work with varying tones and textures.

TABLE:

• The table was the jumping off point for this whole look.
• Style - Although this is a simple wood table, it is packed with personality.  (Note: Detailing in the legs.)
• Texture - The raw wood here has not been sanded smooth so it has a fantastic rustic feel. The texture on the table top adds visual interest, which is really important when the table is not dressed for dinner
• Scale - Because your space can handle a large table, we decided to go BIG.  Between the width of the room, the ceiling height, and the open concept, we think that you should choose a table that is oversized.
  

RUG:

• For added softness and luxury under foot, we have chosen a large neutral area rug. When choosing an area rug for a dining room size becomes very important.
• Sizing - Note that if the rug measures 12' x 15' (as it does here), there should always be room to pull the chairs out from the table without the legs falling off the back. Although neutral in colour, the pattern and combination of beautiful wools and silks adds a certain richness to the space.
  

SEATING:

• Bench - We love the idea of a bench seat with this table. It will keep you from having 8 matching chairs and add some much needed softness to the dining room. The soft linen, tufting, and tailored lines make this the perfect piece for your neutral space
• Caned chair - We love the look of caning, and here for added interest we have layered in French inspired caned chairs.  
• The woven back keeps the look open and airy to the rest of your space.
  

LIGHTING:

• Because your ceilings are so high, we would like to see you choose a large bold chandelier.  Because the of the scale of this table and the space, this room can handle such an impressive chandelier.

ACCESSORIES:

• When you have all the pieces in your space, you can begin to have fun with accessories - Choose to showcase pieces that make you happy.

Credits:

Table, Bench, Chairs, Chandelier: Boo Boo & Lefty

Rug: Weaver's Art

Dishware: Ikea

Cut Crystal and Flatware: Birks

Table Linens: Williams Sonoma

Napkin Rings: HomeSense