Dining

Neutral colors. So maybe I'm stating the obvious, but an ideabook about creating a calm atmosphere would not be complete without the mention of neutral hues. These soft colors are easy to work with and provide a quiet and serene backdrop, allowing an overly busy mind to catch up on rest.

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This room has beautifully detailed moldings, and the furnishings carefully balance comfort with spare style. The simple table joins woven chairs with a comfortable eating nook. Most important, the design does not overwhelm the view.

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Modern farmhouse. This light and airy room utilizes a palette that skews more toward pastel hues.

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Table and benches.

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Whitewashed wood furniture co-mingles with a fragrant melange of lavender and daffodils while the crystal chandelier makes dining with mason jars feel like more than just a casual meal. Among this eclectic mix of rustic and country, the old ladder in the background does not look as foreign as it seems.

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Machine washable slipcovers keep the chairs in the dining area clean and fresh. A cocoa bead chandelier hangs overhead.

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Cote de Texas

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A signature light fixture accented with warm woods, off-white walls and a blend of contemporary and traditional accessories suits any transitional room. Warm brown to chocolate wood tones are typically the only deep tones used in transitional designs.

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Pretty banquette, huh? Fooled you, it's a settee against the wall. Here's an amazing alternative to a pricey, custom built-in. With the proper scale, a sofa or settee can work beautifully at a dining table. The biggest objective is to ensure it's easy for guests to get in and out of. If the piece is roughly 24 inches longer than the table on each side, that should do the trick. Also, stick with settees that have low-slung arms or that are completely armless.

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I've been trying to decide...is this the same beautiful paper as seen in the above dining room? What do you think? Isn't it stunning paired with all this gorgeous white trim and woodwork?

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Intimate and lovely.

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A built in nook always lends Arts and Crafts cottage appeal.

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