If your entertaining style is leaps and bounds ahead of your furniture, it could be time for a dining room upgrade! Our home makeover queen Tara Dennis says you can create a big impact with a few simple ideas.
Here, Tara’s tips that will reinvent the look, feel and mood of your next dinner party!
Fine dining … suite
The dining suite is the heart and soul of any dining room. It’s where family and friends gather to laugh, share food and spend quality time together. But it’s also a major investment, so you want to get it right. Go for a classic style that will stand the test of time. Tara says to opt for strong, clean and contemporary lines, as opposed to swirling legs that will date in a flash. “A rich European white oak grain and modern contemporary design with strong solid block legs will work with just about any contemporary theme,” explains Tara. Choose a dining table that is as big as the space will allow, so there is always room for another person at your table (suites usually come in 7, 9 or 11 pieces)! Amart Furniture’s Signature Collection has a range of dining suites that tick all the boxes – style, design, comfort and quality.
Tops table
If you do choose an oversized dining table, use the middle to make a style statement. “Place a long narrow mirrored tray down the centre to reflect light and contain everything – so the table is neat and tidy,” suggests Tara. To make a real impact, introduce natural accents such as timber, metal and palm leaves from the garden – just to add another colour to the room.
Take a seat
It’s a given that the dining suite seating needs to be comfy, but the look, feel and chair lines should also complement the dining table and overall theme of the room. Dining chairs upholstered in premium linen with detailed stitching on the seat in grey or other neutral tones will work with a range of accent colours, from blues to pinks and reds and yellows.
Fancy flooring
Tara says the look and feel of a room can be totally transferred by the floor rug, so make it count! “Go as big as the room will allow you!” Tara suggests.
A great quality rug that can withstand a family’s footsteps from baby to teen and still look amazing is the ideal. Look for quality craftsmanship, high durability and wear and tear. In terms of the look, well, you can instantly brighten up your entertaining space with bright yellows, pinks, greens or sky blue. However, if you want a complementary rug that doesn’t steal the show, go for neutrals like black, white, grey or browns. You can always add interest with pattern.
All you can eat buffet!
A great buffet, sideboard, book shelf or display cabinet can give your dining room real personality. “You can makeover an existing sideboard with a good sanding back and fresh coat of gloss,” says Tara. Or, if it’s time to upgrade your furniture, you can’t go past a natural walnut finish buffet with soft raw edges. Choose a design with luxe velvet lined shelves and a wine rack for a top shelf entertaining look, such as Amart Furniture’s Signature Collection buffets. Tara suggests adding accent colours such as pinks, greenery or metals to the buffet top that work back with other colours in the room.
Light up!
Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting! “Low hanging pendant lighting adds ambience and makes a style statement,” says Tara. Choose a design that doubles as an artwork (and great conversation piece) to really light up your entertaining style.
For over 50 years, Amart has been helping Australians transform their houses into homes by creating beautiful spaces that are stylish, functional, affordable and comfortable. Shop with Amart online or across 68 stores Australia-wide.
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