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Gathering spaces might be the most important rooms in your home. They aren’t simply about accommodating people comfortably—they’re places where some of life’s most enduring memories are made. Foster those special memories this holiday season by designing a gathering space that creates visual harmony and a strong sense of welcome.
Using a few simple design principles, you can transform a dining room or living room into a gathering space that enhances conversation, promotes sharing, and invites celebration.
Cozy Spaces
Small spaces are generally configured for seated conversation. In a small living room, a roughly circular formation of sofas and chairs works best, and décor should provide a sense of coziness and not clutter. For small dining rooms, opt for a round table. Round tables often sit on a single, central pedestal—allowing plenty of legroom.
Small rooms are obviously easier to decorate than larger rooms—it takes fewer lights and garlands. The rule of thumb for any room is that decorations and any lighting should not interfere with people moving through the room.
If there’s an opportunity to place a small holiday centerpiece or other notable element at the center of a small room, this can be a powerful way to tie the room together and direct eyes toward the center—fostering whole-room conversations. A small but bold arrangement of evergreen sprigs highlighted with shimmering elements would work well in most rooms—but a fat blue spruce at the center of a small room is a definite mistake.
Larger Rooms
For larger rooms, creating conversation spots throughout the space is important. People need cues to understand where to congregate, and furniture groupings are a great way to do this. Several small arrangements of three to four chairs as well as areas to stand and lean make it easy for your guests to engage in conversation and move about the room.
If your family displays a Christmas tree during the holidays, these larger rooms are excellent places for the tree to live. Garlands and lights strung throughout the room can tie the individual conversation spaces together. A thoughtful arrangement of lights guides guests’ eyes to elements you’d like to showcase, such as a staircases, sculpture, or large decorative piece.
Fabric for Color and Texture
Arrangement of the furniture and décor might be the first step in creating the ideal gathering space, but color and texture are equally important.
One of the best ways to introduce color and texture into your room is through fabric. There’s a coziness to fabric that can’t really be duplicated by other design elements. A colorful tablecloth or a rich brocaded tapestry can add a warm, luxurious feel to the room. Silver and gold fabrics used sparingly can add sparkle and a sense of delight. Solid-colored or finely patterned ribbons, decorative antimacassars, and table runners can all add to the festive atmosphere. Subdued reds, deep blues, dark greens, and shimmering patterns are all excellent fabric options. The right fabric really is a matter of taste—pick fabrics that look attractive to you and you can’t go wrong.
A great way to integrate fabric into your room is through window treatments constructed with premium materials, such as tailored Roman shades and fabric drapery. Talk to a Graber Design Expert to learn more about custom window treatments that bring the beauty of fabric into your gathering space.
Extravagant and Eclectic Touches
The holidays invite extravagance. An opulent table set with the best China and fine glassware conveys luxury and builds anticipation for a wonderful meal. Elevate the room’s décor using gold-colored and silver-colored elements as well as colored glass. White flower arrangements can add elegance and beauty.
One extravagant way to elevate your room is fabric coordination. By matching shades, drapery, and pillows in the room, you can create a luxurious, truly finished look. Try coordinating custom fabric drapery or tailored Roman shades with matching throw pillows for a sense of opulence. A Graber Design Expert can help create this special look.
While making your guests feel welcome is a primary concern, self-expression should not be overlooked. Add decorative pieces, art, and heirlooms that communicate who you are and celebrate your own holiday traditions. Ornaments handed down through the generations, a cool retro set of holiday highball glasses, or a giant oil painting of your pug in a red stocking cap will all spark conversation and sharing. It’s your home—let your personality shine through.
Don’t Overthink It
A holiday makeover for your gathering space can be as elaborate as you choose. But a few simple additions can go a long way. A brilliantly lit Christmas tree will transform any room. Coordinated fabric tablecloths or garlands tastefully placed around the room might be enough to convey a holiday feel.
Even just dimming the lights and adding candles can be all you need to communicate to your guests that this is a special gathering for enjoying good conversation, eating great food—and making memories.
For window treatment ideas to help you start creating the perfect gathering space, contact a Graber Design Expert in your area.
