For most people, the dining room is both a space to eat and a space to work. Depending on how you use your dining room space, you will want to decorate it differently. For example, if it is primarily your home office, then you will want to use some strategic file storage units that blend into the overall décor. If it is primarily used for dining, then you will want to focus your storage more on dining materials, such as plates and nice silverware.
Dining Room as an Office
For those using the dining room as an office-eating room blend, purchase some square foot-stool storage units. These are small cubes that look like foot rests, but when you open the top, they are truly unique filing cabinets. These footstools can be nicely stored in the corner of your dining room and be completely inconspicuous for guests. They are easy to move around and can stored just about any type of file you require.
Set aside a drawer in your bureau or cupboard for your office items, such as pens, paper, calculators and other essential supplies. This drawer is easily accessible and can hide any office clutter so that your workspace stays clean and easy to transform for any last-minute dinner with friends.
The key to balancing a dining room office and eating area is staying tidy. Keep in mind that your dining room is a main room of your home and is most likely in view any time a guest drops by for a visit. The last thing you want is to have your papers and other work items strewn all over the space in disarray. At the end of everyday, spend a few moments tidying your papers so that you are ready to go back to work the next day with a clean slate. A clean dining room office will be healthy for you and your roommates.
Dining Room as Eating Space
If you use your dining room primarily as an eating space, then you will be able to decorate with food and entertainment in mind. It is always easiest to keep placemats on your table, ready for entertainment at a moment’s notice. The placemats will make your dining room appear frequently used and functional as an eating area more than any other room.
Select food images for your walls – whether they are paintings, photographs or other forms of artwork. The food theme will resonate well as you entertain friends and family. Counterbalance the themed walls with wispy and long curtains on your windows for a truly pulled-together look.
Countertops should be free of clutter. If you find that you have a plethora of dining materials, such as serving trays and platters, than consider investing in a dining bureau that would house all of your items. A corner cabinet is also a perfect alternative to storing wine glasses in a simple cupboard. Spend some time at a local furniture store selecting the pieces of storage furniture that fit with your house the best. Storage furniture, when selected properly, can be your very best friend.