Formal, Fun or Feng Shui?

Dining room décor runs the gamut from traditional to contemporary, Asian to Italian. But whatever the look, designers say, functionality, comfort and flexibility are key.

National retailers such as Neiman Marcus offer everything from mirrored, formal tables suitable for dressy gatherings, to casual, Lazy Susan tables flanked by banquettes, to pub-height tables with barstools.

Traditional looks are still in, says Marilyn Hapsis-Hugo of Hugo's Fine Furniture & Interiors, especially during the holidays. But just as many homeowners are choosing a more casual approach to informal dining areas in kitchens and great rooms, where contemporary and traditional styles mix and mingle.

"One definite trend we've noticed is that nobody is buying china cabinets any more," says Hapsis-Hugo. "Displaying china is something their mothers or grandmothers did. Now, homeowners want sideboards or more contemporary buffets."

Jacqueline Jordan, design consultant with Designs of the Interior at St. Johns Town Center, has noticed more interest in wood finishes, particularly cherry, among her clientele. Jordon's customers are leaning more toward contemporary styles.

Local designer Vibha Hutchins says that many of her clients are simply doing away with formal dining areas, using the space to expand their living area and eating in erstwhile breakfast nooks.

"Some are keeping the dining room for resale, but they're not really using the space," Hutchins says. "But for those who are, Asian-inspired looks are huge right now. Contemporary is back in a big way, but people want more warmth with it, and Asian gives you both."

Hutchins adds that the warmth and depth of woods such as teak and dark mahogany can be combined with clean, Zen-like furnishings and accessories to create an understated but luxurious look.

However, Brigetta Dawes, owner of The Design Studio, is seeing less interest in Asian styles and more interest in eclectic combinations.

"The Marrakech look is big," Dawes says, referring to the Moroccan city renowned for its exotic bazaars. "People want their dining rooms to look as though they've traveled all over the world and collected pieces from everywhere. A designer comes in handy when blending all these styles in a tasteful manner."

For example, you can combine an antique sideboard with a modern table and chairs, or vice versa. A cabinet on wheels that doubles as a bar or a wine rack, and can be easily moved for entertaining, is an especially useful option in a condominium or a second home.

Even chairs at the same table don't have to match. For example, you might use similar kinds of upholstered chairs, but have each covered in a different, yet complementary, fabric.

In any case, Dawes says her clients are not eschewing their formal dining rooms. "People here like to entertain and they need somewhere to hold a dinner party," she notes.

Local designers say the principles of Feng Shui-the ancient Chinese art of manipulating and arranging one's surroundings to attract positive life energy, or chi-have become mainstream and used for color selection and furniture placement throughout the home, including the dining room.

They also agree that richness in fabric is better achieved through a variety of textures and solid colors rather than splashy prints. Hot colors are once again earth tones such as burnished terra cotta, neutrals and shades of brown. And in some circles, green is the new neutral.

It's all about ambience," says Hutchins. "If you're not the trendy type, just choose the colors to which you naturally gravitate, and they'll serve you well for many years to come.

Woven wall coverings in natural fibers are also popular. Bamboo, raffia and cane are all being woven in new ways to yield intriguing textures. Hapsis-Hugo says she's also seeing the return of metallic wallpapers, "but they're different than in the past-there are subtle touches of gold or silver in them."

Dining room floor coverings are often chosen for easy maintenance. Borders can add interest to floors, and large tiles (24 inches or bigger) are now frequently being used, as is wood. And contemporary area rugs are a popular choice for any space that needs softening while also adding a touch of color.

Dining room window coverings are following the "less is more" theory. Fussy draperies are out while bare windows or wood blinds and pleated shades in natural tones are in. Hand-etched glass will lend an artistic touch, designers say, along with a little privacy. Intricate trims on banding or valances, along with fancier hardware, embellish the pared-down look.

Contemporary design isn't for everybody, though. Many homeowners are still choosing a more formal look for dining room window coverings.

"We're doing long panels, with lots of swags," says Jordan. "In the past people wanted silks, but now they're moving more toward prints or neutrals." Her clients are also coordinating upholstery on dining room chairs with neutral window treatments.

"Technology is all the rage with window coverings," adds Hutchins. For example, motorized products that can be operated remotely are being incorporated into an overall home technology system. Now, homeowners can keep would-be burglars guessing while they're away by going online to open or close dining room blinds.

Dining room lighting is traditional with a twist. "We're seeing a lot of wrought iron and crystal chandeliers," says Hapsis-Hugo, "but they're less formal, with bigger, fewer crystals." One chandelier she received recently was made of gold leafed wrought iron and sheet metal. "We're not really seeing a lot of the solid brass, colonial-style chandeliers any more," she adds.

The eclectic theme carries through into table settings, with heirloom china and silver often mixed with modern patterns.

Even with all these options, common-sense design guidelines still apply. If your dining room can be seen from the home's main entrance, keep in mind the first impression it will make on visitors. Match the scale of your furniture to the room's dimensions. And if you need a large table for entertaining but have a small dining room, buy a table that can be expanded with leaves and collapsed when not in use.

Designers also suggest paying attention to the flow of foot traffic through the room when placing furniture. They say to allow 18 to 20 inches of leeway behind each dining chair so guests have room to sit comfortably. And place plants strategically to direct the eye toward significant architectural features of the room.

Tricks to expanding small spaces in tiny dining rooms include installing mirrors to give the illusion of a larger space, laying floor tiles diagonally, using open cabinetry and displaying chests or buffets that sit up on legs off the floor.

Basically, dining rooms today are all about individuality. With so many options available, designers say, whatever strikes your fancy and fits your lifestyle is what's right for you.