My first house was a 1,000 sq. ft. bungalow, yet it had a large formal dining room. Built in the 1940s, it dated back to when the pace was slower and families routinely gathered for meals. Thankfully, one of the hottest trends right now is a return to the dining room – creating a beautiful space set aside for enjoying food and conversation. Lavish meals, wine tastings and foodie get-togethers are all the rage – and of course, require a suitable space to host them.If your dining room has become an office or playroom, reclaim it! Here are a few update ideas…

Metallic Wallpaper. Dining rooms usually have very little furniture against the walls, making it an ideal place for statement wallpaper. Metallic wallpaper looks great by day, and in the evening with candles, it’s simply stunning.

Paint Colours. If you’re not a wallpaper fan, choose a rich, warm paint colour instead. Or maybe add architectural details like cornices, seat rails or other trim. Try painting the trim dark grey instead of white for something different. Paint the ceiling pale pink. Have fun!

Bookcases. Speaking of wall space, the dining room is ideal for a full wall of bookshelves – and you don’t have to limit your display to books. Add glass doors to show off your dishes, crystal and treasures. Display art. Whatever you like! PS Brightly-coloured bookcase backs are very trendy.

Monochromatic. Create a monochromatic dining room using an unexpected colour like chocolate brown. So sophisticated.

Unique Seating. Coordinated dining room suites are still deservedly popular, but don’t limit your imagination! Seating today is dramatic and eclectic. Modern chairs mix with vintage. Chair colours and styles vary widely all around the same table. Some great options? Choose something special for the head and foot of the table (wing back chairs?) and have the others all matching. Or opt for a gorgeous tufted bench seat for one side of your table.

Table Centrepiece. Your centrepiece doesn’t have to be a vase of flowers – although a big bouquet is still gorgeous. How about a row of three large stone bowls? Or a collection of glass vases or candlesticks? Or a piece of sculpture? Choose what you love.

Lighting. One of the best ways to refresh your dining room is new lighting. A classic chandelier is always glamorous, but also consider multiple pendant lights, an interesting industrial fixture or something nature-inspired integrating wood/branches.

Contrast. Update your dining room using contrasting materials and styles. Try using contemporary furnishings with rustic pieces, metal with wood, black acrylic chairs around a distressed harvest table or abstract art with traditional furnishings. Experiment!

Mirrors. Mirror groupings are on trend, as well as tall mirrors that actually rest on the floor, or huge wall mirrors with bold, black matte frames. Mirrors open your space and can be every bit as beautiful as art.

The best part of the renewed interest in formal dining rooms is that they bring us closer together, savouring fine food, talking and relaxing.  Cheers to that!