| Making an impression is central to dramatic style, so | | | | Style Pointers |
| the intimate setting of a dining room is the perfect | | | | WALLS |
| place to express your creative flair- and to revel in the | | | | Rich/sumptuous: vibrant contrasting color paint effects; |
| riches of color, pattern, and texture. | | | | colorwashes and glazes, stippling, faux effects; stone, |
| Dramatic style provides you with a bold canvas, | | | | marble, verdigris; murals, trompe l'oeil, bold plain color, |
| whether your tastes are sleek and contemporary or | | | | gilding/metallics; ornate moldings. |
| steeped in the glamour and history of a period look. | | | | Wall coverings: bold, flamboyant/exotic pattern; |
| Ambiance is important in any dining room, and creating | | | | classical motifs. |
| a setting where your guests have a sense of | | | | WINDOWS |
| well-being underlines its success. However, the mood in | | | | Flamboyant/curtains: lined, full-length, variations of |
| a dramatic dining room or dining area goes further, | | | | dramatic classic styles; pelmets, swags, and tails; |
| bestowing a sense of occasion and making any meal | | | | elaborately draped metal/wooden poles; extravagant |
| served in the room a memorable, almost theatrical | | | | tiebacks, sumptuous cord ties. |
| experience. The success of the style relies on an | | | | Blinds: sleek and architectural with slatted Venetians; or |
| imaginative approach rather than a large budget - | | | | theatrical/exotic festoon styles. |
| creating a great visual effect is what matters. | | | | FABRICS |
| Capitalize on the attributes of the room, such as its | | | | Gorgeous/exotic: richly colored and textured silks; |
| natural light, height, or size. Even a particularly small | | | | satins; moires; saris; luxury devore velvet/velvets; |
| dining room can be an advantage because you can | | | | brocades; shimmery metallics; fur fabrics; bold graphic |
| emphasize its cozy, intimate atmosphere. Highlight any | | | | prints; floaty voiles; shiny plastic/PVC; leather; dramatic |
| key elements: extravagant drapes in luxurious velvets, | | | | pattern prints, stripes, checks. |
| silks, or brocades; crystal glass and sleek, gleaming | | | | FLOORING |
| tableware; large, ornate mirrors and candlesticks; and | | | | Luxurious/bold: wall-to-wall velvet pile carpet; animal |
| the most important element of all, strong, bold color | | | | prints; exotic/theme pattern; customized patterns/faux |
| combinations. | | | | stone/ marble/linoleum effects; parquet; graphic black |
| Creating the Look | | | | and white tiles. |
| Use color on the walls to establish a particular mood. If | | | | Rugs: stylized contemporary/exotic patterns; natural |
| the mood is to be airy and romantic, pale shades, with | | | | cream plains. |
| gilding or shiny metal accents, will help to create the | | | | FURNITURE |
| right ambiance. For a classical twist, you could opt for | | | | Impressive/modern/period: theatrical flourish; glass and |
| graphic black and white. | | | | metal/black lacquer for contemporary looks; rich fruit |
| If the mood is more exotic, or has a sumptuous, period | | | | woods, mahogany, oak, painted/distressed wood, |
| feel, saturate the room with intense, warming color; | | | | painted motif for period look armoire, shelving, serving |
| reds, glowing earthy colors, faux stone, and rich, dark | | | | table/sideboard; metal grille-front radiator covers |
| shades, all have the effect of "pulling in" the walls. | | | | bookcases. |
| Deep purples, midnight blues, and vibrant malachite | | | | Table and chairs: contemporary pale wood/glass and |
| greens have this enclosing, haven-like effect, too, but | | | | metal or heavy period styles for refectory, extending |
| these rich colors also convey a subtly different mood | | | | leaf, trestle styles; circular pedestal table; wrought |
| with an air of mystery and a hint of magic. | | | | metal/sleek wood chairs; flamboyant slipcovers; rich |
| For floor covering, take the lead from your special | | | | texture/color upholstered period chairs. |
| theme. Stone slabs or faux effects and black and | | | | LIGHTING |
| white tiles suggest many looks, from ancient or heraldic | | | | Bold/atmospheric: sets the mood; extravagant looks |
| to classical and ethnic, and can also look very modern. | | | | for traditional or modern chandeliers; contemporary |
| Pile carpet, polished parquet, or customized floor | | | | pendant shades/halogen spots; wrought iron candle |
| designs have a sophisticated, luxurious element to | | | | fittings, character table lamps; dimmer switches; |
| them. | | | | candles/nightlights. |
| Lighting, like color, captures the mood. Dramatic style | | | | ACCESSORIES |
| relishes special effects, so choose lighting designs that | | | | Impressive/eclectic: luxurious, streamlined |
| work for your theme. Torcheres, sconces, picture | | | | contemporary or heavy traditional cutlery; metallic/bold |
| lights, table lights, as well as an imposing light positioned | | | | color underplates; streamlined modern, ornate/metallic |
| centrally over the table, allow you to create subtle | | | | rim traditional dinner service; goblets; metallic/luxurious |
| changes. A dimmer switch gives you control. Candles | | | | tablecloth/mats/napkins; elaborate floral/fruit display; |
| are a vital prop, and are a must for an intimate | | | | striking mirror/picture frames; decorative screens. |
| atmosphere. | | | | |