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Retro Reinvented

Traditional chair patterns and shapes done in a new way are popular now, says Adam Tilley, vice president of product development for Stanley Furniture. A Chippendale chair done in black, for instance, or a Rococo chair in a lively paint color, beautifully combine traditional and modern influences.

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  • Delicious Trends in Dining Furniture

    Looking to update your dining room furniture? Here’s a peek at what’s new and notable.

    by Jane Kitchen

    Dining rooms have evolved quite a bit over the past several years. Take a look at what’s hot now—and going forward.

     

    Casual Chic

    Gone are the days of the grand, formal dining rooms used only for special occasions; today’s dining rooms are far more casual, and used way more often. Wood types, finishes, table shapes and chair styles all reflect this more relaxed feel, where comfort and usability reign supreme.

    “We’re noticing an emphasis on people taking the formality of a traditional dining room down a notch, and making the space a more usable and functional part of their home,” says Melissa Enriquez, an interior designer with Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based Sur la Mer Design.

    With formal dinner parties having given way to lighter, faster and more casual meals or buffets, furniture that better suits this type of entertaining is becoming increasingly popular.

    More casual looks also lend themselves to more casual table shapes that emphasize community over formality. Round dining tables encourage conversation, while counter-height, longer stadium tables are perfect for casual dining in family rooms or great rooms.

     

    A Rugged Edge

    “Gone are the days of formal, high-gloss, high-maintenance furniture,” says Jena Hall, executive vice president of merchandising and design for aspenhome. Recycled looks like “rough lux” and “urban rustic” have come on strong, and materials in general are being showcased more often.

    “The look is woody and real, rather than plasticy and covered up,” says Adam Tilley, vice president of product development for Stanley Furniture.

    Heavy physical distressing, significantly antiqued finishes and a natural wood looks provide a more relaxed feel, while reclaimed woods are increasingly popular for both their unfussy feel and sustainable, eco-friendly appeal.

    “My clients seek the more casual, less ‘precious’ finishes that these reclaimed woods offer,” says Enriquez. “They also enjoy the freedom of entertaining friends and hosting family dinners without having to hover over that red wine glass sitting on the wood without a coaster.”

     

    Function Favored

    Not only are today’s dining rooms used more and more often for less formal events, they’re also used for far more than dining.

    “So many people are now using their dining rooms as multipurpose rooms to work, play and relax with family and friends in,” says Hall. “The dining table has become the new homework central or home office.”

    As a result, comfortable chairs are a must, and upholstered seats and seat backs that can double as home office chairs are also important. Many sport either stain-resistant fabrics or leather seats, both of which make for easy maintenance.

    “Chair fabrics are getting more and more relaxed and sturdy,” says Tilley. “It’s all about casual luxury.”

    A recent Stanley collection uses soft, natural linen with upholsterer’s spit tacks in place of traditional nailhead on the dining chairs to give a hand-crafted, almost industrial look that’s still polished. Look for nubby wovens like Hungarian grain sacks to make an appearance soon. 

     

    Mix and Match

    Enriquez says she’s also seen a trend towards mixing several styles into one space; for instance, a modern lacquered table paired with antique French farm chairs, atop layered cowhide rugs. Don’t be afraid to mix and match according to your own personal tastes, or to incorporate family heirlooms with new pieces.

    “The allure of mixing and matching styles not only keeps things visually fresh and interesting, but is in line with the more modern way of thinking, where we are reusing and recycling as much as possible,” says Enriquez.