Love: Dining Rooms That Aren't a One-Trick Pony

Unless you host a lot of sit-down dinners, that particular piece of real estate doesn't have to be a static room in your home. Think about other purposes that would serve you and design accordingly. I did one as an escape-from-sports-TV room using a fully upholstered curved settee, a Harden Hi-Lo round table and two slipper lounge chairs. This space also had a TV/console and the table is set at cocktail height, but raise it and pull up the comfy chairs and dine in comfort...I've also done one where I re-purposed a Williamsburg settee and swapped out three side chairs; softened up all that matching wood!
Here are some other ideas:

One of my all-time favorites - books are always in style and a round table ideal for cards or intimate gatherings

Similar idea with a transitional style

A modern multi-purpose room

So feminine and great blending of dining and living areas

Dining room? Game room?

Need: Stylish Lounge Chairs

While the defining characteristic of 'lounge chair' is comfort, the following examples also deliver great silhouettes and nuanced details. You need fitted for your furniture first: adequate lumbar support, arm rests that don't raise shoulders, a flat plane from knee to thigh - better yet, add an ottoman and get your feet up!

Love the upholstered legs and nailhead detail - Hickory Chair

Refined step-back arm from Hickory Chair

Lovely curves would be more apparent in a simpler fabric - from Harden

From Bernhardt - subtle tufting on back and a bit more substantial than a slipper chair

From the Mr and Mrs Howard Collection from Sherrill - a comfy twist on a wing chair

A swivel from Harden

Stickley's classic 'Leopold' chair - originated in the 30's; incredibly comfortable

From Sherrill - contrast welt and button freshen a traditional style

From Henredon, this is all-around lovely and comfy, especially if floating in a room

From Celerie Kemble for Henredon - gorgeous!

Need: An Organic Touch...

...because it grounds even the slickest of interiors and brings the energy of the natural world into our space...if only as a reminder there is a force greater than us...

Floor sculpture from Arteriors

Side table

Love the embedded energy this implies

Sculpture and function

Clamshells have been around a while, but adds some grit here - though I would have liked it better in an earthy shade

Anvil side table

Adds depth here

Beautiful live-edge dining table from Harden

Images:californiamarket,completelycoastal,arteriors,harden,elledecor