Dining room decor should lift the spirits to complement the food you are serving. Global styling is ideal for creating an exciting sense of theater that livens up the experience of eating at home.
Hospitable and comfortable, the global style combines informality with strong handling of the decorating basics – confident color, characterful texture, and lively pattern. The look is simple and natural yet exuberant, with the emphasis on straightforward materials and unfussy detail. Rugged, natural surfaces and finishes marry with cheerful handmade accessories to create dining rooms which are practical as well as enjoyable. The informal approach goes well with today’s casual lifestyles and the latest trends in decorating.
Global styling is also economical and easy to assemble. You needn’t travel far to find most of the ingredients for the look – homespun furnishings, handprinted textiles, handcrafted baskets, bowls, and tableware are as accessible as they are affordable. It’s always worth keeping your eyes open for ethnic craft items with bold profiles or striking designs, such as pottery jugs or metal candelabra, that look good on the dining table.
Unless you want to achieve a particular regional look – a minimalist oriental scene or a sumptuous Indian setting, for example – you can mix and match artifacts from different countries of the world and combine colors, patterns, and textures with abandon. In this relaxed styling, there’s no need to agonize over what goes with what, since most elements blend well together whatever their country of origin. If you like to travel, global style provides the perfect excuse to display your treasured souvenirs.