Quarantine might have turned some amateur cooks into gourmet chefs, but their dining room settings are most likely not completing the picture of a five-star, restaurant-quality meal. These days, it feels strange to slave away all day in the kitchen, preparing, cooking, and plating a dish, just to eat it at a breakfast bar or kitchenette. Or, even worse, on the couch.

Since we could all use the feeling and ambiance of a special occasion as we hunker down for most of the summer, I decided to tap top interior designers around the world about how to create a formal dining room experience in your home. Here are their top tips.

Consider Small Table Lamps

“Try using small table lamps in lieu of overhead lights to add a moody, restaurant-like ambiance,” said Peter and Demetri Darmos, the developers and interior designers behind an Astéras Kings. “Look for battery-powered lamps to eliminate unsightly chords—some even include built-in speakers, ideal for playing soft dinner music.”

Dining Table Size is Key

“Selecting the perfect table size is key,” said Vian Abreu, Senior Interior Designer at Interior Marketing Group, who recently created Penthouse 82 at 30 Park Place. “Think about how often you’ll entertain and how many people you expect to host to then come up with the ideal size and seating solution to meet your entertaining goals. 

Curate a Centerpiece

“Forget about traditional floral centerpieces that are fleeting and hard to keep up with,” said Abreu. “Go for a vintage set of vases that will bring authenticity and a touch of natural materials to your space.”

Mix Vintage, Custom and Contemporary Pieces

“You want to create a dining space that is eclectic, yet timeless and livable,” said Charlie Ferrer of FERRER, who designed a home designed at 555 West End Avenue. Ferrer used a diverse mix of pieces, like the exquisite vintage bronze and crystal chandelier, a patterned rug and neutral upholstered dining chairs, to create the perfect balance of shapes, textures, and colors. “The effect is warm and inviting an appreciation of the past and a modern style of living simultaneously,” he added.

Don’t Be Afraid to Play With Color

“A statement furniture piece in a fun, bright shade helps naturally create a distinction between living and dining areas,” said Hadas Dembo of Mise en Scene Design. At a model residence she designed in 180 East 88th Street , Dembo used an eye-catching blue banquet, sculptural chandelier, and strong dining table to define the dining space, offering a natural separation from the main living area and a peaceful respite to wind down and enjoy a meal. Fine dining establishments often have colorful focal points to draw the attention of diners. 

Create Contrast to Brighten up a Space

“Try offsetting a dark dining room with crisp white accessories or large serving pieces that you can display on the table or credenzas,” said Rebecca Roberston of Rebecca Robertson Interiors, who most recently designed a duplex model residence at One United Nations Park. This helps to balance out the dining room, much like what you would find in a high-end restaurant.

Contributed by Jordi Lippe-McGraw and published in Jun 29, 2020