Hot seats

<br />Dining rooms have a tendency to be formal affairs with matching table and chairs. but that doesn't mean they have to be. You can shake it up with unique styles and colours.    Here are some of my favourite <b>Wow</b> dining "sets" from my <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/dining-rooms/">Pinterest collection.  </a><br /><br /><b>Make it  patterned </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhnfTfIr8L8lCO478uc6TIGPJSYdIYzu5W0VgpR-bbfGYtCyce2nPLEVInj72zZVn-TTvR6LYEXIVOp1_yzR3s7YGcJWdRnEp6Br38ZPRiSDvHNe8BWmAIexAg_bJktmIVds_23XbvGZw/s1600/171277592048041248_3HKoICh5_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhnfTfIr8L8lCO478uc6TIGPJSYdIYzu5W0VgpR-bbfGYtCyce2nPLEVInj72zZVn-TTvR6LYEXIVOp1_yzR3s7YGcJWdRnEp6Br38ZPRiSDvHNe8BWmAIexAg_bJktmIVds_23XbvGZw/s640/171277592048041248_3HKoICh5_f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />These luxurious chairs invite you to cozy up to the table. I'm a sucker for texture, and I would totally enjoy having a meal at this table.  Think of how soft the fabric would be!   I like the fact that the chairs  are patterned on the back and  plain on the opposite side.  The tufting supports the more traditional design and the high back chairs at the ends work well with the size of the space and the curves of the other chairs. The  hobbled roman shade is is a soft but clean window treatment in this room.  Lots of ideas to steal in this set up.<br /><br /><b>Repeated curves</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMIIvINongG3A7X7TmciHspjnWUaXI9UcCfie4uBJHJdVsWD2vuVXDCtinOsquAsfn6UTpzpT24BiqmIEor1vmKMahaNuAReCyu-7XKdsuD1Pmn3E6b08DS4vQzPT-ip9Coaw8k3nfTuN/s1600/125960120797782645_4q8JpmwF_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMIIvINongG3A7X7TmciHspjnWUaXI9UcCfie4uBJHJdVsWD2vuVXDCtinOsquAsfn6UTpzpT24BiqmIEor1vmKMahaNuAReCyu-7XKdsuD1Pmn3E6b08DS4vQzPT-ip9Coaw8k3nfTuN/s640/125960120797782645_4q8JpmwF_f.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Lately I'm very attracted to everything aqua. Doesn't this colour look great with dark wood?  Curves abound in this room - in the draperies, the stairs, the chair arms, the vines in the carpet and in the light fixture. A soothing room all around with an unconventional chair colour. <br /><br /><b> Popping yellow</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadDJIOAX16bt_kayho4I6kqZzQdCtMe7pnLwINqAH4StXyiDY_J-Bx1ErFX-b0x25wplBbcWbovQwePWNrZG2FyfhaAsriWrEXaN0ueClRMT-Nz45DypL3m1sSfM3Hu7IbVibDmiFYY3z/s1600/214413632229812813_E0yuNJnU_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadDJIOAX16bt_kayho4I6kqZzQdCtMe7pnLwINqAH4StXyiDY_J-Bx1ErFX-b0x25wplBbcWbovQwePWNrZG2FyfhaAsriWrEXaN0ueClRMT-Nz45DypL3m1sSfM3Hu7IbVibDmiFYY3z/s640/214413632229812813_E0yuNJnU_f.jpg" width="492" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who could ignore these canary yellow chairs? I love the way everything else in the room plays second fiddle to the chairs and allows them to be the star. I want to whisk those red flowers away though. Don't we all have our opinions about what looks best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Serene colour scheme</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxW20APy2NbrHHAxD_mUlLl349mxGNzI70mk7kMjgCsVJgk0oA4sgoohk3FIFCmjqEJ5CYBHRInR86RSGvwFZWzGj8NtF7DLOGSIZ9chioJG-g40FBaZcTdj7neHeXddb5N_ggr_YsH7g/s1600/171277592048041247_zLBCoE1L_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxW20APy2NbrHHAxD_mUlLl349mxGNzI70mk7kMjgCsVJgk0oA4sgoohk3FIFCmjqEJ5CYBHRInR86RSGvwFZWzGj8NtF7DLOGSIZ9chioJG-g40FBaZcTdj7neHeXddb5N_ggr_YsH7g/s1600/171277592048041247_zLBCoE1L_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxW20APy2NbrHHAxD_mUlLl349mxGNzI70mk7kMjgCsVJgk0oA4sgoohk3FIFCmjqEJ5CYBHRInR86RSGvwFZWzGj8NtF7DLOGSIZ9chioJG-g40FBaZcTdj7neHeXddb5N_ggr_YsH7g/s640/171277592048041247_zLBCoE1L_f.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This room is different in every way from the one above. I love the clean lines of the benches and chairs . Remember that you need a central leg or an X leg if you want to move easily to and from a bench style seat. Armless banquettes are the most versatile.   The texture on the front of the buffet;  the circular ceramic vases with  twigs, and the rounded edges of the table add interesting lines and some complexity to the room. The colour and lines of the light fixture work well with everything else.  Doesn't this room look serene? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> Repetition of curves </b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBiJHA3dsN-jHFzjekxT-EtTWWcYUQNUBZRT0j4PngnrWcnqRUuclIBNcBj1KUQnG0jw3zPFbf4drsw8ujmccZ0xu6SVau4TO7_tkmlImcx5qY4Co25ZBNwXyePlKCPfqsYmFZrlfd0rv/s1600/177962622744890857_TOy4d5VO_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBiJHA3dsN-jHFzjekxT-EtTWWcYUQNUBZRT0j4PngnrWcnqRUuclIBNcBj1KUQnG0jw3zPFbf4drsw8ujmccZ0xu6SVau4TO7_tkmlImcx5qY4Co25ZBNwXyePlKCPfqsYmFZrlfd0rv/s640/177962622744890857_TOy4d5VO_f.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />More  banquettes, but this time paired with patterned chairs and a curvy table. The four leg table design will make getting into the banquette a little more difficult.The arms will add to the problem.    The chair  shape is repeated in the  mirror and the doors of the buffet.   An interesting mix. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadDJIOAX16bt_kayho4I6kqZzQdCtMe7pnLwINqAH4StXyiDY_J-Bx1ErFX-b0x25wplBbcWbovQwePWNrZG2FyfhaAsriWrEXaN0ueClRMT-Nz45DypL3m1sSfM3Hu7IbVibDmiFYY3z/s1600/214413632229812813_E0yuNJnU_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZWWouNBXtV0cUkZbcLQ9-33zMptqlHxmT_VKs-15i1Byt1Nl91qH5t4trSwu1-JCUcrd8guJtvj2cE2k0VgDwCfelXlrJYpW1byh_jBOPIDTbAUYpmUohG4kpQyhh7BQKkaeiihe8Xdp/s1600/285415695104110842_eiBop4m2_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZWWouNBXtV0cUkZbcLQ9-33zMptqlHxmT_VKs-15i1Byt1Nl91qH5t4trSwu1-JCUcrd8guJtvj2cE2k0VgDwCfelXlrJYpW1byh_jBOPIDTbAUYpmUohG4kpQyhh7BQKkaeiihe8Xdp/s640/285415695104110842_eiBop4m2_f.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><br />There's nothing formal about this room! It will definitely appeal to the colour and texture lovers out there. I want to see a more substantial table with all this colour, but that's just me. <br /><br />How do you feel about chairs and tables not matching?

Hot seats

Dining rooms have a tendency to be formal affairs with matching table and chairs. but that doesn't mean they have to be. You can shake i...

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Adding freshness to your home

  We are now in our fog  and freezing rain stage  after a winter of cold and snow.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPU8bppn1fluP33GZETjVpUIiDJjIi8NXTwFsCg1q89y3hxKFayppss1MqtddNpYUYOfw8HjR0U1Ptf7rduRmMhuRE3V6dVSBJpZKBfWAGRvEFTZkeFejXUQqxi4-EgW27CuJRKpsJhvs/s1600/DSCN822366.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPU8bppn1fluP33GZETjVpUIiDJjIi8NXTwFsCg1q89y3hxKFayppss1MqtddNpYUYOfw8HjR0U1Ptf7rduRmMhuRE3V6dVSBJpZKBfWAGRvEFTZkeFejXUQqxi4-EgW27CuJRKpsJhvs/s640/DSCN822366.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div><br />Even my cheery yellow chairs which I see every day  from my kitchen window aren't  helping me feel like spring is just around the corner. I like gray, but not the gray that shrouds our island in  March.  So my thoughts go to spring which we won't get until late April or early May.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPt5og3vI2FnaekkchqjyQ7bWlz7ACWZfi37NmFYuMdjDCZrCv4hvxGLkQNh-0SG5GWfZo2nWTZHoqpoQzSfVf7kM61i7vk-WP-XI957jfT-ZS_qfccFrg_aRBvjROXpoQhbWrxsyMJ2l/s1600/DSCN824266.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPt5og3vI2FnaekkchqjyQ7bWlz7ACWZfi37NmFYuMdjDCZrCv4hvxGLkQNh-0SG5GWfZo2nWTZHoqpoQzSfVf7kM61i7vk-WP-XI957jfT-ZS_qfccFrg_aRBvjROXpoQhbWrxsyMJ2l/s400/DSCN824266.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />In the summer I always have flowers from my garden but in winter and early spring they are purchased.  There's nothing like flowers to bring nature and freshness into your space. Using colourful books on a table or changing pillow covers are  also  inexpensive way to perk up a room.  A throw over a chair, bed or sofa back is also an inexpensive way to add splashes of colour. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vNihhG6UauqTPAmeTwGAhr1Nxk2sVpxtcMA65784KFxP9tffSA8OwOFFPf3qyzAf1ffK5HpCWgsoSyWfZvDkM6-HeU78DrLAJ9pKmM5lpE8VyVNgwZmp7486JqVnN4UPUpKRzIIvQv3s/s1600/DSCN823966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vNihhG6UauqTPAmeTwGAhr1Nxk2sVpxtcMA65784KFxP9tffSA8OwOFFPf3qyzAf1ffK5HpCWgsoSyWfZvDkM6-HeU78DrLAJ9pKmM5lpE8VyVNgwZmp7486JqVnN4UPUpKRzIIvQv3s/s400/DSCN823966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Choosing art works  with vibrant colours will add instant freshness and warmth to a space. </div><br /> If you want that fresh feeling in your home look to  nature for your inspiration.  You will discover all the colours that make you happy. Use these colours  to develop a complete colour scheme or pick them up as accents. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/355991/Breakers-Beach-House-contemporary-bedroom-"><img alt="Breakers Beach House contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="315" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/355991_0_8-7410-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/hilave/viscusi-elson-interior-design-gina-viscusi-elson" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Viscusi Elson Interior Design - Gina Viscusi Elson via Houzz</a></span></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> Green is the ultimate fresh colour and when you pair it with white you will always have an inviting space.  Pillows or art work with nature inspired themes like leaves or flowers add a whole other layer of freshness to the blandest decor. </span></small></div></div><br /><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/39935/Suzanne-s-Bedroom-Makeover-Win--bedroom-philadelphia" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suzannes Bedroom Makeover Win bedroom" border="0" height="384" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/39935_0_8-5061--bedroom.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/206508/Domicile-id---orange-county"></a><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/domicileid/domicile-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Domicile Interior Design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: left;">Poke small plants into a table top vignette and use nature inspired ceramics to create energy.  Botanical prints always work. </div><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/51922/Sweet-as-a-Candy-eclectic-hall-other-metros"><img alt="Sweet as a Candy eclectic hall" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/51922_0_8-6681-eclectic-hall.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/media-and-blogs/other-metros" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a>  <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/federica/sweet-as-a-candy" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sweet as a Candy</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Topiary  and wreaths laid horizontally  can add inviting touches of nature to arrangements.Again white is the perfect backdrop for green.</span></small></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/152980/OLD-BRAND-NEW-modern-hall-other-metros" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="OLD BRAND NEW modern hall" border="0" height="714" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/152980_0_8-8804-modern-hall.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/media-and-blogs/los-angeles" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/oldbrandnew/dabito" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Dabito via Houzz </a></small></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small> </small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/383583/Camilla-Molders-Design-contemporary-living-room-melbourne"><img alt="Camilla Molders Design contemporary living room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/383583_0_8-9193-contemporary-living-room.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> </small><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/camillamolders/camilla-molders" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Camilla Molders via Houzz</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> If you're someone who can't keep a plant alive for longer than two weeks buy sculptural leaves and artfully add them  to your room. They have a long shelf life! </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/43612/Amoroso-Design-contemporary-family-room-san-francisco"><img alt="Amoroso Design contemporary family room" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/43612_0_8-3144-contemporary-family-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/amorosodesign/amoroso-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Amoroso Design</a></small><br /><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/129132/Bath-contemporary-bathroom-san-francisco"><img alt="Bath contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="504" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/129132_0_8-8880-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="500" /></a><small> </small><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/gastarchitects/gast-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Gast Architects via Houzz</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">You don't need to break the bank when buying fresh flowers .  Make up for quantity by buying the most vivid blooms you can find and group them in threes. </span> </small></div></div><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/383583/Camilla-Molders-Design-contemporary-living-room-melbourne"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/295701/Vintage-Residence-contemporary-dining-room-chicago"><img alt="Vintage Residence contemporary dining room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/295701_0_8-8613-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/chicago" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jessicalagrangeinteriors/jessica-lagrange-interiors-llc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Jessica Lagrange Interiors LLC</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Use fresh fruit to add beautiful colour to your space. These green apples leap off the table in  this high contrast scheme.  Note the splashes of lavender blue too.</span></small><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/218700/Somerly-Clubroom-eclectic-living-room-atlanta"><img alt="Somerly Clubroom eclectic living room" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/218700_0_8-8350-eclectic-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/atlanta" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/ysdesignblog/niki-papadopoulos" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Niki Papadopoulos via houzz</a></small><br /><small><br /></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small>P<span style="font-size: small;">illows and  other accessories can be quickly changed from room to room to make a space look new.  You never know where you will find objects in my house. Recycling what you already own adds freshness to your space. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><br /></small></div></div>

Adding freshness to your home

  We are now in our fog  and freezing rain stage  after a winter of cold and snow. Even my cheery yellow chairs which I see every day  from...

Read more »