The Bold and the Beautiful

I don't shy away from patterns or colour. I'm the girl who unflinchingly wears stripes, leopard print, and polka-dots simultaneously. I think a good bold pattern (or 3) can add interest, fun, and animation to an outfit or a room.

I'm drawn to bold patterns in dining rooms. Personally, I feel you can go a little wilder there. A lot of people don't use their dining room regularly, making it the perfect space to experiment a little. In a space you use constantly - you want to make sure your eye is able to rest a bit. It needs to be at least a little bit soothing. I think of dining rooms as places for lively conversations, debates over mashed potatoes, and raucous laughter - and I think they should have the decor to match. There are some amazing (and not old-fashioned) wallpapers out there that make the perfect backdrop for a friendly meal.

Original source unknown, via Pinterest.

By Atmosphere Interior Design

By Liz Levin Interiors

By Tiffany Richey, via La Dolce Vita

If you're feeling overwhelmed  by pattern, you could always use wainscotting on the lower portion of the wall and paper just the top, like these:

By Jill Unger, via Quadrille Fabrics

Original source unknown, via Pinterest.

Or just go for a bold piece of art to wake up the senses:

By Nate Berkus

Here's what I would do, given free reign:

1. The King of Van Horn by Christina Shaffell, via society6 - blown up to poster size.
2. Graphic and colourful wallpaper by Hanna Werning.
3. Drapes in this awesome Mohave fabric.
4. Trio of geometric prints by David Fleck, via society6.
5. A set of my favourite Hans J. Wegner wishbone chairs - this time in Violet.
6. Crate & Barrel Atwood Chest as a sideboard but I would switch out the existing knobs for...
7. ...Solar Topography Knobs from Anthropologie.
8. The stunning Polyedres pendant by Hubert le Gall, via 1stdibs.
9. Gorgeous DwellStudio rug (Canada Represent.) via Modern Karibou.
10. The classic Saarinen dining table, via design within reach.

What do you think? Would you consider experimenting with the design of your dining room? Or do you prefer something more traditional? I'll be honest - if money was no option, the dining room above would be MINE. It's one of my all-time favourite design boards.