Experts Talk Feasts and Fellowship in Dining Areas
Dining rooms, designated spaces for sharing meals and fellowship, have a distinct air about them elevating them from the rest of the home. Especially during the holiday season, dining spaces hold a particular charm and function.
Depending on the household, they may typically be used for everyday meals or reserved for special occasions. Whether held in a more formal regard or basic function, eating and sharing meals is at the heart of a home.
And while standard dining rooms have traditionally held an esteemed place in America, the tides shifted and an evolution began decades ago.
“In the 1990’s there was a shift,” Karen Siegrist, an interior designer for 40 years, who currently manages HJ Martin & Son Inc., says. “Dining rooms disappeared and America went to the open concept layout. This would include a kitchen, dining area and great room all integrated into one usable space.”
“We’re seeing a lot of homes that have very small dining areas,” Hannah Rakovalis, Sales Manager/Interior Designer for Macco’s Floor Covering Center, adds. “In their place are large islands with seating for the family.”
Home builders at that time considered square footage essential and opted for large walk-in closets and functional spaces for storage taking pertinence over appointed rooms for dining.
With the design world’s ebb and flow, the industry is seeing home builder’s priorities shift yet again, wanting to bring back past traditions and a homey feel that lends itself to togetherness, often seen at mealtimes.
“Maybe homeowners are feeling the need to turn off or unplug the phones and tablets that fit so easily into casual open concept living,” Siegrist says. “Turn off the television while you are eating and gather into a dining room to linger over a meal with friends and family.”
Regardless of style or perimeters, dining areas deserve attention to detail when it comes to design and decor—during this magical season.
Whether designing from scratch or decorating for a holiday party, our local experts—Ann Holz of Interiors Plus and Hannah Rakovalis, Sales Manager/Interior Designer for Macco’s Floor Covering Center; and Karen Siegrist, an interior designer who currently manages HJ Martin & Son Inc.—chime in on dining room design, functionality and entertaining during the holidays.
What should hosts consider regarding functionality and holiday decor in their dining area?
Ann Holz: My number one tip is to use functional storage furniture which doubles as a styling opportunity. By layering greenery, candles, or festive accents onto practical pieces like buffets, bar carts, and benches, homeowners can make their dining and entertainment spaces festive and guest-ready. The decorating goal always should be to create a space that feels festive, welcoming, and easy to enjoy.
Hannah Rakovalis: Along with open floor plans, we like to keep the flooring consistent throughout the entertaining space. By not having barriers like walls or flooring lines that can be uneven, it allows for more versatility when rearranging furniture for larger groups.
Wet bars or coffee bars are an excellent way to add extra storage but can be designed with a little more flair than your standard kitchen cabinetry. Sometimes, it’s open shelves for display or a fun tile backsplash or even wallpaper.
Karen Siegrist: A great feature of having a dining room is that it gives you a place for creative freedom! Sure, the open concept plan gives you combined space that flows and is cohesive, but the dining room can have a soul. A place for unique color, adding texture and textiles. The dining room can have a different décor and be a statement room.
Show off gorgeous wallpaper, distinctive lighting, collective artworks or antiques. Create a warm, inviting and festive atmosphere with holiday decorating that can help build lasting memories!
Hannah Rakovalis: There are a lot of really great flooring options that clean up easily. Consider a vinyl plank that is much more carefree than a hardwood. Regardless of your flooring type, keep up with replacing the felt pads on the bottom of your tables and chairs and make sure any temporary furniture always has floor protection. Additionally, if someone spills on your carpet and you’re unsure how to clean it, one of the best things you can do is to keep it moist and call a professional carpet cleaner. Oftentimes, once something dries it’s more difficult to clean.
Any quirky stories about past projects or the shift in home design regarding dining rooms?
Karen Siegrist: Another design addition the last few years is the introduction of “prep kitchens” or “sculleries.” This way you can relax and enjoy a great meal without the reminder of the cleanup. Sculleries enhance the functionality of the home with organized storage and a space for messy tasks out of sight of family or guests.
Hannah Rakovalis: With the shift away from designated dining areas and toward larger islands, I like to remind customers not to skip a secondary seating area for eating. This is especially true for customers building their forever homes or even families with young children or even some guests; sitting on a tall island chair may not always be practical.
Ann Holz: There has been a huge shift in home design regarding the dining room; it is no longer just for special meals. The dining room has become a multi-purpose place for remote work, a homework zone, casual meals, and gatherings. Furniture pieces now have more of a dual function (expandable tables, hidden storage and benches) are more common.
What are you seeing as holiday decorating trends this year, and trends in dining area design in general?
Ann Holz: Holiday décor trends can be inspiring, but the most meaningful spaces are those that reflect your personal style and story. Not everyone wants—or needs—to buy new decorations each year just to keep up with what’s popular. 2025 is about mixing nostalgia with modern elegance.
- Nostalgic and Vintage: Retro ornaments, heirlooms, multi-colored lights, vintage bulb styles.
- Multiple Theme Trees: Smaller trees throughout the home, each with its own style or color. Unexpected
- Colors: Butter yellow, pinks, teals, oranges, icy blues, or sleek monochrome palettes.
- Lush Greenery: Extra-full garlands and statement greenery, often accented with ornaments or bells.
- Smart and Sustainable Lighting: LED, app-controlled setups, and vintage-style bulbs with modern tech.
- Mixed Textures: Pairing soft textiles (velvet, boucle, fur) with metals, glass, or gilded finishes.
- Dining rooms and entertainment space trends for 2025 are using rich colors, natural warmth, and layered details which make dining and gathering spaces festive, elegant, and personal.
- Statement lighting: chandeliers, pendants, and sconces become sculptural focal points.Moody Palettes: jewel tones, deep colors, and metallic accents.
- Natural textures: wood, greenery, dried florals, moss, and earthy finishes.
- Soft metallics: champagne, brushed gold, and copper mixed with matte + shiny surfaces.
- Multiple focal points: mini trees, decorated corners, and layered garlands across furniture.
- Layered textures: velvet, boucle, rugs, and luxe table linens paired with glass or metal.
