(Family Features)

During the COVID pandemic, our dining rooms became offices, schools and more. This year, dining rooms are coming back in force as their own physical space with an intended purpose – entertaining and relaxing.

Here are some trends to look for when planning a dining room refresh.

Statement Lighting

Toss the builder’s grade chandelier for a piece with character. Statement lighting creates a dramatic focal point for the dining room, elevating and formalizing the space. Look for pieces that illuminate the space but also add structure, more a work of art than a light fixture.

Bold Colors

Bye, greige. Welcome bold, jewel tones and rich color palettes that create drama and sophistication. The Spruce says its designers are leaning to deep blues, emerald greens and berry tones with metallic accents and luxe fabrics, coming together for a cozy, elegant space.

Upholstery is Back

For years, homeowners drifted away from upholstery, particularly if they had kids and pets that wreaked havoc on dining room fabrics. Upholstery is back again, this time in performance fabrics that resist wear and tear. Designer Megan Molten says she’s been having so much fun with the textures and colors available in dining chairs, bringing depth and character to the space.

In the same vein, banquette seating is making a comeback, refreshing small spaces with comfortable, functional seating that adds depth to the space. Formerly seen in breakfast nooks for tight kitchen/dining combo rooms, banquettes can make the dining room a more functional, casual space.

Multi-Use Spaces

While great rooms may be on the way out, dining spaces are going versatile.

“I see them turning into spaces with a fun mood and vibe to host and entertain since formal dining rooms are used so infrequently,” Bre Hance, founder and principal designer of InHance told The Spruce. “Like a cool communal space you would find in a luxury hotel lobby.”

Look for features such as a bar, casual seating or bookshelves.

Function Bests Form

Look for pieces that are functional, such as tables with extendable leaves, built-in cabinetry with creative storage spaces and multi-purpose chairs. This goes hand-in-hand with creating a multi-use space that gives the dining room more versatility.