Revamp your dining room

Tuesday 23rd April 2013

1) Reinvent the space
First, clear out accumulated junk and clutter, ready for dinner-party action. Make your dining table into the focal point of the room - a quick way to do this is to place it in the centre of the room on a rug that contrasts with the flooring.
2) Use colour tricks
Create an effect or highlight a feature using colour. In this kitchen-diner, we created a visual link between the two zones by using the same mint shade on the kitchen walls and for the dining-area curtains. Your room might have a chimney breast or alcoves crying out to be picked out with a bright colour or print. Not that brave? Then frame an area with an eye-popping rug or pair of curtains.
3) Set the right mood
Good lighting is crucial. Add diffused mood lighting with table lamps or even big lanterns or a candelabra. If you have an overhead light, it should be dimmable; if not, use a shade that softens the glare. Sit in each seat to check that nobody will have strong light in their eyes.
4) Create a display
Every dining room needs a talking point your guests can look at while you're busy in the kitchen. Display a collection in alcoves, invest in an unusual picture or print, or try the idea used here with a row of black and white photos in matching frames on a narrow ledge.
5) Theme accessories
Give your dining room personality - and express your own - with accessories that complement each other. Try choosing Moroccan-inspired details: ornate lanterns, heavy metal candlesticks, trinket boxes and cushions with metal-disc trim.

Stylist's top tip
Hang a pendant low over the dining table to put it - literally - in the spotlight