Uncover the Key to Timeless Dining Areas.
Certain design choices can instantly reveal the era in which they were popular: Shag carpeting from wall to wall? That screams ’60s and ’70s. Oak cabinets with an orange hue? The ’90s called, they want their kitchen back. However, some decorating decisions can subtly age your home in ways more discreet than your mom’s old avocado-colored stove. Southern designers pinpoint eight factors that can prematurely date your dining room. Pay attention!
– Incorrectly Sized Pieces
According to Aileen Warren from Jackson Warren Interiors, small rugs can make a dining room look outdated. She advises ensuring that the legs of each chair remain on the rug when pulled out from the table.
– Inadequate Lighting
If you’re hesitant to replace your light fixture, Maggie Dillon, a decorator from Raleigh, North Carolina, suggests swapping out old chandelier candle covers for fresh white ones. Adding adjustable lighting can give your dining area a modern and upscale feel.
– Cherry Wood Finishes
Anna Still and Marguerite Johnson from Still Johnson in Birmingham, Alabama warn against cherry wood veneer, stating that while wood furniture is timeless, veneered cherry wood furniture can appear stuck in the ’90s.
– Primary Colors
Jessica Davis, founder of Atelier Davis in Atlanta, recommends steering clear of deep primary red walls and matchy-matchy color schemes, suggesting opting for more contemporary shades like terracotta or plum.
– Matchy-Matchy Furniture
Designers like Betsey Mosby from Jackson, Mississippi, and Lauren Sullivan from Well x Design in Tennessee advocate for mixing furniture pieces from different styles or eras to create a collected and fresh look.
– Popcorn Ceilings
The design duo, Still Johnson, simply states, “Enough said,” emphasizing the need to avoid outdated popcorn ceilings.
– Lack of Contrast
While dark colors can add sophistication to a dining room, it’s essential to balance them with textures and accent colors to prevent the space from feeling heavy and outdated.
“Be sure to check in on time,” advises Louisville, Kentucky, decorator Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors. When fabrics start to look tattered and stained, it is a clear indication of an outdated dining room. “We appreciate the natural aging and wear on furniture and fabrics, but when a fabric has turned yellow or is visibly dirty, it is a sign that the space has not been refreshed in quite some time,” explain the designers from Still Johnson. Read the original article on Southern Living.
