Family Friendly Dining Room

So I donned my chef's hat and paid the family a visit to invent a delicious new recipe for a traditional and elegant dining room that could suit both a family of four and a generational gathering of 20.

I certainly had my work cut out for me. The space was rife with outdated ideas--from the old stucco ceiling to the pink '80s-style carpet. Aside from three pieces the couple wanted to keep, a dining-room table, antique hutch and an embroidery made by Andrea's grandmother--this room would receive a tip-to-toe makeover that was sure to be absolutely yummy.

I started at the top with the unsightly stucco ceiling, which was awkward, angled and low on both lighting and drama. I got rid of the bumps and installed cool, angled recessed lighting, which was patched with sheets of bead-board paneling and batten board trim for a traditional touch, turning the finish from lumpy to lovely.

Next came some romantic, low-level lighting, consisting of a pair of sconces on either side of the hutch and a beautiful chandelier that serves as a focal point in the room.

I then attended to the walls, which went from an uninviting yellow to a relaxing Robin's egg blue tone. And, speaking of color, the couple's ghastly pink carpet was next on my hit list! In its place I put in a hardwood floor and carpet combo that adds luxury and dimension to the room. I used dark-stained, oak, hardwood flooring as a border for the room and plunked a new embossed leaf area rug in the middle.

A lot of the "traditional elegance" the couple was going for in this room came from the fabrics. The window got a shot of pizzazz with side panels of a blue and brown floral pattern, brown linen bands and beaded trim. I selected simple linen sheers for light control and, for an extra something special, I added a blind consisting of seagrass and woven with a little bit of silk.

The fireplace also needed an injection of drama, so I pained the old pink brick in a bright white shade to change it from eyesore to eye-catching. For extra effect, I bought a small store-bought shelf to use as a mantel and then put a charming mirror above.

Lastly, I reworked the furniture. The room had previously been filled with heavy furnishings and oddly mismatched chairs. I got rid of some pieces, added a few new items, created a little nook area with a screen and bookcase (perfect for reading-- or napping--after dinner), and added some new chairs in mix and match floral, striped and solid fabrics.

I then hung a large blue- and brown-colored floral painting on the wall and strategically placed various accents--candlesticks, baskets, books, pictures--around the room, and voila! The result is a room fit for even the most demanding dinner guests.

Using elegant finishes and fixtures, dramatic lighting and fabrics and a serene palette of soft blues and chocolate browns, I created a mouth-watering space that can play host to Andrea and Greg's first full-scale family banquet. What a divine way to dine!

(Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of Home & Garden Television's Divine Design.)