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If your dining room attaches to another living space, try painting the two rooms the same colour, then selecting different accent colours for each.
Above: The dining room takes a breezy tone with a soft yellow valance and goldenrod upholstered seats.
Casual decorating
There are a few basic principles or guidelines when it comes to casual decorating, one of which is to surround yourself with the things you love. It seems like a no-fail decorating scheme, and it is, even in a casual dining room. You can create a dining room that is homey, warm, comfortable, and inviting and, who doesn't want to be comfortable in their own home?
A casual dining scheme has simple details, textured elements in fabrics and accessories, restful horizontal lines, soft upholstery, low-luster surfaces, and arrangements that avoid perfect symmetry.
Even in a small space you can incorporate a touch of casual décor with a few changes such as coordinating your tableware and serving dishes, accessories and wall colour, as well as your table, chairs and dresser or buffet table.
Add touches of whimsey with personal treasures or carefully chosen accessories, an old bird cage or wooden candelabra, hand-painted flower pots, even hand-painted table linen or table runner. Elements of casual style of decorating can be used in most rooms.
Right: A simple plank table and bench look rustic and leave plenty of room for an expanded guest list.
Furniture in a casual interior is soft and comfortable. Upholstered pieces are usually oversized and slipcovered.
Many pieces of upholstered furniture are covered in neutral or muted earthy colours, such as tan, gray, beige, or off-white. But other colours are also used. Soft pastels give a peaceful feeling. Or try darker tones such as navy, rust, olive or forest green, wine, and cranberry for punch.
Fabrics on furniture and pillows are usually textured, rather than shiny. Interesting weaves of natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool are typical. New synthetic weaves give a natural look and add durability.
Right: The "lived-in" look of country French style works wonderfully in a casual dining space.
A room decorated in a casual style is the perfect place for found items of wicker, iron, and rattan, or flea market finds. Old antiques fit in well.
What's on your floor can add to the decorating scheme, but if new floors aren't in the budget for your dining room then work with your floors by covering them in area rugs that have a casual look.
Window treatments can affect your casual décor design. There are different window treatments that can enhance this decor, particularly if you match fabrics to your window treatments, but you should avoid frilly curtains. To get a nice design in your dining room look at working with simple set of drapes in a solid print or nice valance or tie backs.
Right: A piece of artwork or design is all you need to pull a room together. Choose a piece that complements your wall colour.
Good lighting is key in your home and the dining room is no exception. To compliment your casual décor design theme, you might want to consider light fixtures in terms of type as well as style. Most dining rooms can use a chandelier in addition to accent lighting.
Accomplishing a perfect casual look in your dining room can be as simple or involved as you want it to be. Either way, paying attention to detail and making sure to coordinate your furniture and decorative accessories will help you achieve a magnificent new casual décor look that will have a professional look!
Right:
Disguise basic plastic folding chairs under playful slipcovers and no one will be the wiser. A coordinating tablecloth and colourful tableware make the small space party-ready.
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