No matter if you are an entertaining fanatic, enjoy preparing for family gatherings, or simply an everyday meal, the dining room is surely the heart of your home. Because we spend so much time in our dining rooms, it’s important that the design is both functional and to our tastes. If your dining room is feeling drab, it’s time for a refresh! From the lighting to artwork, there are endless ways you can warm up your dull dining room space. Below are some ideas that will help you focus on the small changes that will revamp your dining room space without breaking the bank.

Refresh Your Walls

Nowadays, there are other options for easily and affordably refreshing your dining room walls beyond a repaint. Adding a wallpaper contrast to your space creates the perfect base to highlight a favorite pattern, texture or color. Lining just the top half of a wall lets a pricey pick go further. If you’re looking to DIY, there are lots of inexpensive removable wallpaper options that mean no mess and easy removal! If you’re looking to really add a contemporary wow factor, add textured wallpaper to the ceiling, but make sure your guests don’t crank their neck gazing at it too long! Don’t be afraid to go bold. A dark ceiling color can create a sense of depth to make a small dining room feel spacious enough to seat all your guests comfortably. With an endless number of color and pattern options, you are sure to find the perfect wallpaper to complement your space.

Aside from the main look of the wall, is the decor placed on it. Wall art comes in an endless number of styles, sizes and color options, which allows you to create an engaging look that is personalized to your tastes. Transform an open and plain wall into a timeless focal point with an oversized clock, a versatile addition that lends any room in your home a touch of charm. If you’re short on wall art, choose from a variety of large mirrors for your walls instead. This dining room hack not only makes an area feel larger, but mirrors also bounce light around the room, making the candlelit dinner feel that much more intimate.

Get Your Lighting Fix

Don’t forget to look up! It is no secret that lighting can make or break a room. When done right, it creates a warm mood that’s perfect for evenings spent around the dinner table. Dining room chandelier ideas are abundant, and the possibilities are endless, so spend time finding the right piece to elevate the look of your space. Whether your taste is traditional, contemporary or something else altogether, it's likely that you’ll have a chandelier or another hanging light fixture in your dining room. Additionally, you may consider some accent lighting. For instance, if you are looking to cast light down over the kitchen sink, or stylishly brighten your cooking work space, pendant lights can do just the trick. Choose from a variety of styles that will add updated charm to your kitchen and dining space.

Seasonal Seating

Dining chairs play a vital role in the dining room. How they look and fit in the room is important, but it is essential they’re comfortable for your fancy holiday dinners and late-night cravings alike. If you want to make a big change without a big budget, try swapping out the host chairs (at the head of the table and on the opposite side) for ones that exhibit more personality to seat your royal bottom. Choose from a variety of stand-out style and patterns that make for an inviting texture and visual interest. Chair cushions are a great way to add color or design as well and can also be switched out seasonally to match your holiday decor. When buying cushions, consider buying a few spare replacements in case one falls victim to a wine Wednesday spill.

Terrific Tablescape

When it comes to dining room upgrades, it can be all about the little things. When it comes to decorating the table or island, focus on your centerpiece. Inexpensive scented pine cone mixes and arrangements fragrant your house while creating an appealing moment. For a more modern and contemporary feel, incorporate a number of different sized glass vases to act as the centerpiece. Place the vases on their own in the center of your table or on an accent cabinet in your living room for a streamlined, modern look or add a fresh blossoming flower bouquet to the vases for a fun and vibrant tablescape design. You can also add some more flair to your kitchen decor by swapping in statement linens and runners under your centerpiece to change the look of your dining room seasonally.

Floor Decor

Now that you've warmed up the lighting and brightened up your walls, there is no better bow to wrap it all up than a dining room area rug that ties your design together. Whether you want your dining room to feel classy, homey or something in between, your rug can make or break that feeling you get when you step foot into the room. When choosing an area rug color scheme, you can focus on colors that are already in your space or bring new colors into your room. For instance, sometimes family photos and heirlooms can make your dining room feel unmatched. If this happens, try adding a rug that incorporates all the colors and makes the room feel clean and homey. On the other end, by incorporating new colors and textures via the use of rugs, your dining room can easily go from drab to fab.

Next time you are gathered with family and friends around the dining room table, feel confident with these new additions that added the perfect touch of updated style to the heart of your home.