You knew it had to lead to this post after my living room rant. But I promise, ok I'll try, to not go on for so long about why you need a formal dining room. But I'll say it again, can we not eat a meal without having a television on? Or maybe I just want to get out of the kitchen, leave the dishes and mess in the kitchen and walk to a separate room and have a nice meal where I forget for 30 minutes about the plastic bowl I put on the hot stovetop. (If you know me you know I can't cook, and as embarrassing as it is, I've done this, and it's not a pretty sight when you walk back into the kitchen)

Maybe you're thinking "hey, she grew up having Sunday dinner at this formal table, with candles and fresh flowers every week. Of course she wants a formal dining room." Well, part of that is correct, I grew up with a beautiful Duncan Phyfe dining table, that is so shiny it looks like glass. I had the silver candlesticks, and flowers, but they were faux. However, funny enough, I've only eaten on this table twice in my entire life. The first time was when my Mother was out of town and I was staying there and I had a few girlfriends over and we ordered pizza and they suggested we eat at the dining table. I enjoyed that meal, but I'll be honest, I was scared shitless that they would put the tinest scratch in the table because nothing gets past my Mother. But she never found out and a few years later I told her and she laughed and thought it was great. Who knew. The second time was a year or two after Brad and I got married and she wanted to host Thanksgiving for my Dad, Brad, and myself. I couldn't believe it. Y'all I actually ate on the fine china, that sits perfectly placed in the cabinet and we lit those candles, and drank and had a wonderful time. However, I was again scared shitless that Brad would mess the table up. Let's just say he's not the most careful and doesn't truly appreciate nice things.

Now here's the thing, if you've followed along with this blog, or know my parents and myself, you know that my parent's couldn't be more different. They were destined for divorce. But as my Dad says, "it all worked out, we got you." Such a Dad response, right? But my Dad is the one who let's the boys ride their scooters in the house and doesn't fret when they've "accidentally" smeared blueberries into his rug. Meanwhile my mom has hired someone to put brown butcher paper on the floor so they can ride a toy meant for a 1 year old, yet they are 3 and 5. My Dad will go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a nice meal, with great company, and say "yea, it was expensive, but we had such a great time." When I'm visiting and my Mother, the boys, and myself come back in my Dad's house we're greeted with music so loud it's deafening and him doing some crazy arm, leg gyration. My mother shakes her head, and says, "some things never change." But what I've learned from both of my parents is to appreciate your finer things and treat them good, yet enjoy them because life is too short. Make those memories at your dining table. Pour yourself another glass of wine, and enjoy the company. Now sit back, and take it all in, you're in a beautiful dining room, with a glistening chandelier, the crystal is clinking, and everyone is having a night to remember. All out of sight from a dirty kitchen and a large black television.

So I'm leaving you with lots of dining room inspiration. Maybe you have an open floor plan house now, but maybe down the line when you're looking for your next house, think about how special a separate dining room would be. Or if you're thinking of opening everything up in your house, pause, and think how maybe a few separate rooms could still work with your open concept dreams.

Yes, yes I know Mother, the table and chairs are similar to yours.

A monochromatic dining room, even down to the hydrangeas

A formal dining room doesn't have to be "fussy"

designed by Greg Natale.  If you'd like to see more of Greg's work I featured him in a designer spotlight — designed by Greg Natale. If you'd like to see more of Greg's work I featured him in a designer spotlight

Maybe it's because I'm from the south but I sure love a hydrangea flower arrangement

I can't stop looking at those cornices and the buttons going down the backs of the chairs

A modern dining room doesn't have to feel cold.  bring in some velvets, a bit of color and some brass and you've warmed your space right up — A modern dining room doesn't have to feel cold. bring in some velvets, a bit of color and some brass and you've warmed your space right up

Every southerner obviously styles their home with hydrangeas

anytime you can fit a round or oval table in your room, do it.  You need more space to do it, but it instantly makes your room stand out — anytime you can fit a round or oval table in your room, do it. You need more space to do it, but it instantly makes your room stand out

I like how when you first look at this room you get a casual feeling, yet when you stop and look at it a bit longer it also gives a feeling of formality with the chandelier, bench, and painting

I'm not normally drawn to green, but those drapes have me thinking otherwise, via Veranda

If you have a large space and can fit it, do two chandeliers

Ok, i'm in.  I love this chartreuse green against those walls with the warmth of the wood table and pedestal — Ok, i'm in. I love this chartreuse green against those walls with the warmth of the wood table and pedestal

Thank you so much for reading!

Tucker

Dining Rooms