Dining Room Ideas Fit for a Feast

The Singapore Food Festival is an annual, month-long event that is usually held once a year. Starting from the end of June to the end of July, anything from Michelin-starred fine dining to hawker food, the bold flavours that we get to enjoy here in the Little Red Dot is celebrated and takes centre stage. Since there are restrictions still in place, the Singapore Food Festival has taken the backseat and, as of date, has been postponed to August. But that does not mean that you can’t celebrate the diverse food options with your co-inhabitants! With food delivery now being a popular way to get mouth-watering meals sent right to your doorstep, all that’s left is creating the perfect ambience in your dining room to get the party started. Not sure where to begin when it comes to your dining room design? We cover dining room ideas that will help create a huge food fiesta in your humble abode!

The Basics of Dining Room Design

Oftentimes, the dining room is rarely a room that is made full use of. The convenience of just grabbing your meal and sitting by the TV while lounging on the couch is unbeatable. Because of this, not much effort is put into the dining space – standard practice is to add a dining table and chairs just to fill the area. Adding to this is the fact that most dining rooms are regarded with more formality compared to other rooms in the house. However, even if it is not a space that is used frequently or daily, injecting some fun and putting in some effort when designing the space can make a tremendous difference in its overall feel. So, if you’re looking to create a dining space that reflects the grandeur imbued in food festivals, consider the following to make it an intimate affair:

1. Functionality

Being a place where you’ll probably host guests and expose it to an entire slew of mishaps like spills and stains, you’ll want the dining room design to not only be aesthetically pleasing but also functional and robust. With furniture being the main focus of interest, the material of the furnishings integrated into the space must be on point.

When it comes to dining tables, there are a few popular material choices – wood, ceramic, and marble. If planning a dinner party, then a more durable option would be best. Something that requires little to no maintenance is also ideal because let’s be honest, not all of us enjoy cleaning up the mess after the party is over. Wooden dining tables are durable, economical, and they also last for years. If the classic marble dining tables are opted for, then be sure that coasters are used all the time. Nothing sticky, hot, or cold should ever be placed directly on a marble top dining table.

2. Maximisation of the dining room layout

Space is scarce in most homes in Singapore. Therefore, choosing the correct dining table shape will set the foundation. For a comfortable dining space that is perfect for entertaining big crowds, opt for a long, rectangular dining table. Long and angular dining tables can also be pushed against wall corners, making them ideal if there is limited floor space. For a more cosy ambience, a round dining table would work well.

Gorgeous Yet Functional Dining Room Decorating Ideas

Whether you have your eyes set on a solid wood dining table or marble top dining table, you can make use of any affordable furniture to transform your dining room into an ideal spot for entertaining. Here are a few cool ideas to experiment with:

1. Go wild with your options

Lift Top Coffee Table – LIAM

From geometric tables to ones designed with unique material, anything goes! One-of-a-kind pieces like the COLLAR and SKORPIO make great conversation starters. Beyond your dining table, you can throw in coffee tables which will keep the party going in other parts of your home. When buying dining tables in Singapore, look for innovative pieces like the LIAM, which has a lift-up mechanism so that you can host guests in the living room as well. From marble coffee tables to industrial-themed coffee tables, there are several sofa side table options on online furniture shops like LoftHome.

2. Mixing the old with the new

Choosing a dining table set will most definitely be a convenient option. But to add some personality into the space, you can mix and match certain elements. For example, the STRATOS will work perfectly with vintage pieces like the CRANK. You can even mix other contemporary furniture and chairs with different upholstery for a more modern look.

3. Monochromatic

If mixing things up is not your cup of tea, you could work with 1 colour throughout the space. Got yourself a wooden dining table? Wooden dining benches can be used instead of stools for a more complete and cohesive feel.

Understanding Popular Modern Interior Designs

When designing a home, whether you’re working with an interior designer or a contractor, one of the first things you’ll have to decide on is the interior layout and style that will work best with your preferences and lifestyle needs. From eclectic to rustic interior design, the list of design styles is endless. Add to this the fact that layering, blending different elements, playing with different colours and materials, will create new designs, and you’ll never run out of design ideas. When it comes to thematic inspiration, a quick search on the World Wide Web will give you a glimpse into some of the more popular interior design schemes. Why are they so popular? And how is it that some started as a simple trend and transformed to an all-time classic, standing the test of time? We cover the core aspects of 7 types of design styles and let you in on some ways you can bring these chic looks to your own home.

1. Industrial Interior Design

If there was a top 3 list of interior design schemes, industrial is sure to make the cut. All about the rustic touch, it revolves around being unfinished and raw. If this is the scheme that you want to achieve in your home, several key elements must be included. Metal, wood, and leather are some of the materials that are a must, and in terms of colours, neutrals should be the go-to. If you would like to inject your abode with a splash of colours, it should be very controlled and minimal, strategically utilised to elevate the rough-around-the-edges look. Normally, there would be exposed brick walls, but since that might not be a feasible option in HDB flats here in Singapore, décor like vintage study tables and leather luxury sofas that are rustic and mature can be considered. Antique pieces are also a brilliant solution when attempting to add some personality to the space.

2. Scandinavian Interior Design

Before contemporary and minimalist interior design came about, there was Scandi interior. For those who are aware of the Bauhaus principles, Scandi interior abides by its idea that form follows function. Simple yet elegant geometric shapes are used, with a major emphasis put on fluid lines and proportion. Another Bauhaus principle that is still followed to this day is that multiple art forms must come together and work in synergy. For a sleek and well-put-together look that is free of any design collision, grey tones and other neutrals are colours often used in this type of style for the strong foundation they offer.

3. Maximalist Interior Design

If there was one design scheme that lets homeowners go all out, it has to be maximalism. Similar to eclectic interior design, close to no rules apply – just follow the motto ‘more is more’. Opt for bold colours, loud patterns, unique materials like velvet, and layer them all together. From good leather sofas to marble dining tables, anything goes with this scheme. When it comes to the hues befitting this style, jewel tones are a popular choice. Need more design ideas on how to bring maximalist interior to life? Try replicating the Great Gatsby maximalist interior!

4. Bohemian Interior Design

Also known as boho-chic, it is one of the most common styles seen in celebrity homes. Capturing the carefree spirit through its layering of textiles, boho-chic imbues the space with lightness and airiness. A warm ambience can be created with materials such as wood, leather, and a touch of metal. Purposefully messy, the bohemian interior should remind you of a holiday resort. So, go ahead and get that vintage side table and wooden chest of drawers that you’ve had your eyes on.

5. Urban Modern Interior Design

Perfectly complementary to the concrete jungle that we live in, the urban modern style has a touch of futuristic elements. Combining urban décor with vintage accents, this is a sleek and versatile design that will age well with any home. Although relatively simple to pull off, it still demands some artistic expression. Therefore, to kickstart your design journey towards urban modernism, add mirrors, pillows, and coffee tables to make the space more personal. To ensure that it does not feel too constrained and rigid, throw in vintage sofas and vintage side tables. This will make the space more inviting and easier on the eye.

6. Shabby Chic Interior Design

Combining a “grandma”-esque style with modernity is known as shabby chic. Often using pastels and neutral tones, it naturally has an aged look to it. To further emphasise this, you can also add vintage pieces throughout your home. Throws over the couch, thick duvets over mattresses, flowy curtains, and a generous amount of linen textiles are key elements to add. You can even customise your sofa to have upholstery with some patina to it!

7. Minimalist Interior Design

Minimalist interior design is probably one of the most well-known design styles. Totally uncomplicated and clean, your abode will look spick and span with this layout. Unlike maximalist interior design, minimalism is all about “less is more”. Factoring in structure and organisation, it is reminiscent of Japanese interior. To keep the clutter away, add in bookshelves, display shelves, and coffee tables with hidden storage space.

No Regrets! Your Guide to Shopping for Furniture Online

A big fan of huge savings? Well, guess what? The Great Singapore Sale is just around the corner, so get your cards ready and splurge on that luxury sofa you’ve been eyeing. Rumour has it that the Great Singapore Sale will be running from the 6th of June to the 7th of July – a full month’s worth of discounts and cheap buys! However, with the additional measures back in place, some may be wary about heading out and shopping in crowds. Especially when it comes to furniture, where most will want to feel the goods before putting their cash down. But that does not mean that you’ll have to miss out on all the massive sales! With several furniture suppliers taking things to the World Wide Web, online furniture shops in Singapore are aplenty. Simply look up “furniture online”, and you’re sure to be bombarded by a whole slew of options.

Although online shopping is now the new normal, it is understandable that shopping sight-unseen can be daunting for some. From being uncertain if the price is too good to be true or if the quality of the furniture will be up to par with your expectations, there are several common concerns amongst online shoppers. There are, however, certain tips and tricks to take note of to ensure your buy will not disappoint – we cover them in this blog.

Mistake #1: Not Referring to Measurements

Nobody wants to buy furniture only to get one that's too big for a specific room in their house, or even worse, too big to enter their front gate! To make sure this never happens, be sure to compare the measurements of the space you have available at home with that of the furniture. If there are no measurements stated on the online furniture shop, try reaching out to their customer service personnel. Flash sale, and you just don’t have the time for all that? At least refer to their refund policy so that you can return the piece if desperate.

Mistake #2: Not Considering Assembly & Delivery Charges

Ever added multiple items to your cart, only to check out and see a huge delivery charge added to the total? Well, we’ve all been there! Look into details such as GST, assembly service, and delivery charges so that you’re not on the receiving end of a bill shock at the end of the month.

Mistake #3: Not Being Wary of Massive Discounts

Although it’s discount season, be wary of deep discounts – deep meaning too good to be true cheap furniture! A reputable furniture store will rarely cut the cost of their products by large amounts. If there are stores that are selling “designer” furniture at a bargain, ensure they are not knock-offs. Check the credibility of the product and read reviews to gain more knowledge about the brand’s reputation.

Mistake #4: Not QC-ing the Furniture

Everyone loves receiving a package at their front door. Instead of ripping out everything and getting too excited about the delivery, take the time to study the furniture that was sent over from the warehouse. Make sure that there are no chips or cracks and that the piece of furniture is stable when standing on its own. Sofas, for example, should not have upholstery that looks old and tattered in hidden places. When it comes to dining tables, chairs, and shelves, it should not be shaky or squeaky when pressure is put on it.

Mistake #5: Not Fully Comprehending if it’s a Need

To prevent yourself from getting too carried away by the huge discounts, think carefully that what you’re adding to your cart will serve a functional purpose in your home. Unlike perishables that you can consume or easily hand over to someone, furniture is an investment that should be on display, not stored in the corner of a room.

What to Do When Shopping for Furniture Online?

Now that you’re well-versed on what not to do, here are a few things that you should do when shopping for contemporary furnitureonline:

1. Know the store you’re purchasing from

Are you a fan of contemporary, industrial-inspired furniture? Then be sure you’re shopping at a store that houses such furniture and not vintage ones, for example. Read the store's ‘about us’ page to gain a better understanding of the collection before settling.

2. Be prepared with all the information .

It’s common for furniture stores to have limited-time offers – think Flash Sales. Be sure you have all the necessary information like measurement, discount codes, and card details ready before your favourite pieces get sold out.

3. Make full use of promotions and bundle deals

Oftentimes, there will be special promotions. Spend a minimum amount and get free delivery or buy furniture from the contemporary collection and get $50 off – these are some of the promotions to look into so that you can benefit from large cost savings.

4. Plan and visualise

Taking measurements will ensure that the furniture will physically fit into your space, but that has nothing to do with aesthetics. Visualise how things will fit into your home and whether they will complement your existing interior design.