“I’ve Always Wanted A Dining Room...” We have an old house, which is a hodgepodge of styles, beams, etc. There is one large living area, and since I’ve always wanted a dining room, this is my chance. My question: How do I unify the space and make some sense out of it? A lot of our early-American-style pieces are just too dainty for the space. What can I do to make it all work together? Suzanne Chen Torrance, California Kitchen cabinets open up a world of possibilities; this photo from Wood-Mode may offer some solutions. The base cabinet, with carved pilasters on the corners and bun feet, forms the base of the hutch. The top pieces, with their crystal glass inserts, carved overlays and shelves, complete the picture. Together, the piece has the weight to carry the space and anchor the room. Note personal touches such as the wicker baskets in the center section and the antique-style hardware. To tie the room and its disparate elements together, skim-coat the whole room with a rough plaster and paint in a warm cream, then add a spectacular iron chandelier. Since this is a huge room, it’s time for bold, dramatic gestures. We recently bought a new house and I want a country dining room. However, I prefer something a little more sophisticated than down-home country. Right now, the room is just a box, but it does have nice French doors that give it a warm feel. Virginia Peterson Clinton, Illinois Your problems might be answered by this photograph from the Williamsburg American Spirit collection by Waverly. The botanical toile is clean and crisp, and toiles always add country charm. The black-and-white combination is unusual and smart. To set it off, create a chair rail and paint an off-white below. Note that the top of the chair rail is more like a ledge on which you could prop pictures or small treasures. Because the room is small and the door so pretty, why clutter it up with curtains and such? Just leave the door bare. To add more interest, go to the lumber yard and buy a nice molding to tack up at the ceiling for a finishing touch. Since the toile has a botanical theme, find some prints (available in all price ranges) and add black mats for a custom look. Checks are always country; the Randolph check on the chair seats is a perfect foil for the toile. The white chairs are a change and work well with the round table. My husband and I are in the market for a dining table to suit our nomadic way of life—one that would fit in the kitchen, the hall or a real dining room. Any suggestions? Lucy Richmond Lake Bluff, Illinois Not always easy to find but worth it when you locate it is my favorite: the drop-leaf table. It’s versatile and serves a multitude of uses. This one in a photo from Eisenhart Wallcoverings is just such a table. With its painted base and wood top, it’s perfect for a kitchen or country dining area. It doesn’t take up a lot of space; it can be used in a hall as a side table or anywhere for occasional dining. Remember my mantra: don’t just purchase for the present; have a place in mind for everything down the road.

Margot Gunther, ASID, is a designer who has worked on residential interiors, country inns and restaurants. Additionally, she has a great deal of experience in renovation and restoration and an extensive knowledge of all designer resources. contact us • advertise • subscribe • Home