Ideas for the Dining Room

When it comes to planning how I want to decorate the new house, I find myself focusing on the dining room. Perhaps it's because it's right off the entryway, so it's one of the first spaces you see when you enter the house. Perhaps it's because I don't currently have a formal dining area, so I get to start from scratch, unrestrained by existing pieces that have to be incorporated. And perhaps it's just because I've already picked a paint color -- Farrow & Ball's Drawing Room Blue -- and that choice has given me something to decorate around. Since the room has wainscoting around its three walls that will be painted out white, I think the dark cobalt will really pop against all that trim work.

Regardless of the reason, and with only a cursory nod to my actual budget (that will either force me to select more modestly priced items or purchase one piece at a time for the next few years), I've designed a mood board of what I'm currently thinking would work in the space. Since the dining room is not particularly large, with one side open onto the entryway and another side taken up with two large windows, I tried to select pieces that would make an impact but not overwhelm the room. Accordingly, I went with a more minimal and classic aesthetic for the larger pieces in the hopes that they wouldn't take up too much physical and visual space, and selected more dramatic accessories to really give the space some personality.

So here's the breakdown (clockwise from top left):

1. Marrakesh rug by Jonathan Adler (9' x 12', $1995, but currently on sale for $1596). While I would live in fear of spillage, the infrequency with which I would probably use a formal dining space would make the occasional stressout during dinner parties worth the joy of looking at this on a daily basis. Besides, Oxyclean does wonders.

2. Kate table lamp from Circa Lighting ($336). I'd put one of these stunners on either end of the buffet. The geometric Greek key design would work well with the very linear buffet and pick up on the finishes in the chandelier.

3. Flower mirror white from High Fashion Home ($695). I love the idea of a really graphic white mirror against the dark blue walls. The more feminine shape would also create some nice tension with the linear Kate lamps and yet still relate to the curvy Ava dining chairs.

4. Logan buffet from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams ($1245). I like the simplicity of this piece as well as the fact that it's not too big since the room itself will be largely taken up by the table.

5. Bowmont chandelier from Circa Lighting ($1050). This piece reminds me of champagne glasses so it feels right for a room that I hope to do a good bit of celebrating in.

6. Logan dining table from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams ($1495). The Parsons shape of this table won't compete with the chairs, which rightfully deserve to be the stars.

7. Ava's Chair from Calico Corners ($795). Alas, at this price, I'd have to purchase one at a time, but I absolutely love the shape. I'd cover the seats in Tala Citrus from Annie Selkie ($24.64/yard) to carry through the green in the rug. Since the pattern is much smaller in scale than that of the rug, it shouldn't compete too much with it.

8. Foo dogs from ZGallerie ($119.90/pair). Just because I always love just a touch of Chinoiserie and the white would really pop against the deep cobalt blue walls.

9. Large Olas Tibor from Emilia Ceramics ($128 ). A pair of these would fit nicely underneath the buffet and bring a little more pattern and fun into the space.

Now, what I'd love from you, dear reader, is some serious opinions on what works here, what doesn't, what's missing, and where I might find similar items for less. Since I haven't purchased anything for this space yet (and don't plan on doing so until we move), my wallet can take the criticism.