- 1). Update your idea of Italian. A lot of Italian decor can be cheesy, like cookie jars that look like fat chefs. A few years ago, faux finishes were all the rage to simulate plaster walls. Instead, they ended up looking like mold. Just because you want a Tuscan theme doesn't mean that you have to have a grape wallpaper border. Go for the overall feeling instead of a literal theme. Think of how an Italian dining room would really look if it was actually in Italy.
- 2). Go rustic. In Italy, it's not uncommon to find homes that are older than anything we could imagine. Embrace imperfections in existing pieces. Not everything has to be shiny & new. Look for an old farmhouse table that will have enough seating for all of your family & friends. Distress an existing table or chairs by beating it up with chains & even hammers. Then put a dark glaze or stain over it to really show the character. Plus, it's a fantastic way to get out your aggressions & any hatred you may have had toward your old dining room furniture.
- 3). Italian design has a lot to do with nature. Bring in natural stones, or rich dark woods on your furniture. The room doesn't have to be over designed but should have a warm feeling to it. Otherwise it will end up looking like a pizza parlor.
- 4). Bring in color. More modern design tends to stick with neutral colors & even a black & white color palette. This just isn't fitting for an Italian dining room. Use rich earth tones like yellows or terra cottas. This will balance the darker wood tones in the room without seeming overwhelming.
- 5). Keep it comfortable. Be prepared to have people relax in your Italian dining room. This may even mean that they linger over their meals. As such, you should make sure that your dining room chair will suit a lot of different body types & it's not just for show.
- 6). Be ready for a crowd. An Italian dining room automatically brings up images of large family dinners. Make sure that your dining room table has a leaf in it so everyone can have a place to eat in your fantastic new space.
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