Duvall & Co.

For homeowners in the 1950s and 1960s, formal dining rooms were fixtures in their homes. People’s lifestyles revolved around defined schedules, so mealtimes were more formal and structured. Food was cooked in the kitchen and eaten in the dining room, and after finishing the meal, the family retired to the living room. In contrast, modern homeowners are accustomed to less structure and a more casual approach. Busy work schedules combined with busy school schedules contribute to the need for flexibility. Instead of having meals in a designated room, families often choose to eat in the kitchen, out on the patio, or while watching TV. As a result, the dining room is now used only for family gatherings and holiday celebrations, if it is used at all. A survey from Angie’s List notes that while 77% of respondents have a dining room, only 23% regularly eat meals there. Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks notes that families still enjoy their meals together, but they eat in a different part...

When designing a dining room, homeowners want to craft a unique space that reflects the personality of their family, while ensuring the area is practical and comfortable for hosting guests. Three elements can help people strike the ideal balance between style and functionality when designing a dining room. Identify the Purpose of the Space Before designing the dining room, it is essential to understand the function that it will serve. Will the area be used for formal dinner celebrations or casual gatherings of friends and family? How much seating is required? Should the space promote intimate conversations or lively group interaction? The homeowner must first consider the practicalities of his or her design ideas. An elegant dining room that is easily congested or has poor lighting will need to be reworked. Here are some practical tips for design elements. When selecting lighting, avoid downlights, which cast dark shadows on people’s faces. This effect is especially noticeabl...

When people think of a contemporary, elegant table design, concrete may not be the first material that comes to mind. However, concrete furniture has recently experienced a surge in popularity, and people are recognizing that this humble medium has rich design potential. Concrete’s appeal comes from its versatility. The Sp r uce notes, “Although concrete may seem like a cold, flat material, it actually has this astounding way of creating a neutral backdrop for almost any design style—farmhouse, Bohemian, industrial, minimalist, to name a few.” One way to introduce a concrete feature into an interior design is to invest in a dining table that incorporates concrete elements. “For a dining table that has an outside-the-box vibe, look to concrete. It offers a solid surface for family dinners, acts as a neutral stage for tabletop decor, and can be handmade by concrete companies, artisans, or custom-ordered online.” As a custom furniture maker, Duvall & Co. understands that the days...