Dining Room

Formal Dining with Butler's Pantry that connects this space to the Kitchen beyond.

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with butter's pantry that connects this space to the kitchen

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Wainscoting

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Paint Kitchen/ DIning Room this color

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drapes over french doors

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More of Ross' style rather than mine.... it must be growing on me

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ENTIRE LAYOUT AND DESIGN Candle chandeliers. If you like long lingering meals by candlelight, try a fixture with faux-candle shades. These lights offer a warm, romantic glow. And during the holidays you can add fun accents like branches and ornaments without worrying they will catch on fire. If you are concerned about this kind of light not being strong enough, just remember that you can and should layer different types of lighting in a room, so include other table lamps, floor lamps or sconces

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A custom half-circle window was installed in the breakfast nook. The window makes the space feel larger by providing a view straight into the backyard and allowing plenty of morning light to filter through. A built-in bench provides extra seating and makes the space feel cozy.

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Stonework creates a niche for art and console table. Notice how the arch is repeated between the window

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Skip the chrome — you want metals with soft, warm undertones. Think brass, bronze and copper for lighting and plumbing fixtures. Gilt-framed mirrors and artwork are always on point. Crystal chandeliers and sconces complement traditional elegance nicely. Make it fresh: First: No '80s-era shiny brass. Instead, choose metals with some tarnish, patina or texture. Oil-rubbed bronze looks updated but blends well with classic décor. Or try pewter — it worked for the Colonists.

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Breakfast room

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Sea grass and abaca chairs, a custom wood table and brass chandeliers add organic texture to the dining area; the wood tones bring warmth to the crisp white walls. Dining chairs: Pottery Barn; dining table: custom, Darci Goodman; chandeliers: Restoration Hardware Private Comment

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Turquoise throws and earth-tone glassware add splashes of color to the otherwise neutral palette. Natural light floods the space through two lofty windows and wood panel doors. Private Comment Add to Ideabookby Ellen Grasso Inc by Ellen Grasso Inc Curves dominate the dining area. The backs of the table, rust-tone orb chandelier, archway and tufted chairs all bend and arch; even the reflection of the staircase in the oversize mirror adds to the curves.

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Transom windows pair perfectly with other special architectural features. In this dining room, crown molding, wainscoting, a built-in buffet and a seven-lite transom window combine to create a custom space.

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Horizontal wainscoting in this dining room helps to stretch the space visually — it feels larger than it is. It also lays a foundation for the creamy tones of the chairs, table and draperies.

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find candle holders to go on either side of china cabinet

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dramatic drapery for dining room

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