| Inspiring dining room decorating and design ideas | | | | Do you even like to cook??? Think about these |
| to help you create the dining room that fits your | | | | things before planning to purchase a dining room |
| unique lifestyle! Why settle for traditional when | | | | set. Maybe you don't need one! |
| you can create a memorable space for dining, or | | | | 2. Look at the function of the other rooms and |
| whatever suits your style of living. | | | | spaces in your home. Is there a purpose for this |
| Dining room decorating is definitely not what it | | | | space that would better serve your home and |
| used to be. | | | | lifestyle? Some thoughts would be a home office, |
| Having made that statement, please know that if | | | | den/TV area, guest room, etc. |
| you are a traditional home decorator with a | | | | Perhaps you are currently using a guest room as |
| formal dining room that displays your fine dining | | | | a home office, but would really love to have the |
| furniture complete with chandelier, wainscoating | | | | guest room back. Well, here you go! Use the |
| and oriental rug, I think that's great! And, I hope | | | | dining area, or a portion of it, for your office |
| you find much enjoyment and satisfaction from | | | | space. You get the idea... |
| the most traditional function of this space. | | | | Perhaps a combination of the above would suit |
| For many readers, though (myself included), the | | | | your lifestyle perfectly! |
| formal dining area of the past may not prove to | | | | 3. What is your budget for the purchase of |
| be a functional use of the space for you. And | | | | furniture and overall dining room decorating? |
| that leads to the three questions you need to ask | | | | Whatever your decision as to the function of the |
| yourself before making any decisions or | | | | room, be sure to do an honest evaluation of the |
| purchases for your dining room decor and design | | | | budget. |
| project. | | | | Consider the cosmetic costs, such as painting, |
| (We'll make one assumption...that you have a | | | | flooring, decorative trim, built-ins and window |
| separate or semi-separate area of your home | | | | treatments. Then, the actual furniture that will be |
| designated as the 'dining area') | | | | put in the space, whether that will be a dining set |
| 1. Consider your lifestyle before assuming that | | | | of some sort, a home office setup or small |
| you will use this space as a dining area. For | | | | conversation / TV area. |
| example, do you entertain and therefore need an | | | | Answer these three questions and you'll be on |
| area that can serve a group of guests? How | | | | your way to creating a dining room area that |
| many people currently live in your home...do you | | | | suits your lifestyle to a tee! |
| need a larger area for meals on a regular basis? | | | | |