Transform Your Dining Room

DKG Designer Gives Dining Room Transformation Tips

As DKG’s lead in-house designer, Michelle Cianfrani transforms homes for quick sales and top dollar for our clients each year. Dining rooms just so happen to be one of her favorite rooms to style, “To me, eating is a chance to catch up, relax, and enjoy family and friends. Everything happens around the dinner table.”  Whether you use yours for entertaining neighbors at an elegant dinner party or enjoying a casual family-style meal with your brood, we’ve got Michelle’s expert tips on making this well-loved space both stylish and functional. Keep reading for our favorite dining room hacks plus how to recreate the looks featured in some of our past transformations!

Michelle loves to make a statement with big, beautiful chandeliers, essentially using the accessory as “jewelry for your home to easily dress up the space.” Scouring antique shops or estate sales usually yields unique lighting treasures. You could also add a fresh coat of spray paint in a fun metallic hue to a fixture you already have.

Another top design trick? Enveloping walls in dramatic paint or wallpaper. Michelle says, “Dining rooms should feel intimate and it’s a place you can get away with more color to break up the expected dining chair and table set.” She suggests creating a moody space with jewel-toned paint palettes or getting funky with a patterned accent wall.

If dinnertime spills happen frequently at your home, consider switching things up with laminate floors. Not only do they add a warm, rich design element with an array of colors to choose from, but they are also super durable making post-meal cleanups a breeze. If laminate floors are beyond your budget, try a washable, low-pile rug for a wallet-friendly option.

Of course, we had to share some of our favorite DKG-designed dining spaces! Take a look and get inspired.

Eclectic & Modern in Takoma Park (DKG Previous Listing)

Things We Love:

Moody wall color peruse your local paint shop to find a ton of awesome options. Michelle loves Bethesda’s beloved Strosniders.

Fabulous light fixture antique shops often have a huge selection of funky lighting choices that add character and charm to any space. Our pick? Goldsborough Glynn in Kensington has a great selection to explore. 

Lots of natural light keep it simple and let oversized windows make the room shine.

Fireplace up the cozy factor by considering a sleek, modern three-sided fireplace.

Natural wood floors keep it rustic with reclaimed choices or go modern with cool grey tones.

Totally Transformed Stunner in Silver Spring (DKG Previous Listing)

Things We Love:

Complete transformation Take a look at the before pictures! We even had a structural beam installed that opened up the kitchen to the dining room. And DKG managed the renovations seamlessly for the sellers! 

Ultra-glam light fixture dresses up the space with glitzy pieces that create a stunning contrast for everyday dining.

Mismatched chairs add extra interest and make for an effortless, textured look utilizing mixed materials like leather and velvet.

Casual breakfast bar whether it’s a power lunch or afternoon snack, bar-style seating is the way to go for enjoying a quick bite.

Monochromatic Rustic Chic in Silver Spring (DKG Previous Listing)

Things we love:

Dramatic wall color makes dinner an experience. From stormy greys to regal jewel tones, moody paint palettes are an easy way to elevate your space.

Monochromatic accents feel modern and chic. Look for duos of complementary artwork and vases or floral arrangements to match.

Solid wood tables add a rustic edge to pretty dining rooms creating an unexpected juxtaposition. Opt for sturdy wood pieces that show off unique knots and graining. 

Bottom Line

Creating a dining space you love is key, especially around the holiday season which looks a bit different this year for many of us Whether your budget is big or small, there are plenty of options to choose from. As always, if you are thinking about selling your home or need a little expert advice from our design team on current trends, we’re here!