• Simple dining room decor can make a statement without being overwhelming.Dining room image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Dining rooms or kitchen nooks should feel warm and inviting as these rooms are where you likely share meals with your family and entertain guests. Decorate your dining area to reflect your personality, style and function in the way you need it to. Choose a color scheme or theme as the base of your dining room decor to help the room flow with related colors and objects.
  
  

Colors

• Warm colors are typical in dining areas as warm colors feel inviting and invoke a feeling of togetherness. Red and orange stimulate the appetite, which makes a dining room the ideal place to use these colors. Reds can range from deep colors that also have a sophisticated air about them to bright shades that appear more exciting and energetic. Deep plum or grape purple shades also work well in dining areas. Use cream colors if your style is more neutral or you enjoy earth tones. Dress up the neutrals with a small splash of a muted color, such as brown, green, blue or whatever color makes you feel welcome. Use a combination of colors in a pattern on the walls. Stripes and floral patterns are common in dining areas. If you don't want a pattern on the walls, you can add texture by painting the walls with a faux finish.
  
  

Furniture

• Opt for furniture that complements your color scheme, decorating style, space and that functions best for your lifestyle. For example, a glass table or a table with sharp edges is not the best option if you have small children. A small round table is best for small dining areas unless you'd prefer to push a small rectangular table against the wall when the fourth side isn't needed. Chairs should complement the table and the style of the room. Simple wood chairs with comfortable cushions work for a casual room, while upholstered chairs look best in a grand, formal dining room. If space allows, place a buffet, hutch or other accessory piece in your dining area to display collections. Choose a wood that complements the table and chairs.
  
  

Table Settings

• Simple table settings are best if you use the table frequently for meals, homework, studying, crafts, games or other activities. For example, place a runner down the center of a rectangular table with a small centerpiece. Formal dining rooms that are mostly for show or used only for eating can include elaborate place settings complete with place mats, dishes, stemware and linen napkins. Include a centerpiece on your dining table to decorate it and make it feel more welcoming. Choose something as simple as three pillar candles on decorative candle holders, a vase with a small flower arrangement or a bowl of marbles, glass beads or seashells.
  
  

Accessories

• Accessories should complete the room, yet too many accessories can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Use a buffet, hutch or floating shelves to display your fine china collection or to show off interesting vases or sculptures. Avoid displaying too much. If your collection is too large to comfortably fit all the items in a hutch, rotate the items regularly so something new is always on display. Flowers, plants, candles, vases, plates, ceramics and pottery are just some of the things you can display.
  
  Hang mirrors with interesting frames, artwork, wrought iron wall sculptures or candle holders on the walls. Simple images, such as flowers, wine bottles or food products, are ideal for the dining area. Add interest to the room with lighting. A grand chandelier might work best for a formal dining room, although there are countless options to choose from. Crystal-studded chandeliers, modern chandeliers or eclectic chandeliers can pull the entire dining room together or serve as your inspiration for decorating the room.