Unexpected ways to make your dining room chic and gorgeous

My dining room is one of those rooms that is visible from most other rooms in my home, so it's really important to me that it's easy on the eyes.  Here are some fabulous dining rooms, big and small that I would be more than happy to have as my own...

via homeremodelnote

Loving this clean and chic dining room.  It is small, just like mine, so how genius is the floor length mirror at one end of the dining table.  I will definitely be trying that trick.

via homedesignlove

I'm a big fan of bench or settee seating at the dining table. You can put a bench on just one side or on both.

via Lonny Mag

Feeling risky? Go all out and get full bench seating! I would still have two simple mix matching chairs to put on each end to maximize the seating in this space but I love the idea.

How cool is this bench?  And those blue velvet chairs?  The chandelier is often the conversation piece in a dining room, making the chairs the focal point is a nice change of pace.

via Pinterest via La Dolce Vita

I LOVE the idea of combining a library and a dining room.  I grew up in a family that often reads and eats at the same time ( I know, I know...not always a healthy environment for books)

via Pinterest via feedly

Bright and easy spaces

Here are some rooms I am loving these days. A touch of color, great windows, natural light, and a feeling of ease and comfort that makes you want to stay for a while.

via Crate and Barrel

The foliage in this bright office provides the pop of color.
via Covet Garden

via House Beautiful

via southernliving

via houzz

Living Room Must Haves

Our living room is the first thing one sees upon walking through our front door. Since moving in in June, we've made some progress making it ours, but it's slow going since we're still trying to decide exactly what it is we're going for. We have a small sofa now, which I like, but I've been considering a sectional because our current sofa isn't really comfortable for those late nights snuggling on the couch. I used to not like sectionals at all, but more and more you're finding them in smaller sizes with cleaner lines.

 Love that coffee table too!
via Pinterest via Houzz

via SoHaute

Some of my favorite sofas are the ones that look clean and modern but still have a great comfort factor!

I've also been faithfully searching craigslist every day for a worn leather chair.  I think they're so beautiful!

via Pinterest via Keltainen Talo Rannalla 

via One Kings Lane


A coffee table that is both useful and stunning is another must have, though we've been living without one for 3 years, so I guess they're more like a "should have". I've been looking out for one that I like for a while now.  A coffee table is something you don't need to splurge on, and there are so many creative ways to create your own coffee table.  Just search on google or pinterest "DIY Coffee Table" and you'll see hundreds of ideas returned!

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

Lighting is also extremely important. A lot of natural light is ideal but unfortunately might not be a reality for you. Since the living room is the main gathering room at most homes, you want it to be the most well lit when occupied, so make sure you have plenty of lamps.

via hometalk.com

Overhead lighting makes me sad.  Table lamps are pretty and cast a more relaxed glow so use those on end tables instead, or place a floor lamp behind a couch for the nights you curl up with a book.

via Joss and Main

this post is in partnership with scs.co.uk