When you are ready to choose a dining room table, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that it is the right one for your particular needs. On one hand, it should be something you like the look of and adds to the beauty of your home, yet this is a piece of furniture that needs to serve a purpose in addition to looking great. In other words, you are searching for something that balances both form and function.


We have a wonderful selection of beautiful dining room furniture in our Lake of the Ozarks luxury furniture store. You will find a wide variety of styles to fit many different types of dining rooms. Even if it is not the main focal piece in your space, it will play a large part in setting the tone for the entire room The following tips will help you to choose the right one for the room you are designing.

Table Functionality
Thinking about how you will most often use your dining room table will narrow down the kind that you will be looking for. If you will be using it on a daily basis, you will want to make sure that it has a durable surface that won't damage easily. This is especially true if you will also be using the table for more than dining, like homework, crafts, and other family activities. On the other hand, if you are shopping for a formal dining room table that will mainly be used for special occasions, the look of the table may take precedence over the need for a surface that has to hold up to daily use. 


Table Size
As with the interior design of any room in your home, pay attention to the scale of the space. Large tables are good for grounding the space in a very large room, but you don't want the table to feel as if it is taking over the entire place.

As a rule of thumb, it is best to have at least 3 feet between the wall and the table so there is enough room for chairs to fit around it comfortably, and also to allow people to walk around it while diners are seated. Ideally, you should have approximately 24 inches for each place setting, or about 30 inches between chair centers, for plenty of elbow room. Allow about 12 inches between the top of the seat and the bottom of the table for enough leg room. If the chair has arms, you will want to leave 7 inches between them and the bottom of the table. 


Table Shape
The shape of your dining area will help to dictate the shape of the table that will best suit your needs. Rectangular tables can accommodate lots of guests, and they fit best in most dining rooms. Opting for an oval table in a narrow room still gives you lots of seating and the rounded edges can make it appear as if the table takes up less space. That shape also adds a design element that is pleasing to the eye.

Round tables make it easier for everyone seated to see each other, making for a better conversational flow. This shape works very well in smaller rooms. Square tables also have the same effect, and they look better in square rooms than a rectangular table does. You can find smaller tables that come with additional leaves, allowing you to increase the table size when you need more room for guests, but keep it small on a daily basis to better fit the scale of the room. 


When you come into our Lake of the Ozarks home furnishings store, don't be afraid to test out the pieces you are interested in. Sit down at the table and see how it feels to you for both comfort and stability. If you can imagine it in your dining room with your family and friends around it, it just may be the one you've been looking for. Visit us at John Elliott Interiors soon for all of your Lake of the Ozarks interior design needs.

Summertime is a wonderful time to be outdoors, especially if you have a home in the beautiful lake area. If you are looking for the right type of outdoor furnishings at the Lake of the Ozarks to decorate your outdoor space, you will find that there are many different types to choose from.

The material used to make the furniture will make a big difference depending on how you want to use it and how much maintenance you want to give it. John Elliott Interiors has listed a few of the different materials below, along with some information on each, that may help you to make a decision on which type is best for your needs.


Wicker/Rattan
Wicker, rather than a material, is actually the name for the style of weave used to make the furniture. Rattan is the material most often used in wicker weaves. It is a naturally growing vine-like species that is native to tropical regions. A strong fibrous plant similar to bamboo. The furniture made from this is very lightweight, making it a good choice if you like to change the layout of your outdoor area often. It is fairly easy to maintain and usually does not require a lot of care. It actually works well both indoors and outdoors.

Aluminum
The good things about aluminum for patio furniture are that it is lightweight, durable, and doesn't rust or fade. This makes it a low maintenance choice and easy to move around. This material can get very hot when it sits in direct sunlight, so you will want to be careful of that.  

Stainless Steel
Steel is very sturdy and will last a long time when properly taken care of. While heavier than aluminum, steel is not the heaviest type of metal patio furniture out there. It also gets extremely hot when placed in the sun. To protect steel furniture from rust you should apply a protective finish.  


Wrought Iron
This is also very sturdy, extremely durable, and able to withstand the elements when it is left outside. Wrought iron can be very heavy, so if you want furniture that can be moved around easily, this is not the best choice. It will need to have a rust protector applied if it is not powder coated. Paint can be used to touch up cracks that may appear from wear. This type of material takes a bit of special care to keep it looking its best, but it offers a classic and elegant look to your outdoor area.

Wood
Wooden outdoor furniture will be sturdy and long-lasting, but it may need extra attention to keep to keep it in its best shape. A bonus is that wood doesn't absorb heat like metal furniture so it won't be too hot to touch if kept out in the sun. It will possibly need a preservative to protect the wood from both weathering and insects. You will want to check it occasionally to make sure no spots could cause splinters. 

Concrete
This material is able to withstand even the harshest of elements but is incredibly heavy, so you're best to decide on where you want it before it is delivered. Concrete is a good type of material to use for tables.


Outdoor furniture is made from many different materials, and the choices you will find at our Lake of the Ozarks luxury furniture store cover a wide variety of styles. That makes it easier for us to have access to furniture pieces that you will love, no matter what your personal style may be. Come in and take a look around John Elliott Interiors, and if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, tell us about it. There's an excellent chance that we can find it for you!

Not everyone lives in a large house with lots of space and plenty of rooms to fill with gorgeous, luxury furnishings. Even if you live in a small house or a condominium with limited space, you can still have a luxurious interior design that won't feel cramped. Our luxury furniture store at the Lake of the Ozarks has the items you need to make that happen, and today's blog has a few tips to make your living space and the pieces you find at John Elliott Interiors work together beautifully.



Large Scale Art & Mirrors
One large statement piece of art alone on a single wall offers a focal point that adds beauty to the room and makes a big impact. Also, a few cleverly placed mirrors will make a room seem larger than it actually is. The mirror will amplify light in the room and break up visual clutter in small spaces. When placed behind furniture or across from a window, mirrors will create the illusion that the room is much larger.



Less is More
Keep your styling simple in a small space because too many decorations can overwhelm the room and make it appear cluttered. Scale your collections down to a few favorite pieces and store extra items out of sight until you are ready to switch them out for a fresh look or with the season. When there is less to look at, the items that you do have on display will take center stage and get the attention they deserve. You can also furnish the room with cabinets that have doors that can be closed to hide things that don't always need to be seen, such as a television or a small bar setup.

Intrigue the Eye
You want to have interesting elements that draw a person's eye and add personal touches to the space. The addition of moldings bring dimension to your walls and give them an upscale look, traditional and elegant. One bold side chair with a unique pattern or textile makes a very grand statement. Don't me afraid to mix patterns too with pillows and throws. A very large rug in a small room makes it feel bigger, and an interesting pattern can bring in some of the texture we are talking about. 



Lengthen the Drapes
A wonderful trick for making a small space both seem larger and much more luxurious is to hang drapes that reach all the way to the floor. It will make the ceiling seem higher adding to the illusion that the space is larger than it truly is. Choosing drapes made with a rich fabric is an easy way to add luxury too. 

Add Sculptured Items
If you have a room with lots of straight lines from the furniture and the decorations on your walls, add luxurious pieces that have unique shapes and stand out among the flatter elements of the room. You could choose a sofa with a curved back or seat shape, a coffee table made from a tree, or actual sculptures. These artistic touches will bring depth and interest to the entire room. 


Those are just a few simple tips and tricks that can make a small, boring space seem larger and more luxurious. Our interior designers at the Lake of the Ozarks are always here to give advice and share their expertise for making any room the most beautiful space you have ever set eyes on. Let John Elliott Interiors help you create an interior that you are excited to show off and delighted to call home.

The talented designers at our Lake of the Ozarks luxury furniture store are always happy to help you find an interior design style that you will love. We can start by showing you our favorite things for inspiration, but it's always best if you can come into John Elliott Interiors with some idea of what you personally like best. That way, the final room that we come up with will be one that you can absolutely love. 


Trying to figure out exactly what you want a room to look like can be overwhelming at first. A simple way to get started is to think about the types of things that make you happy. After all, you will be the one living in this space once everything is finished. It should be a place where you enjoy spending time and are excited to invite others to enjoy with you. Discover a few of your favorite things by taking a look at the following.

Your Current Interior Design
This is a great place to start. If you're ready for a new design, you obviously don't want to recreate what is already there, but it can give you clues about the new direction you want to take. Make a list of the things you no longer like about the room, but also make a list of the things that you still love. Look for common threads throughout your home, such as colors or patterns that are repeated often or shapes that stand out. Decide how you feel about each of these things, and that will help to point you in the direction you should go when you choose a new look for the room.   

Items You Collect
People tend to collect their favorite things, and things that you love are perfect items to surround yourself with in your home. This doesn't mean that you should fill every nook and cranny with your collection. Instead, see if there is a color or pattern among your collection that would translate well into your interior design. If there is, then the finished room will be a wonderful place to display pieces of your prized collection. Some of the new furniture that you choose can be pieces that will allow you to showcase those displays. 


Activities You Enjoy
Thinking about how you want to use the room you are redecorating will influence the types of furniture that you need for it. If it is going to be a quiet, relaxing spot where you go to unwind, you will need cozy furniture that you can curl up on. An entertainment center will be an important piece of furniture to focus on if your relaxation involves watching movies or playing video games, but if you prefer a room where you can turn off the electronics and get some reading done, then bookshelves and side tables will be much more important. For rooms that you will be doing a lot of entertaining in, you'll want pieces that flow well together and also are sturdy enough to take a lot of wear and tear and can be cleaned easily if needed.

Items That Catch Your Eye
Getting away from the things that you already have in your life, let's move on to new items that you may love but haven't discovered yet. As soon as you begin thinking about giving any room a brand new look, start paying more attention to other people's interior designs, the pieces you gravitate toward while you're out shopping, and the pages you pause on when you flip through design magazines. Start noticing the commonalities that all of these things share, and you are on your way to a look that you can love.


Following the ideas that we have shared above are an excellent way to get on track to finding a new interior design that you can be excited about spending time in. Bring those ideas with you when you meet with our interior designers at the Lake of the Ozarks, and together we will discover the perfect pieces to bring this new look to life. The John Elliott Interiors showroom is packed full of luxurious furniture and accessories to get your search started, but if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, let us know. There is a very good possibility that we know where to find it!

Since the 4th of July is on everyone's minds this time of year, it seemed like the perfect time for John Elliott Interiors to focus on 3 colors in particular that you might want to include in your interior design - red, white, and blue. These colors work beautifully and patriotically together, and each evokes a certain ambiance on their own. Our interior design experts at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to help you decide the best way to use each, but the tips in today's blog may give you a head start on the one, or more, you prefer to highlight. 


Red
Red is a bold and exciting color that can really make a statement. It is considered to be a color of romance and passion, warmth and comfort, and a color that heightens the senses. When used on the walls, it can make a room feel more intimate. This works best in a space with high ceilings and lots of natural light. Used as a decorative accent color on a rug or pillows, it works well to perk up a neutral color palette. An earthy shade of red can warm a room, and a softer shade can bring a coziness to it. Reds with an orange tint can bring energy to a space.  


White
White tends to bring about feelings of purity, simplicity, and freshness. When used as the main color in a room, it can make a small area feel larger and more spacious. Too much white can tend to make a room feel cold and sterile, but the use of accent colors throughout the space can help to veer the feel of your interior design in a specific direction away from that. That cold feeling can also be tamed by layering different tones of white together as well as different textures. 

A creamier white is wonderful for a more traditional look, while a brighter white can give a room a more modern feel. Placing white furniture and rugs in a room can be scary because they will show dirt more than a darker color will. If that's a problem for your lifestyle but you find a piece of white furniture you simply can't resist, just make sure that it is a material that can be easily spot-cleaned if necessary.   


Blue   
Depending on the shade of blue used, it can evoke feelings of calmness, serenity, security, and order. The color has been known to lower the pulse rate and body temperature of people, lending to its calming effect. This makes it a good color to use in the bedroom if you want that space to be a relaxing and peaceful getaway.  On the flip side, it is also said to be a color that promotes productivity, so it is often used to decorate an office. 


When you choose a favorite color to feature in a room, the talented experts at our luxury furniture store at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you decide the best shade and way to use that color to get the look and feel you want the room to have. The John Elliott Interiors showroom is filled with many different pieces in a wide variety of styles so that you can find exactly what you love most.

Summer evenings are best enjoyed outside on a comfortable patio.  Everyone loves a good bbq, and taking your guests outdoors makes entertaining easier while keeping the kids happy.  But, if you're like most people, your patio has gotten a little worn out and forgotten after not being used all winter.  We've put together a list of easy tips for updating your patio that will have you spending time outside all summer long.  If you need help bringing your dream indoor or outdoor space to life, contact John Elliot Interiors, the premier interior designer at the Lake of the Ozarks.

There may be several things you simply can’t wait to ask and share with your interior designer, but for today we’ve narrowed it down to a list of four must-discuss topics. Going over these specific things will help your interior decorator get a better grasp on who you are and what your dream space looks like. Here at John Elliot Interiors, our knowledge and expertise in our craft can’t be beaten. Our team of interior design specialists at the Lake of the Ozarks can help transform your house into a home.


LIKES
This first topic of discussion is a no-brainer. You want to make sure that you and your interior designer are on the same page when it comes to things you like. This can be colors, pieces of furniture, or a general look and feel. It’s always a good idea to give some type of direction of what your style may be so they can work from there. And remember, despite what your interior designer’s personal style is, designing for you is our job. Our interior design team will do our best to match what you are looking for while including our professional opinion.


DISLIKES
Your dislikes can often be even more helpful to a designer than your likes. It is incredibly useful to know what types of elements to avoid. If you only tell your designer that you adore the color red, but leave out the fact that you dislike the color purple, there may end up being hints of your least favorite color in your final layout. If there is a particular look and feel that you are not drawn to, make that known as well. It’s important for your interior designer to know what to stay away from.


LIFESTYLE
It’s important for your interior designer to get to know you as a person! The better they understand your lifestyle and what your spaces are used for, the better they will be able to design to accommodate that. If you have young children, your designer will make different adjustments might not be made when designing for a retired couple. If your family tends to reside in the living room rather than the basement, your designer will accommodate less foot traffic downstairs. It’s important that you and your designer keep things realistic. Though you have your dream house in mind, remember to keep your area true to your real life and your location. Though your finished room will be beautiful, you will still be living in it.


DEADLINES
Though you may be decorating for a specific event or time of year, keep in mind that interior design is an ongoing process. Discuss deadlines and flexibility with your interior designer. There is no perfect recipe for a perfect interior. Interior design is a process, and it's one that may take a few adjustments to achieve the look you desire. Discussing a timeline with your interior designer will help with misplaced expectations.

Now that you have a starting point, go ahead and give John Elliot Interiors a call at 573-365-7057 so that we can get started. If you’re looking to add that “WOW” factor to your home, our team of trained designers can provide top interior decorating at the Lake of the Ozarks. Not sure what you’re going for yet? No problem. Stop by our beautiful store and get inspired!