Life, Styled
Every area of the home has a purpose, a specific role to play in running a house smoothly, whether that is the living room where we relax or the bathroom where we get ready for the day. The kitchen is a place of preparation, the space where we go to cook for our family, but it is the dining room where it is served and enjoyed. This is the space within the home that gives families a designated area to gather around and dine together, as well as for activities like homework, bills, and fun things like family game night. It is a multifunctional space, which means it deserves some extra attention when selecting decor pieces. Let’s talk about the many elements you can use to give the dining room the love and beauty it deserves.
The Purpose Of A Dining Room
Before we get into the specifics of what design options are available to you, it’s helpful to understand the purpose of this space. The dining room is an important area in the home. It provides a reference point for the family, a designated area to eat together instead of sitting in the living room or bedroom watching TV. Having a dining room also promotes good eating habits since you are less likely to be distracted and instead can focus on enjoying your meal. It is also the perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together and bond; after all, nothing brings us closer together than food.
The Dining Room Table
Probably the most important element in the room, as it tends to be the main focal point and statement piece. It is also the one piece that brings everyone together and makes it easier to connect and converse. Everything in the room revolves around the dining room table, which means it should be given sufficient thought before purchasing one. Consider how many you want to seat and the size of the room. Are you looking for a unique piece, such as a live edge, or more contemporary with minimal lines? We are vendors for both Dovetail and Moe’s Furniture, which offer a wide variety of choices for dining room tables.
Dining Room Chairs
No table would be complete without chairs, and they provide the perfect opportunity to add texture and color to the dining room. There are no strict rules to follow when choosing what you want, so have fun. You can pick chairs that perfectly match the color and material of your table, or go with something that is similar in style. You also decide to go with something that will provide a stunning contrast or make it pop, like brightly upholstered fabrics. They can be minimal or ornate, small or oversized. The one factor you do want to keep in mind, however, is the number of guests you want to seat at the table, and plan your selections around that size. Mercana and Imax furniture offer a large selection of styles and sizes, for which we are also a verified dealer.
Dining Room Rugs
A rug does more than just protect your floors from food spills and dirt; it adds another layer to the design and gives the final touch needed to the dining room. It is also colorful and a fun way to add a little personality to the room, not to mention dampening sounds. When preparing to go on the hunt for the perfect rug, keep these things in mind:
- Size
- Shape
- Style
If you select a rug that is too large, it can swallow up the room and make it feel smaller than it really is, or vice versa. The shape of your dining room table often influences the shape and style of the rug. If you are looking for a more eco-friendly material, choose rugs made from natural sources like cotton or hemp. For easy maintenance, shop our collection of Vintage Vinyl floor cloths that are durable, allergen-free, and don’t curl. Visit our showroom to view our extensive selection of samples and displays. You can also check out this helpful article from The Spruce that has additional tips for selecting a rug for your dining room.
Dining Room Lighting
Lighting is a key element when setting the mood for any area in the home and can also transform an ordinary room into an extraordinary one. A well-chosen chandelier can be a great conversation starter with guests while giving sufficient light to enjoy the meal. Consider adding some additional sources of light, such as floor lamps, which can be turned on and off as needed, or include options like scones that can be installed at eye level, providing soft background light. Your lighting selections are another great way to incorporate pattern and shape to the dining area, geometric shapes or perfectly symmetrical ones both allow you to make a statement and bring a little elegance to the room.
Artwork For The Dining Room
Artwork is a wonderful way to showcase what you love and put a little bit of you into the space. It also adds layering and fills the walls beautifully. Choose pieces that speak to you and bring a little pop of color to the room. There are multiple ways to decorate with art, including a large canvas or a collection of pieces displayed in a gallery. We have multiple vendors that offer a wide variety of styles and sizes for you to choose from for your next stunning art piece.
Mirrors In The Dining Room
When looking for additional decor items, consider a mirror. They are elegant, come in multiple styles and sizes, plus provide an extra source of reflective light for the room. They look great as a stand-alone piece or an accent piece over a sideboard or buffet table. Mirrors can also be paired with wall sconces to be made a beautiful focal point in the room or used as a way to layer the look in the dining room. Noir furniture has a wide variety of mirrors that perfectly “reflect” any style you might need.
Granite, Quartz, Marble, or Quartzite?
These are the top contenders when it comes to selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom. Each one brings its own strengths, aesthetic appeal, and practical considerations—making the decision both exciting and a bit overwhelming.
Granite is a natural stone known for its durability and unique, one-of-a-kind patterns. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered surface that offers a wide range of color options and is prized for its low-maintenance qualities. Marble stands out for its timeless elegance and heat resistance, though it requires more upkeep. Quartzite closely resembles marble in appearance but offers greater durability and easier maintenance.
When making your selection, it’s important to consider factors such as heat and stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and of course, budget. Below, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each material to help you determine which surface best suits your lifestyle, design vision, and practical needs.
The kitchen pantry is often one of the most underutilized yet high-potential spaces in the home. While it can easily become a catch-all for clutter, a well-designed pantry is a true hidden gem—capable of transforming the functionality of your kitchen. From storing oversized serving pieces to housing everyday essentials, a thoughtfully planned pantry helps keep countertops clear and mealtime prep more efficient.
Whether you have a compact pull-out pantry, a spacious walk-in, or a dedicated butler’s pantry, innovative organization is key. A well-designed pantry not only maximizes storage but also supports the flow of your kitchen. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite design ideas and practical tips to help you better utilize your pantry space—and maybe even inspire your next kitchen upgrade.
Our showroom’s grand opening was the culmination of two years filled with vision, planning, and hard work—a dream brought to life through dedication and passion. Now, as we prepare to celebrate our second anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on how quickly time has passed. It feels like only yesterday that we opened our doors and welcomed our very first clients into the space we’ve come to love so much.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit the milestones, challenges, and moments that brought us to Uptown Shelby. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of time—it’s a celebration of growth, community, and the relationships we’ve built along the way.
Walker WoodworkingThere is more to color than simply a large selection of hues. Color sends a message and can represent thought and emotion, especially in the world of design. Each year, Pantone announces its choice for the color of the year, a tradition that started in 1999, and designers everywhere eagerly await the news. Classic Blue was this year’s choice of color, a color that represents the future.
As we prepare to close the door on one decade and begin anew, many are filled with anticipation of what the coming year will bring. Blue has always been associated with stability, relaxation, and tranquility, as is seen in nature with the ocean and sky. We understand that hectic schedules and stressful office days generate a need for a place to unwind and completely relax. Here are a few ways to incorporate the color of the year into your home and give it that welcoming environment that will last throughout the coming decade and beyond.
Walker WoodworkingLight is one of nature’s most captivating elements, and its presence has the power to transform a space. In the world of interior design, natural light plays a vital role—not only by enhancing aesthetics but also by elevating the overall atmosphere of a room. It can create dramatic contrasts that bring depth and interest to a space, while also highlighting architectural and design features.
Natural light, when thoughtfully incorporated, makes interiors feel larger, warmer, and more welcoming. At Greenbrook Design, we embrace a design approach known as daylighting—the intentional use of natural light to shape how a space looks and feels throughout the day. It’s one of our favorite tools in the design process.
Here are just a few reasons why we love incorporating natural light into our projects…
Greenbrook Design