featured in style at home
There is something incredibly special about a dining room. It is where celebrations unfold, conversations stretch late into the evening, and everyday moments become meaningful rituals. More than almost any other space in the home, a dining room is designed around connection, creating an atmosphere that encourages people to slow down, gather, and stay awhile.
And we are so excited to see our #projectriverhaven featured in the Summer edition of Style at Home. Warm, layered, and intentionally inviting, this dining space became one of our favourite rooms to design within the home. Every detail was selected to create a setting that feels both elevated and deeply livable.
When designing a dining room, there are a few foundational elements we always come back to. These are also the details we encourage you to consider when designing your own space.
anchoring atmosphere
A statement light fixture is often the element that defines the entire room. More than simply functional, lighting has the ability to create mood, soften architecture, and bring a sense of artistry to the space.
In our #projectriverhaven dining room, the double fixtures became an intentional focal point, adding sculptural presence while casting a warm glow across the space. We are always drawn to lighting that feels collected and timeless, whether through organic forms, aged finishes, or unexpected scale.
The right fixture does not simply illuminate a dining room. It transforms the experience of gathering within it.
Source: Candace Plotz Design
curating comfort
Dining rooms should feel layered, intimate, and rich with personality. One of the most impactful ways to create that feeling is through the walls themselves. Wallpaper, architectural detailing, textured finishes, or moody paint tones all add dimension and visual warmth that instantly elevate the room.
These details create a sense of atmosphere that makes a dining room feel enveloping and inviting, especially in open concept homes where defining spaces becomes essential.
Comfort also plays an equally important role. Dining chairs should invite guests to settle in and linger long after the meal is over. Upholstered seating, soft curves, and tactile fabrics bring ease and warmth to the experience, balancing beauty with livability in a way that always feels welcoming.
The most memorable dining rooms are the ones that make people want to stay a little longer.
Source: Candace Plotz Design
grounding connection
A rug is often the finishing layer that quietly pulls the entire room together. It grounds the furniture, softens acoustics, and adds an undeniable sense of warmth beneath the table.
Beyond aesthetics, rugs help create intimacy within a larger floorplan by defining the dining space while adding texture and softness that make the room feel complete. We always pay close attention to scale, ensuring the rug extends generously beyond the chairs for both comfort and functionality.
At #projectriverhaven, every detail was designed to create a dining experience that feels relaxed yet refined, a space where entertaining feels effortless and everyday moments feel elevated. At the end of the day, the most beautiful dining rooms are never just about the furniture or finishes. They are about creating a place people genuinely want to gather.
Source: Candace Plotz Design
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