Maximize storage in the dining room with a built-in ladder that ensures infrequently used kitchen appliances are within reach. This ladder, paired with white Shaker-style cabinets, helps “make the most of high ceilings,” says DIYer Laura Skudder of @no5bristol.
SHOP LADDER
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2
Make a Statement With Asymmetric Lighting
Read McKendree
To draw the eye upwards, designer Ryann Swan hangs a floral-inspired chandelier over a natural wood dining table in this charming East Hampton bungalow.
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3
Swap in Bright Curtains
MICHAEL CLIFFORD
For an energetic pop of color, designer Candace Shure hangs bold red curtains on a black drapery rod in this timeworn 1930s Spanish Revival in Los Angeles. Note: She opts for a longer length to allow for dramatic puddling at the floor.
SHOP RED CURTAINS
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4
Build a Library Wall
Emily Gilbert
Floor-to-ceiling shelves painted in Benjamin Moore’s Mozart Blue turn this dining room into a feast for the eyes. When using books as decor, designer Colleen Simonds doesn’t arrange them by color. Instead, she creates visual balance without making them look too “perfect.”
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5
Let an Area Rug Act as a Focal Point
Christopher Stark
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6
Cheer Up With Floral Wallpaper
Amy Bartlan
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7
Allow Artwork to Tell a Story
Louisa & Fyodor
Hang an eclectic mix of prints, paintings and antiques on the wall to showcase personality in the dining room. Here, DATE interiors uses a variety of frame sizes and colors to ensure dimension.
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8
Hang Elegant Curtains
Grace Combs
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9
Reserve Space for a Home Bar
Heidi Harris
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10
Bring in Shades of Blue
Thomas Kuoh
Dreamy blues are versatile enough to elevate any room — but we’re loving how they look in this farmhouse-inspired dining room designed by Studio Munroe. Layer in the color using wallpaper, area rugs and throw pillows on bench seating.
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11
Get Creative With Wall Decor
PHILLIP NGUYEN
Skip framed artwork and instead, hang a cherished collection of antiques on the wall. Take note from LH.Designs and source a mix of traditional African masks — you may even find some online.
SHOP MASKS
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12
Reflect Light With Mirrors
Seth Caplan
Dress a blank wall with a simple round mirror, just as DATE interiors does here. Our advice? Hang mirrors high enough so guests won’t be able to see themselves as they dine.
SHOP ROUND MIRRORS
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13
Infuse Texture in the Form of Lighting
Venjhamin Reyes Photography
This cozy dining area, by Design West, was missing something until a set of three wicker pendant lights were hung above — instant texture and style.
SHOP WICKER PENDANTS
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14
Focus on Warm Tones
Emily Hart Photography
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15
Put Paintings in Unexpected Places
Laura Kackley
Rather than sourcing various pieces of art, invest in a single piece that you really love — like this calming abstract print by Lindsey Letters. To complement the look, artist Lindsay Sherbondy flanks each side with antique-inspired lanterns.
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16
Experiment With Geometric Prints
Cat Wilborne
Wallpaper is having a moment — especially in the dining room. In this maximalist-inspired space, designer Ashely Delapp chooses a black-and-white geometric pattern.
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17
Play With Color Contrast
Kris Tamburello
Black and white is a timeless color combination and a surefire way to create contrast in the dining room. Here, House of One starts with fresh white walls then layers in a jet black dining table set, chandelier and photo frames.
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18
Don’t Skimp on Pattern
Thomas Kuoh
From floor to ceiling, design firm Studio Munroe does not miss the chance to infuse creativity into this space. When it comes to balancing pattern in the dining room, try a statement accent chair at each end of the table.
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19
Incorporate Antique Decor
Lauren Miller
Accumulate vintage pieces to make a space feel unique, whether it’s with furniture (like dining chairs and a hutch) or decorative items (like vases and a rug). “I love that antiques tell a story,” says designer Ashley Montgomery.
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20
Install Black Wall Paneling
Courtesy of Ruggable
A black-and-white palette doesn’t have to be boring. Warm wood tones and an oversized patterned rug from Ruggable complement dramatic black wall paneling.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.