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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
©IPC+Syndication
iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
©IPC+Syndication
iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
William Abranowicz / Art + Commerce
iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
Maeve & Brad Knickerbocker
iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
Getty Images
iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
Corbis
iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
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iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
iVillage on Aug 16, 2010 at 5:39PM
Built-in bookcases create a colorful and inspiring backdrop to a simple and spare dining table.
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A warm wooden dining table and chairs feel fresh when mixed with modern pendant lamps and a graphic print.
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Modern white chairs tuck under a country-style farm table for a quirky mix of old and new.
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Fresh flowers and cheery floral textiles give this dining room a garden-fresh vibe.
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Painting wooden chair legs a bright coral gives them a unique and modern look.
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Mismatched contemporary chairs, an ornate iron chandelier and simple wooden furniture mix together for an eclectic look.
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A leafy green room feels modern when decorated with black webbed chairs and a minimalist wooden table and bench.
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A trio of shiny brass pendant lights and lemon yellow chairs add elements of chic to an otherwise humble table setting.
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A flokati-covered bench and a warm walnut table and chairs soften the look of graphic damask wallpaper.
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A contemporary white parsons table provides a nice contrast to the country elements, like the bentwood chairs and white ironstone pottery, in this dining room.
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Vegetable-patterned wallpaper in a traditional color combination injects this seemingly serious dining room with subtle humor.
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A collection of mounted antlers balances the feminine crystal chandelier with a masculine touch.
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A dark pink wall sets off an ornate mirror and sconces, while the white fireplace and table keep the room from feeling too busy.
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Bold red chairs pop against a graphic black-and-white floral wallpaper.
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Open shelves proudly display a museum-worthy collection of white ceramics.
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Bold red chairs pop against a graphic black-and-white floral wallpaper.
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Open shelves proudly display a museum-worthy collection of white ceramics.
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Blue table accents, like the glassware and the patterned tablecloth, enliven this casual eating space.
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Delicate blue-painted chairs, a floral tablecloth and thin stemware give this dining room a feminine feel.
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Word-printed fabric gives dining seats a patterned, graphic look that contrasts nicely against the bright aquamarine rug and curtains.
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Long striped textiles lengthen the appearance of this petite dining room.
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A painted pressed-tin ceiling and pink and white textiles make an eating space feel cheerful and inviting.
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Dining chairs upholstered in different bold-colored fabrics give the room a lively yet sophisticated vibe.
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Slipcovering chairs—and even a table—protects the furniture and can hide stains and imperfections.
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Rather than squeezing in chairs around the backside of a table, use a tall banquet bench that guests can easily slide in and out of.
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Mixing chair styles around a formal dining room boosts its charm factor.
Walnut dining table at Baker.
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Mismatched chairs, striped linens and rustic pottery lend this dining room provincial charm.
Similar tablecloth: Victorian Heart Vintage Modern stripe tablecloth, from $6.95 at The Country Porch. Similar mirror: Uttermost Walton hall mirror in Gold, $151.80 at CSNMirrors.com.
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A runner is an underappreciated alternative to a tablecloth and can add an appealing splash of color.
Norden dining table, $279 at Ikea. Saarinen Tulip armless chair, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, from $1,284 at Design Within Reach. Fabric on chairs and curtains: Vegetable Tree by Josef Frank, $250 per yard at Just Scandinavian. Similar corner chair: Zafira chair, $149.95 at Pier 1.
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Keeping a dining room uncluttered and placing the table in the center accentuates its size.
Big Sur 65-inch dining table, $1,499 at Crate & Barrel. Similar dining chairs: Wrap chairs in White, from $79 at West Elm.
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Colorful dining chairs and whimsical decorations lighten up a sturdy farm table and boxy cabinet.
Similar hutch: Stanley Young America My Haven door chest, $1,599 at Layla Grayce. Deer head by Big-Game, $269 at Generate.
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Keep a country look clean by sticking to crisp patterns and a fresh blue-and-white color scheme.
Blue and white china, at Lovers of Blue & White. Similar chair: Queen Anne upholstered side chair in French White, $249 at Pottery Barn.
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Expose a table’s lines by keeping it linen-free.
Similar table: Toscana dining table, $1,299 at Pottery Barn.
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A large wooden table is a rough-hewn counterpoint to sleek molded-plastic chairs.
Panton chair by Vitra in White, $260 at Unica Home. Similar table: Bungalow extension dining table, $699 at Crate & Barrel.
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Design a room that’s cozy and comfortable with slipcovered chairs and a shabby chic table.
Dining chair loose-fit slipcovers, $39 at Pottery Barn. Norfolk dining table, $999 at Pottery Barn. Similar chandelier: Kichler 1770PB Salem chandelier in Polished Brass, $71 at CSN Lighting.
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Mixing a crystal chandelier with dark wood furniture and antlers epitomizes chalet chic.
Faux deer antler wall plaque, $28 at Aspen Country. Similar chandelier, A83-52/3034/8+4 Versailles wrought-iron chandelier (12 lights, two tiers), $297 at Gallery 803.
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Storage is tricky in a long, narrow space; columns of built-in bookshelves at the end of the room are an ideal design solution and attractive look.
3-leg Ant chair in Black, designed by Arne Jacobsen, $427 at Hive Modern.
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A long table with ample seating is ready to entertain a crowd.
Similar chandelier: A84-513/12 wrought-iron chandelier, $437 at Gallery 803.
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Bright-colored chairs and a pendant light pop against a white table in this little breakfast nook.
Docksta dining table, $179 at Ikea. Similar chair: Academy chair, $129 at West Elm.
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Leafy plants make great centerpieces and are an ideal complement to botanical textiles.
Similar chair: Louis XV side chair at Room Deco Furniture.
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Gauzy curtains create a soft backdrop for a clean-lined table and chairs.
Lill curtains, $4.99 per pair at Ikea. Eames Eiffel chair in White, $249 at The Conran Shop. Similar pendant light: Tessa white pendant light, $403.95 at Simply Pendant Lighting. Similar antlers: Cast-resin antler, $24 at Pottery Barn.
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Fur throws are a comfortable and unexpected alternative to traditional seat cushions.
Similar chair: Moroso Supernatural armchair, $289 at YLiving. Rens sheepskin, $25 at Ikea.
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One hit of color, like an abstract painting over the fireplace, stands out in a neutral space.
Similar chandelier: Wrought-iron Celian chandelier, $60 at A Rustic Garden.
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A multicolored geometric rug plays off the stark brick walls in this modern dining room.
Eames molded plywood metal-leg dining chair in Santo Palisander Ply finish, $429 at YLiving. Saucer lamp by George Nelson, $269 at YLighting.
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Sheer curtains and a coat of white paint keep rigid wooden furniture and an architectural bench from looking too heavy.
Village Maremma white side chair, $199 at Crate & Barrel.
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A collection of bud vases imprecisely arranged on a tabletop make a lovely alternative to the usual floral centerpiece.
Color-bound sisal rug in Taupe at Pottery Barn. Similar chair: Pullman Pearl Leather side chair, $199 at Crate & Barrel.
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A delicate crystal chandelier is a pleasing contrast to sturdy workshop-inspired seating.
Prouve Standard chair, $780 at Hive Modern.
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Don’t shy away from of a bold palette—deep orange and vivid turquoise is a pleasing combo.
Similar chair: Jackson skirted dining chair, $239 at Carrington Court Direct. Similar chandelier: Hudson Valley Lighting (5219-AN/5219-OB/5219-PN) Jefferson nine-light chandelier, $1,299 at CSN Lighting.
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White china on white linens and a spray of wildflowers look elegant without seeming fussy.
Similar linens, at Transylvanian Images.
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Mixing patterns is an aesthetic success when the palette—like this mix of reds and blues—is cohesive.
Similar chair: Henriksdal chair, $80 at Ikea.
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