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pinkabella
PeaAddict
PeaNut 486,481
October 2010
Posts: 1,011
Layouts: 5
Loc: SF Bay Area, CA
 |  Posted: 7/1/2012 9:01:55 PM
Our new house does not have a formal dining room  (I was really looking forward to having one that I could decorate and host ppl in). Nevertheless I love the rest of the house and am trying to think of ideas of how to make the most of our eat in area.
Basically the kitchen/dining is one good-sized enclosed room, and the dining portion is at one end, with a large window on its wall. (Think of a long rectangle and the dining portion is at the far end of the rectangle.) The space is about 10x8--not large at all.
Do any of you have an eat-in dining area that you love? How can I make it feel separate and at least semi-formal? | |
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Georgiapea
Mom to the Wild Things.
PeaNut 96,783
July 2003
Posts: 26,429
Layouts: 0
Loc: Poss-a-Dillo Hill, Ozark, AL
 | Posted: 7/1/2012 9:25:10 PM
Do you have enough room in the entire kit/din area to create a little separation? Like furniture/cabinets that create a division? Do you plan to run your table the long way of the available space? So you table might be able to be 6 feet long with 2 feet on each end for chair movement. With only 8 feet of width, I'd look for a fairly narrow table and keep my chairs to a matching size. | |
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**GypsyGirl**
Well, Bless Her Heart.......
PeaNut 142,890
April 2004
Posts: 15,106
Layouts: 1
Loc: I am Switzerland!
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voltagain
OklaPhoma
PeaNut 18,334
July 2001
Posts: 35,142
Layouts: 15
Loc: State of cultural confusion. Yeehaw and Aloha have collided!
 | Posted: 7/1/2012 9:34:08 PM
The style of furniture, window coverings, paint color and any art hung on the wall is going to be a big determiner as to the "formal" or casual feel of the space.
What you have visible in the kitchen area will also play into the feel. If you want a semi formal look you'll want to make sure all appliances are stored in closed cabinets and anything left on the counter top like fruit bowls are a style fit with the seating area.
Mine sounds a lot like your room but I chose do go with more of a farm house look. Very casual. |
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**GypsyGirl**
Well, Bless Her Heart.......
PeaNut 142,890
April 2004
Posts: 15,106
Layouts: 1
Loc: I am Switzerland!
| Posted: 7/1/2012 9:40:10 PM
This doesn't show the kitchen, but it gives you an idea on furniture/lighting/art:
Beautiful kitchen/dining room:
If your taste veers more to the modern:
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Toni
Professional Expat Wife, Hell Holes are my Specialty!
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
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3kidmama
AncestralPea
PeaNut 268,201
July 2006
Posts: 4,928
Layouts: 8
Loc: Northwoods
 | Posted: 7/1/2012 9:55:14 PM
Others beat me too it, but I think the kind of lighting you choose over a dining table really set the "tone" for the formal/informal decor. Start there and see where that takes you.
Houzz.com is your friend!  | |
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pinkabella
PeaAddict
PeaNut 486,481
October 2010
Posts: 1,011
Layouts: 5
Loc: SF Bay Area, CA
| Posted: 7/1/2012 10:39:42 PM
I live the idea of a nice chandelier to set the tone! Hopefully I can find a nice one for a good price. And I am so glad you all told me about a banquette! I looked up a few for inspiration and they look like a great space solution! Even better, I showed DH and he liked the idea--now that's a winner! I like the round ones as well as the L shaped ones. | |
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**GypsyGirl**
Well, Bless Her Heart.......
PeaNut 142,890
April 2004
Posts: 15,106
Layouts: 1
Loc: I am Switzerland!
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pinkabella
PeaAddict
PeaNut 486,481
October 2010
Posts: 1,011
Layouts: 5
Loc: SF Bay Area, CA
| Posted: 7/2/2012 12:23:32 AM
Thanks gypsygirl! I'd like a semi-formal style. We have people over pretty frequently, but we also have 2 small children, so it would need to be stain proof and comfy. I like darker colors like gray and dk brown. The floor is light brown stone tile. I'm into DIY and flea market finds--which I'll have to be bc my budget is only $100-200 right now (we'll keep our current table and chairs--dk brown, faux leather cushioned chairs). But I'm willing to do it in stages, a little at a time until I get it how I want it. Soo...where do I start? | |
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VanC
PeaFixture
PeaNut 82,273
April 2003
Posts: 3,385
Layouts: 9
Loc: Out and About
 | Posted: 7/2/2012 1:42:01 AM
You might also like to look for a drop leaf table style with extra leaves for company.
With just your family one leaf up might work for every day and you'll have lots of extra space when needed.
Also keep in mind that your table linens and dinnerware can dress up your space in an instant. |
"It's ALL just paper......'til you add adhesive, a little love and some pixie dust."
LLTTF&JB
VanC
****I wish you Love, it's All you need. I wish you Laughter, and hope you find Joy in the journey. I wish you Tickles, because you can't tickle someone without touching them and forming a connection. I wish you Teases, because everyone needs a little humour to get them through the rough spots. I wish you Frogs, because there are NO Frogs just Handsome Princes & Beautiful Princesses who don't know who they are, everyone needs someone to love them in spite of themselves warts and all. Finally I wish you Jelly Beans because life's sweetest moments can come in all sorts of colours and flavours.****
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pinkabella
PeaAddict
PeaNut 486,481
October 2010
Posts: 1,011
Layouts: 5
Loc: SF Bay Area, CA
| Posted: 7/2/2012 11:42:47 AM
Yes I think the drop leaf is good, as long as we can find one that will be less than 8 ft long with the leaf in. | |
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