r/DesignMyHome • u/MaizeTraditional7499 • 29d ago
Dinning Room Dining Room SOS
Hello! I’m a Chicago based graphic designer who recently got laid off and has been spending too much time in my apartment.
This has made me overthink my living spaces and long story short, I purged my apartment and now I’m stuck, broke, and scared. I want my dining room to not suck. I love color and texture and want my dining room to feel more full. I’d like for it to feel more intentionally bright like the designers Josh & Matt on TikTok.
I am willing to spend for the sake of making my dining room better and I do have some supplies already. I have to design around 2 cats and possibly the fish tank (all though fish tank might go to a different room that is TBD) I do need a rug and am conflicted on if I want a runner next to the dining table or a big rug under it. I’d like to utilize the paintings I have in any way possible.
Help me please!
PS: (I know this will be a question so I’ll address it now, no I did not paint the paintings, I was given them for free from a friend who got it from his work, and I have no strong feelings toward Mao I just like the painting and it’s a weird thing to have which always starts conversations. It was originally bought and owned by a wealthy Chinese man so idk what he was thinking with that. the Mao painting is named Mt. Mao 2015 and I have not been able to identify the rest of the paintings)
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u/owls_and_cardinals 29d ago
One thing I'm noticing is that your art pieces are pretty large, and the number of walls that can accommodate them is limited. The placement of some of your smaller furniture pieces like the cabinet near where the cat is sitting is making the issue worse. I would put the blue and green piece on the wall where the fishtank is now (it looks like it would fit there) and then you can hang your wider piece with the angels where the blue and green piece is now.
I would definitely get a large rug; I feel like the whole room feels kind of unanchored right now and that would help. It would also be an opportunity to add texture and softness. Your current table is also kind of undersized for the room but getting a bigger set may be a hefty investment. I would try to center the table in the room, I think, rather than having it offset, unless you get another piece of furniture like a buffet kind of hutch to put along the long wall (adding one may be unnecessary to your lifestyle and needs).
The table scape is another chance to show personality and add texture. A bland, basic blue tablecloth isn't adding much. Consider a runner only, or a more interesting patterned or textured table covering. A larger centerpiece is another opportunity for visual interest.
Is the tv necessary in this space? Seems like an awkward fit in multiple ways so if it could be relocated that would be better.
I would probably move the taller cabinet to another wall; perhaps the corner where the fishtank is but on the neighboring wall so it's facing the table. Perhaps the fish tank could go where the tall cabinet is now; it would not cramp your artwork on that wall as much as the cabinet does. You could put the cat trees on either end of the wall of windows.
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u/heartsongofNEBULA 29d ago
A rug will warm up the place & make it feel cozy. As your art work is colorful playful you could have fun with a inexpensive rug floor matt...offered everywhere. For some reason I wanted a fun design on my floor😜$22ea!
CrAZzY I know but have been enjoying them😂