Breathe new life into your dining room

By Leah A. Zeldes, Tribune Content Agency

In the Sunshine State, dining rooms aren't just for dining, says Brenda Clark, a designer for Baer's, a collection of fine furniture stores with 15 locations throughout Florida. "I've turned them into libraries, sitting rooms, bars, all kinds of things,” says Clark.

Essentially, it’s up to the homeowner. "Some clients put pool tables in there," Clark says. "Usually customers have a pretty good idea of what they want."

With Florida's high number of retirees and snowbirds, a formal dining room is often wasted space. Dining and casual entertaining is done in the kitchen or breakfast nook or outdoors on the lanai, where Floridians spend a great deal of time. Some families have complete outdoor kitchens where they prepare and eat their meals. It’s hard to outline just one use–homeowners may have very different rules when it comes to defining the purpose of their dining room.

Clark says that the dining-room area tends to be a space open to the living room or great room and possibly the kitchen, often making it a bit challenging to decorate. Creating open flow is important, and making it blend with the other rooms, so it doesn't look displaced. "You want to keep the color flowing,” Clark says.

Plenty of options

For clients who do need the space for dining, Clark says she often goes for a contemporary, eclectic look. "Mix and match chairs. The table doesn't often match the chairs," she says. "A lot of times you can put your own fabrics and finishes on the furniture."

Metallic finishes, mirrors or painted pieces give Clark's dining rooms uniqueness. "So it looks like you didn't just go into a catalog and pick it out," she says. Sometimes she may add color to an accent wall.

"Most people like a little mixture," Clark says.

Most importantly, she says, the room needs a focal point. "You have to pick a centerpiece — the table, a chandelier, or do you have a fabulous mirror?"

When it comes to dining tables, the table surface is another decision. "Glass makes the room more open," she says, but it isn't for everyone.

Families with children may want a tabletop less prone to picking up finger marks. Likewise, glossy wooden tables might not be the best choice if you have young kids.

"There are different tops for different purposes," Clark says.

For chairs, Clark believes comfort is the most important element. "You might spend two hours at the dinner table," she says.

Key questions Clark asks clients looking for a dining-room do-over include:

• What are the dimensions of the room?
• How do you want to use the room?
• Do you plan to serve mainly casual family meals or are you looking for a more formal look mainly for entertaining?
• How many people do you want to seat?