3 Effortless Ways to elevate your dining room design

Elevate your Dining Room Design

I know that a lot of you struggle with elevating builder grade dining rooms, it can be a challenge sometimes! These spaces are often missing that element of interest that can really make a room standout. Here is my recipe for elevating these spaces though my design trifecta of: beautiful wallpaper, added moulding and the perfect lighting!

Wallpaper

Wallpaper isn't your grandmother's floral print anymore or maybe it is, Grandma’s florals are making a comeback! This is a space where you can think beyond the expected. Imagine a bold geometric pattern for a modern touch, or a delicate floral. Or, for timeless look consider a textured grasscloth. The key is to choose a pattern that speaks to you and complements your existing furniture. In the AI design below, which leans more towards the traditional, I opted for a beautiful tonal chinoiserie that adds that understated elegance. It’s the perfect backdrop to mirrors, sconces art and sideboards. Also, a little note on sideboards, they are a great anchoring piece in a dining room and are the perfect focal point, especially when flanked with sconces on either side.

AI image design by Dear Alia

Dear Alia Materials Board Dining Room

SketchUp Model by Dear Alia

Wainscoting

Wainscoting adds another perfect layer of warmth and sophistication that goes beyond the traditional. It comes in a variety of styles – classic wainscoting panels for a timeless look, or a more relaxed board and batten for a laid-back feel. It's not just about white either! Painting your wainscoting a different shade from the walls can further define the space and add visual interest. I love the look of this taupe-ish coloured wainscotting with the tonal wallpaper seen below.

AI design by Dear Alia

Lighting

The right lighting can completely transform a space, and your dining room is no exception. It’s always best to go for a layered approach to lighting, combining sconces and pendants for that warm glow.

Now that you've added texture and light, bring it all together with effortless details. A luxurious area rug can define the dining space and add a pop of color or pattern. Curated artwork on the walls can tie the theme together and showcase your personality.

Holiday Goodies

'Tis the season of giving and Dear Alia is here to add an extra dash of festive delight to your holiday celebrations as my thank you to you!

Free Printable Holiday Gift Tags

I designed these gift tags that draw inspiration from some beautiful vintage objects, in keeping with the Dear Alia spirit of embracing vintage decor in your spaces. Simply download these gift tags and print them out to instantly elevate your gift-giving game! These are best printed on 8.5x11 cardstock paper in colour. You can simply use scissors to cut out the tag and a hole punch or craft paper knife to carefully cut out the hole. Add your favourite ribbon or a simple string and you will have a sublime addition to any gift!

Print on 8.5 x 11 cardstock printer paper. Enjoy!

Free Printable Gift TaG

Holiday Floral Tutorial

I think creating your own Holiday arrangements can be a lot of fun! I like to forage for what is available and in season, often picking interesting looking branches or dried florals from my garden. To create the arrangement, I would choose a striking vintage water tight vessel of your choice and work from there. Adding either fresh cut evergreens, magnolia branches or dried hydrangeas in a circular pattern with the heavier foliage on the outside and the focal point florals in the centre. It’s best to keep your arrangements as naturalistic as possible. To secure florals you can add floral tape to your vessel in a grid pattern. A more minimalistic option but equally exquisite is to display a beautiful vase with winter branches.

Festive Pomegranate Spritz Mocktail

My final Holiday goody is a refreshing Festive Pomegranate Spritz Mocktail recipe. This holiday drink is a perfect choice for those who want a non-alcoholic option that is just as delicious and visually stunning. The vibrant red hued drink is the perfect way to toast to the holiday season with friends and loved ones. Serve it in fancy glassware, perhaps vintage glasses from the Dear Alia Shop!

Cheers to you!

xo Alia