Architect Cecilie from WoodUpp shares her expert tips for a warm, harmonious space
When we think about the heart of the home, the dining room often comes to mind. It’s where we gather, share meals, make memories — and ideally, feel at ease. But styling your dining room to reflect both functionality and beauty doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
1. Repetition Creates Harmony
One of the simplest — yet most powerful — ways to bring calm and coherence into your space is through repetition. By echoing the same material, shape, or color in more than one place, you create a visual rhythm that feels effortless and intentional.
Think wooden textures reappearing in chairs, picture frames, or acoustic panels. Or warm tones seen in textiles, candles, and ceramics. The result? A room that feels balanced, connected, and peaceful.
For example, if your dining chairs are oak, echo that warm wood tone in a picture frame, a shelf, or your WoodUpp acoustic panels. If you’re drawn to deep green, repeat it in napkins, plants, or a ceramic vase. Repetition ties the space together visually, and creates a sense of calm through consistency. balanced, connected, and peaceful.
2. Composition – Style Like a Pro with Three Key Shapes
Ever wonder how designers make a simple tabletop look like a magazine spread? It’s often thanks to composition — specifically, a well-balanced trio of objects.
Here’s a foolproof formula: combine a tall object (like a vase or candleholder), a round object (like a bowl or plant), and a flat object (like a book, tray, or placemat). This combination adds variety in shape and height, which brings life and movement to the display.
This trick works beautifully on a dining table, a sideboard, or even a window sill. It allows you to create visually interesting groupings that feel effortless and elegant — without overthinking it.
3. Storage – Hide the Clutter, Highlight the Calm
While we often focus on aesthetics, the functionality of a space is just as important — especially in a room like the dining area, where things tend to accumulate quickly.
To keep the space feeling open and tidy, I love using boxes, baskets, and lidded jars to store the small everyday items. Whether it’s napkin rings, birthday candles, extra chargers, or other miscellaneous pieces, hidden storage helps preserve the clean, calming atmosphere.
Choose containers that match your style — woven baskets for texture, ceramic jars for a minimal look, or tinted glass for a modern touch. That way, even your storage becomes part of the decor.
4. Atmosphere – Layer in Warmth and Personality
Great design isn’t just about how a room looks — it’s about how it feels. And when it comes to the dining room, that feeling should be one of warmth, comfort, and togetherness.
To create that mood, try layering in personal, atmospheric elements like plants, books, and candles. A few leafy greens can breathe life into a corner. Stacked cookbooks or a favorite novel tell a story. Candlelight softens the space and instantly adds intimacy — whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a solo meal.
The best part? These elements are easy to switch out with the seasons or your own evolving style. They invite people in and make your dining space feel lived-in and loved.
5. Calming Materials – Ground the Room with Nature
At WoodUpp, we’re deeply inspired by natural materials — not just for their visual beauty, but for the way they make a room feel. In the dining room, they play a powerful role in creating a grounded, serene environment.
Materials like wood, straw, and linen offer a tactile softness and organic warmth. They bring us back to nature and help reduce visual noise. I often pair them with harder elements like glass or raw steel for contrast — a delicate balance between soft and strong.
Try incorporating a linen tablecloth, a wooden serving board, woven placemats, or — of course — our wooden acoustic panels. These materials don’t just decorate the room — they define the mood.
Final Thoughts – Let Your Dining Room Reflect Who You Are
Your dining room should reflect your personality, your rituals, and your lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to minimal elegance, cozy layers, or Scandinavian simplicity, these five tools can help you create a space that feels truly yours.
Thanks so much for joining me today — I hope these tips help you see your dining room in a new light.
See you next time — maybe in your hallway, office, or living room.
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