Though many starter and move-up homes omit the formal dining area, Justin Bobier, gene­ral manager of Crystal Creek Homes in Calgary, says he sees plenty of families looking to fill this void, noting empty nesters are especially opting for a larger space to gather and enjoy special occasions with their families.

This custom home­ builder, filling the niche of homes sized 3,000-square-feet-plus, often adds architectural details to for­ma­­lize the space. Plenty of windows and ceiling details are important and enliven the room. Pillars or arch details play up the significance of the space.

“Typically the dining room is set apart from the rest of the rooms to allow for good traffic flow and easier access in and out,” says Bobier.

Another must have, he says, are speakers roughed-in to the ceiling for music. “This is almost becoming a standard.” It allows the room to serve more than one purpose. To further compliment the multi-functionality of the room, Bobier recognizes hardwood flooring to be suitable and the most sought after underfoot.

Joanna Starko, owner of Jostar Interiors in Edmon­ton, agrees hardwood suits both contem­porary and traditional settings, while adding area rugs can be used to lend a warmer touch to the dining space. Starko also recommends chandelier-styled lighting suspended over the dining table for a more intimate atmosphere.

And Ny Lim-Harding, certified interior deco­rator with Designers Edge of Calgary, says oversized shades can also make a big impact on the room. Other lighting options to the chan­delier are pot­lights in the ceiling, accom­pa­nied by dimmer switches, to adjust the lighting for ambience.

With new construction homes, Starko says indirect lighting such as a built-in bulk­head around the circumference of the room with lighting reflect­ing against the walls and illuminating the ceil­ing is another great way to set the mood.

Strong paint colours also instantly affect the mood of the dining room. “Darker colours warm up a space,” says Starko. “If it’s a contemporary room, one feature wall looks best. But if it's tra­di­tional, all the walls can be the same dark colour.”

Lim-Harding says the trendiest colours for the home, including dining rooms, are aqua, copper, blush, indigo, and camel in any tone.

For a burst of colour, traditional table­cloths can be renewed with place mats overtop, or charger plates anchor­ing place settings for a classic look, according to Starko. Textured fabrics also add interest, such as a layer of sheer or organza table­cloth, creat­ing a unique appeal for special occasions. For every­day use, she suggests swap­ping the organza for crisp linens or cottons.

As for tables, extendable types offer flexibility to accommodate larger groups (provided the room allows for the space). Buffets and serving counters are also im­portant, says Starko, as they are handy to place extra food dishes or coffee pots close by if the kitchen is removed. Lim-Harding agrees console tables are very practical.

Meanwhile, if spending a longer period of time in the dining room, fabric seats are preferred for comfort. However fabric backs are mostly esthetic, says Starko. Lim-Harding suggests bench seats for a different approach that mixes a casual and tailored look in one.

Accessories, such as napkin rings and centre­pieces are essential for the dining room. Lim-Harding suggests giant mirrors, artwork and flowers as simple acces­so­ries to liven up a room. Decorative centrepieces that are nature-inspired are a must-have, and include fresh-cut flowers, planters or branches displayed in a vase.

Decor definitely affects the mood and Lim-Harding says, this season, a few influences are being seen in the dining room. Eclectic styles are big, mixing nature-inspired pieces with Asian in­fluences and serenity to create a very distinct look. “Display photos on the wall as a gallery," she says, to personalize the room.

Another new dining room trend is adding a fire­place. “It can be small and simple,” says Lim-Harding. “But it’s an accessory that is very functional.” Electric wall mount fireplaces can be added without the reno­vations. For modern homes, she suggests stainless steel tile surroundings.

However, if this is too much of an investment, wallpaper is making a big comeback to dining rooms and Lim-Harding says the wall covering can be viewed as artwork, in itself. Her only caution is not to acces­sorize directly in front of the wallpaper as it can become too busy.  NL