How often do you use your formal dining room? Formal dining rooms typically gather dust 363 days a year. Casual dining rooms have become much more mainstream considering how simpler our lifestyles have become.
My design philosophy is to make every inch of our home everyday functional. That includes not having to dust an unused formal dining room. So, while poking around for less than formal dining room design inspiration, I spotted these examples that hit the practicality marker.
Inspiration – Domino
This casual dining room encompasses all the feel-good elements.
The raw wood beams, visually interesting sputnik pendant, black French doors, round table with a clean-lined base and neutral woven chairs come together to create a dining room that’s functional and nothing short of gorgeous.
Dining Room Design Tip
“Make sure you allow a minimum of 36″ of space around your dining room table to give your chairs enough room to pull back. Nothing is worse than feeling cramped in a dining room.” -Phoebe Howard
Inspiration – The Surfrider
Okay, so I’m personally obsessed with this casual dining room. The cluster of woven pendants is something I’ve wanted to incorporate into my home for a long time. The vaulted shiplap ceiling, relaxed table and stools and natural fiber rug oozes of relaxed Cali vibes.
Dining Room Design Tip
“Dining room chandeliers should hang 60″ to 66″ above the floor.” -Betsy Burnham
Inspiration – Rue Mag
If you happen to have boys in your home like me, this casual dining room is extra appealing.
The woven chairs, black sputnik pendant and striped area rug lend to a more masculine vibe.
But, it’s balanced and softened with fresh greenery and a cohesive wall grid of coordinating patterns.
Notice the theme? Natural weaves, neutral tones, a touch of black and fresh greenery will never steer you wrong.
Dining Room Design Tip
“A dining room rug should extend a minimum of 3′ from the edge of a dining table — dining chairs should always be fully on the rug, not two legs on and two legs off.” -Ginger Brewton
“One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well if one has not dined well.”
-Virginia Wolff
Gathering around the dining table to share food and the events of our day is what family life is all about, right? Living with all boys, I learned early that no aspect of our life would ever be formal, including our dining room.
I chose to invest in furniture that already appears distressed. Between art projects and water rings, kids have a way of distressing everything anyway, right? Including mamas who are trying to keep their furniture pristine. No, thank you. I have bigger fish to fry.
So, whether you prefer formal or casual dining room design, I hope you make time to gather with your family to use it often and well. —xo
Follow me on Pinterest for more dining room inspiration. Featured Image: Serena Rees