CUSTOM LIGHTING

Formal Dining Rooms are Back in Style: 7 Grand Spaces to Inspire You

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DESIGNED FOR HOSTING FAMILY AND FRIENDS, PERFECT FOR DINNER PARTIES AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Black wall dining room wine room quartz chandelier Interior Designer Tampa

Black & Gold Dining Room with Wine Wall - Lisa Gilmore Design

Formal Dining Room Sets Have Returned

Open floor plans have been the go-to home layout for decades. However, not all homebuyers like an open concept; an increasing number of people prefer a traditional layout with separate rooms. 

And as traditional layouts have regained popularity in recent years, so have formal dining rooms.

Where open floor plans often combine the kitchen, dining room, and living room into one large space, traditional floor plans have separate rooms for each. 

Formal dining rooms give homeowners a separate space for dinner parties and special occasions– a space specifically designed for hosting family and friends.

We are sharing a few of the formal dining spaces that the Lisa Gilmore Design team has created that illustrate how these rooms can add richness and character to your home.

7 Luxury Formal Dining Rooms

These seven dining rooms display a range of vibes from modern to traditional, colorful to neutral, and maximalist to minimalist.

Transitional Meets Modern Dining Room

Mid-Century Dining Room - Lisa Gilmore Design

This mid-century formal dining room in St. Petersburg is a great example of mixing traditional and modern elements. Traditional pieces include an heirloom cocktail cart and vintage-inspired chandelier. For a modern twist, the Lisa Gilmore Design team included a banana leaf art print for a pop of color, and we collaborated with local artist Meaghan Scalise to create this hand-painted marbled mural.

Traditional Formal Dining Room with Sparkle

Farmhouse Dining Room - Lisa Gilmore Design

At first glance, this space may look like your traditional formal dining room but don’t miss the wow elements throughout. 

Our client didn't want this room to feel too stuffy and over-decorated, but also not super relaxed. The classic farmhouse chairs symbolize togetherness and evenings filled with conversations and memories around the table, paired with the leopard host and hostess chairs for a bit of approachable glam! 

And the crystal chandelier adds elegance to this beautiful Terra Ceia Island dining room in Manatee County.

Formal Dining Room with Bold, Hand-Painted Drapery

The first thing you may notice about this Tierra Verde formal dining room is the hand-painted drapery fabric from Porter Teleo. When Lisa chose this orangey-pink fabric, she knew it would frame the windows beautifully during a warm sunset. She paired the drapery with high-contrast, black-and-white patterns for a bold look.

The other focal point of this room is the brass banana leaf chandelier that Lisa designed and fabricated locally. 

Lisa Gilmore Design photo


Neutral French Modern Dining Room Interior Designer Tampa

Neutral, Earthy Dining Room with a Modern Twist

Our team chose a neutral and earthy color palette for this dining room to balance the colorful adjacent living room. We paired a distressed wood table with acrylic chairs and bench seating covered in woven fabric. We added handmade textile art for texture and an antique, French-style chandelier for a touch of old-world glam. 

Lisa Gilmore Design photo.

Black and Gold Dining Room with Wine Wall

This Snell Isle formal dining room’s details make it simply unforgettable. Your eye may be initially drawn to the room’s wine wall with lighted glass discovery boxes. 

But don’t miss the custom walls and wainscoting by T2TheS, a local millwork company, and the Currey & Company chandelier. 

Our team upholstered the dining chairs in Kelly Wearstler Graffito for Lee Jofa fabric and commissioned this large round dining table from Stine Custom Woodworks. The finishing touch was a gold corkboard-wallpapered ceiling. 

Colorful Formal Dining Room with Vintage Elements

Colorful Dining Room - Lisa Gilmore Design

This dining room has so many small touches that add character and glamour. The chairs and striking royal blue sideboard were vintage pieces our team had restyled locally. 

Another dazzling piece is the table, which is a beautiful black cheruse. The eye-catching chandelier is from Arteriors, and the majestic side lamps are vintage from the 1940s. The drapery, which is a beautiful chartreuse green silk with a hot pink grosgrain, pops against the room's black walls and white wainscoting.

Maximalist Formal Dining Room

This ranch-style home’s dining room is a visual feast for the eyes. The Lisa Gilmore Design team mixed old and new elements to create a space filled with conversation starters. 

Lift your eyes to the leopard-inspired wallpaper on the ceiling, then the blush-hued grasscloth wall coverings and chinoiserie drapery. For wall hangings, we added the client’s vintage plates gifted from her daughter and whimsical watercolor art for a bit more color boldness. The vintage Italian Murano glass chandelier illuminates the chartreuse performance fabric-covered host and hostess chairs and the client’s reupholstered and repainted dining chairs. 

Lisa Gilmore Design Tricks of the Trade

When our team of experts designs a formal dining room, there are a few things we like to keep in mind:

1. Consider the seating.

Different seating styles offer different energy and add personality to a dining room. Mix-and-match seating, matching chairs, and bench seats each add a distinct vibe to the space.

2. Dress the walls.

Interior designers are artists and each space is a canvas for us to create. That includes a room’s walls. We intentionally select a particular wallpaper, hand-painted details, and art to enhance a space’s aesthetic. If you really want to take it to the next level, don’t forget the ceiling!

3. Drapery is art.

Drapery is another way we had an artistic element to a formal dining room. Some homeowners want to save money by avoiding custom drapery, but this is one of those areas that make a significant impact on a space. It is an easy way to add color and visual height to a room.

4. Lighting can take a dining room to the next level.

Formal dining rooms often feel incomplete without a statement light fixture. Beyond its functional uses, the right light can add a unique element to the room, whether through its history, modern or traditional feel, funky shape, or custom design.

FAQs

1. What’s considered a formal dining room?

A formal dining room is often a separate room that is used for special occasions, dinner parties, and other entertaining. It may have doors, like pocket or French doors, that close it off from other rooms in the house. Formal dining rooms usually have a more elevated design than casual dining spaces and include a formal dining room set and high-end linens and dinnerware.

2. Are formal dining rooms still a thing?

Formal dining rooms became less popular when the demand for open floor plans increased, but in 2023, traditional floor plans and formal dining spaces are becoming more popular. In fact, a Rocket Homes survey found that nearly 50% of homebuyers prefer a traditional layout. And as a luxury interior design firm, we have designed many formal dining rooms for clients.

3. What is a good size formal dining room?

According to Spruce, the average size dining room in the U.S. is 14 by 16 feet. It’s important to keep your dining room’s size in mind when selecting a formal dining room table. We recommend a pathway of at least 36 inches from table to wall, although 42 inches is best and most comfortable for walking around when guests are seated.

We are glad to see that formal dining rooms are back in style, but when we work with a client, we place much more emphasis on what layouts and designs work best for their lifestyle and personality rather than what is trendy. Trends come and go, so your spaces should be a reflection of your life and preferences. 

The home owners of this monochromatic full-scale design project had an incredible collection of family photographs in their possession. Rather than going the traditional route, and mounting their framed photos on the wall, we opted for floating shelv
We took our stripes bold for this eclectic-meets-traditional primary bedroom 💛 With custom drapery that boasted a more busy pattern, we wanted something that provided a nice contrast without being overwhelming on the eyes. Enter: thick stripes wit
For this small powder room, we let lighting take center stage and sourced a pair of sconces that were not only functional, but added a wow factor to the cozy space 💡 📸 :: @penlightmedia
🎀🎀🎀 A week ago today we welcomed sweet little Matilda Mae Johnstone into the world! The past week has been the most beautiful blur of joy, learning so much, and the best baby snuggles. 04/24/24 4:31pm 9lbs 11oz 22” long We are all doi
A home library isn't complete without floor to ceiling book shelves, cozy seating, oh...and Cawshe girl's approval, of course. 😉 🐶 💚 📸 :: @seamuspayne
Being on maternity leave is a lot less daunting when you have a team like mine to hold down the fort 💚 I'm realizing with each day what a privilege it is to have assembled quite the dream team!

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We are a full-service design firm that creates one-of-a-kind spaces through the use of artisan-crafted pieces, antique elements, and custom designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide. 

Designer Kids Rooms That Are Glamorous and Playful

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GIVE YOUR KIDS THEIR DREAM BEDROOM AND A SANCTUARY TO GROW INTO.

INTERIOR DESIGNER TAMPA GIRL'S BEDROOM MINT WALLS

Minty Fresh Eclectic Girl’s Bedroom - Lisa Gilmore Design

Kids Room Ideas with Luxury Interior Design

Kids' rooms can feel challenging for parents who desire a beautiful, luxurious home. Kids have a lot of belongings and often have plans for their rooms that are the complete opposite of yours.

We polled the team at Lisa Gilmore Design about what kinds of things we wanted in our rooms as kids that our parents wouldn’t let us have: floral wallpaper, a keyboard studio, a teddy bear wall border, lilac purple walls, and a Nintendo® 64.

6 Sophisticated Kids Bedroom Ideas

Our team has designed many families’ homes over the years, and we always enjoy exercising our creative muscles and remembering our younger selves when creating fun kids’ spaces. 

Blush and Gold Girl’s Bedroom in Vacation Condo

Our clients wanted their daughters to enjoy going to the family vacation home as much as the adults did. So we created a beautiful room for them to share that included blush and gold geometric wallpaper, a pair of trundle beds for when friends sleep over, fun lighting, and water-inspired art.

Boy’s Sports-Inspired Bedroom

As you can see, the son of this client loves sports. Many kids want a sports-themed room, but a theme that is too intense can come off as kitschy. We wanted to incorporate his love of sports in an elevated way, so we chose simplified and striking geometrics to create a nice backdrop for visually busy sporting goods items and memorabilia.

Girl’s Romantic Floral Bedroom

The focal point of this girl’s bedroom is the removable wallpaper with a large floral pattern. But don’t miss the gold-accented nightstand and four-poster bed. We paired modern clean lines with more girly, traditional pieces that would age well with a growing 5-year-old. The overall palette was neutral allowing the fun florals to steal the show! And the monogram initials over the bed add the perfect finishing touch to this feminine room.

Lisa Gilmore Design photo.

Toddler vintage car bedroom interior designer Orlando Florida

Toddler Boy’s Vintage Car Bedroom

A classic car fan of any age would love this bed! It certainly made this 3-year-old’s wildest dreams come true. The youthful truck bed required that we be especially thoughtful about the rest of the room’s design. Everything else in this room is transitional and modern, so when he outgrows the truck, the parents can bring in a new bed without having to do an entire room overhaul.

Lisa Gilmore Design photo.

Girl’s Eclectic and Minimalistic Bedroom

This minimalistic and polished bedroom was created for an older teen who was ready for a more sophisticated space. There are several pieces in this room that epitomize luxury. The chandelier has a “floating dandelion” feeling, and the trundle daybed is the perfect chic addition for lounging with friends, sleepovers, or quiet study time. And the rug we added has a vintage appeal that will age well with her as she grows up.

Lisa Gilmore Design photo.

Teen Girl’s Bedroom with Maximum Storage

This room has a more mature look for a teen girl. She dreams of traveling the world when she is older and has a whimsical personality, so the majestic fabric from Emma Shipley was the perfect addition to this playful yet mature space. 

This teen also has a lot of collectibles, records, crafts, and trophies, so we included built-in storage that would allow her to continuously update and restyle her belongings as her heart desires. The Lisa Gilmore Design team designed the built-in bookcases and worked with a local carpenter to create pieces that were the perfect fit for the space.

Design tips for kid’s and teen’s bedroom

When the Lisa Gilmore Design team designs a kids’ space, there are a few things we keep in mind.

  • Make the child a part of the process.
    To create a room that a kid will feel at home in, it’s important to find out their likes and dislikes. Some children may enjoy creating a mood board for their room.

  • Identify the child’s interests and hobbies.
    Knowing whether a kid is interested in reading, music, sports, etc. is key in designing the right room for them. It helps us choose the right decor and storage systems and plan the space’s layout. 

  • Understand their storage needs.
    Many kids like to collect things or love toys like legos, Barbies, and action figures that have a lot of pieces. And some children have a large wardrobe. Identifying these things will help us plan accordingly. 

  • Use peel-and-stick wallpaper.
    Peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in numerous prints and patterns, so it’s easy to find something that suits every child. And it is easy to remove and replace as the child grows and their interests change.

  • Have fun with lighting.
    If the kid’s room doesn’t need a ceiling fan for air circulation, then the options for lighting are endless. There are so many whimsical and playful light fixtures that would pop in a child’s room.

  • Create intentional spaces.
    Kids’ bedrooms are usually their main living spaces, so they need to be more than just a place to sleep. Based on the child’s age and lifestyle, we create spaces in the room to study or hang out by adding items like floor cushions, gaming chairs, tents, and window seats.

FAQs

1. How should a kids' room be set up?

When planning children’s bedrooms, be sure to include plenty of areas for storage, play, and sleepover guests. Add decor and color that the child can grow with rather than a theme that the child will be tired of in a year.

2. How can I decorate a bedroom for kids?

The most important tip when decorating a bedroom for kids is to include them in the process. Get their wish list for the room, incorporate their interests and hobbies, and collaborate on a plan for the space. Don’t forget to include areas for storage and to display their collections.

3. What should be in a child’s room?

Other than the basics like a bed, desk, and storage, a child’s room should include special touches like areas to hang out, a place to display their important belongings, beautiful and functional lighting, a cozy rug, and a bookshelf or bookcase. 

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We are a full-service firm, designing and managing renovations and new home construction projects from consultation to reveal. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in St. Petersburg,  Clearwater, South Tampa, Hyde Park, and worldwide. 

7 Light Fixtures that Exemplify Luxury

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INSTANTLY ENHANCE YOUR HOME DECOR WITH STATEMENT LIGHTING.

White Shells Gold Metal Empire Chandelier - Lisa Gilmore Design

Dazzling House and Room Lighting Inspiration.

Lighting is one of the most effective and easiest ways to add interest and character to a home. For example, have you ever seen George Clooney’s twine-wrapped lanterns or Diane Keaton’s eye-catching inverted lampshades? Gorgeous!

Lighting is also a fantastic way to infuse your personality and style into your home. Lisa Gilmore Design selects home lighting that adds personality whether they are unique design trade creations, custom pieces, antique finds, or heirloom treasures.

Make sure to read until the end where we reveal some key facts for choosing the very best lighting for your home.

7 Stunning Statement Lights

Of the many client homes that we have designed and reenvisioned, these are some of our favorite lighting features.

Crystal Chandelier Remix

The Lisa Gilmore Design team chose a Currey & Co chandelier with earthy, hanging crystals for the dining room. It adds the perfect wow factor to this Caribbean-inspired home in the Snell Isle neighborhood in St. Petersburg. The chandelier’s gold metal design provides a touch of sparkle that coordinates with the lighted discovery boxes on the wine wall.

Brass Banana Leaf Chandelier

The goal for this Gulf Coast condo in Tierra Verde was to create a waterfront boutique hotel-inspired space– something that was artsy and bold without being overwhelming. As Lisa was designing this dining room, she had a vision of brass banana leaves dancing gracefully over the table. When our team couldn’t find anything similar from all of our trade resources, Lisa designed the piece herself and had it fabricated locally. It is a conversation starter for sure.

Vintage Italian Glass Chandelier

The owners of this home in Clearwater, Florida wanted their spaces to have a curated feel rather than a cookie-cutter look that had been sourced from a catalog. The Lisa Gilmore Design team brought that concept to life in the primary suite with a custom braided rug, Pierre Frey embroidered bed frame, and geometric drapery. The pièce de résistance, however, was the feathered chandelier, made of vintage Italian Murano glass from 1960. We imported the chandelier from Italy and had it rewired locally to meet U.S. electrical standards.

Vintage Italian Brass Chandelier

Another space in the Clearwater home was a walk-in wine room. Though your eyes may be first drawn to the client’s 300-year-old French doors, don’t miss the vintage Italian chandelier with aged-brass flowers. Lisa found this petite chandelier on an antique sourcing trip in Atlanta and knew it would be the perfect finishing touch for this special wine room!

Custom Bathrooms Tampa Florida Interior Designer

Whimsical Flush Mount Chandelier

This mid-century home in historic St. Petersburg was not a great match for the homeowners’ bohemian-modern style. This room, their daughter’s bathroom, was designed by LGD Senior Designer Nicole Maldonado. Nicole selected a playful, flush-mount floral chandelier for the space that pops against the dusty rose walls and ceiling.

CLEAN INTERIOR DESIGN LISA GILMORE TAMPA INTERIOR DESIGNER

Heirloom Venetian Chandelier

The owners of this new construction home in St. Petersburg had a few things in mind when we began working on their project. They wanted calming colors and a monochromatic look, and they wanted to incorporate his mother’s heirloom Venetian chandelier. The Lisa Gilmore Design team added it to the primary bedroom for a splash of glamour and history and used modern drapery fabric and bedding in soft tones to make the space feel more contemporary.

Chihuly-Style Lighting in Bold Powder Room

When the Lisa Gilmore Design team met these clients, they were selling their Snell Isle home and moving to a ONE St. Petersburg condominium. The homeowners were looking for a super modern, chic look with traditional undertones. They were thrilled with our design’s bold raspberry color for the study and powder room. The powder room also features this striking Chihuly-inspired blown glass flush mount, which adds the perfect bit of wildness to the modern design. We kept the sconce that is built into the mirror simple, so it wouldn’t compete with all the lovely details in the small powder room.

FAQs

1. What is good lighting for interior design?

Three expert interior design tips for luxury lighting include:

  • A mixture of hanging light fixtures and lamps ensures a lovely mix of lighting options. And if you want to take it up a notch, sconces add ambiance and glow. 

  • Always request dimmers when working with an electrician. Plus, recessed can lights should be in the middle warmth range of about 2700K to 3000K. These color tones will play nicely with the other light fixtures in your home.

  • Don't be afraid to go a little big and grand with your lighting. As a room of thumb, the bottom of your dining room chandelier should be roughly 66 to 68 inches from the floor. 

2. What are the types of lights in home decor?

There are three types of lighting in home decor– ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting provides broad illumination to a space, such as ceiling-mounted lights. Task lighting supplies light to a specific area, such as table lamps or under-cabinet lighting. Accent lighting is used to highlight certain areas or features, such as track lighting or lighting mounted above artwork.

3. What are the different types of lighting in interior design?

There are many different types of lights used in interior design. Some of the most common include chandeliers, recessed lighting, track lighting, pendant lights, table and floor lamps, and sconces.

Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta said, “The most important thing? Perfect lighting at all times.” Though he was referring to fashion, the same can be said for home lighting. Whether it’s through the use of chandeliers, table lamps, lanterns, or wall sconces, the right lighting can take your space from fair to fabulous.

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We have been named an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer and a Top 25 Design Florida Firm by Design + Decor. Lisa Gilmore Design has also been featured in top design publications such as Florida Design, Aspire Home and Rue Magazine. We serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hyde Park, South Tampa and worldwide.