More Than a Holiday Fix

Thanksgiving is looming. While many look to quick-fix decor stores for festive touches, our clients focus on planning menus. When your dining room design is already beautiful, there’s no need for pumpkin-shaped vases or other seasonal gimmicks. Sure – we love a good napkin, candlestick, or centerpiece. But well-designed spaces rely on timeless wallpaper, lighting, and furniture. And the perfect dining room requires little beyond a turkey to set the scene. Plan now—think a full year ahead—to ensure your dining room is holiday-ready for next November. Some of our favorite dining rooms below.

Casual Dining with Formal Charm

In our Milton project, a casual breakfast nook doubles as a formal dining space. A custom Susan Harter mural anchors the room, framed to fit the wall perfectly. This hand-painted pastel masterpiece is flanked by modern sconces, adding contemporary contrast. The homeowner’s reproduction antique table becomes the focal point, complemented by a soft blue custom sofa from Lee jofa and ikat throw pillows in pale yellow. Woven chairs provide texture and comfort. Above, an Urban Electric pendant light fixture ties the space together. White walls in the rest of the space create a calming atmosphere, allowing the mural to stand out while ensuring the space remains uncluttered. See more of our Milton kitchen as seen in Boston Home.

Old Meets New

Our South End brownstone project features a dining room steeped in history and style. This space retains its original plaster crown molding and millwork, carefully preserved during renovations (architecture by Payne | Collins Design). The client embraced the charm of white walls, choosing a bold, black mid-century modern light fixture to provide contrast. The dining table and chairs are a matching set: Bok chairs and a coordinating table are crafted from white oak, the chairs feature leather seat pads—durable and kid-friendly. A walnut and marble console adds warmth and functionality. It’s paired with white plaster lamps and a curated collection of prints by a Connecticut-based artist. This project proves that modern elements can seamlessly enhance historic charm. See more of our historic brownstone design project here.

Vintage Elegance

In Brookline, a client enjoys two thoughtfully designed dining spaces. In the formal dining room, the client’s brother crafted a stunning walnut table, paired with matching walnut chairs. Family artwork and custom drapery elevate this space, creating a connection to the adjacent formal living room. Both dining spaces demonstrate how thoughtful design celebrates family and function.

The casual dining room features a vintage pedestal table, perfect for Friday night card games. We paired it with Knoll tulip chairs, updating the space with navy upholstered cushions. The light fixture mimics the table’s intricate details, while simple white walls and window treatments maintain a fuss-free vibe. Artwork by the client’s mother, an artist, brings a personal touch. Explore more of our Brookline interior design project in The Boston Globe.

Minimalist White

In our historic Hingham renovation, a custom bench with mid-century inspiration serves a sleek white table, creating a space perfect for both everyday meals and holiday feasts. Contrasting walnut chairs with black leather seats add richness and texture. A minimalist white and brass light fixture hangs above, balancing the room’s design. White drapery panels and Roman shades frame the windows, ensuring the space feels open yet private.

This dining room proves that casual spaces can feel just as refined as formal ones with the right design choices. See more of our historic home renovation project in Hingham here.

Thoughtful Design

Thoughtful dining room design enhances daily life while making holiday entertaining effortless. Invest in timeless elements like custom furniture, striking light fixtures, and artful details to ensure your dining room feels intentional and welcoming year-round. Casual or formal, historic or modern – every dining space can become a masterpiece with thoughtful design. Don’t wait until next November…