We Gave This Dining Room 3 Distinct Style Swaps. Which Would You Choose?
Half the fun of interior design is experimenting with different styles to see what suits your space best — and changing your mind later! If you choose timeless designs for your space’s anchor pieces — think dining tables, sofas, and beds — then you can use smaller items later to play around with different looks without a huge investment of time or money.
Whether you’re designing from scratch or reviving an existing space, The Home Depot has affordable and on-trend options for any style. From furniture to decor, you can shop pieces big and small and give your room a whole new feel in no time.
We teamed up with a reader to show just how dramatic a few changes can be. Tania lives in Illinois with her family. Their informal dining room is full of charm, with gleaming hardwood floors and two walls of huge windows looking onto a lush backyard. Such a blank canvas could easily look wonderful in any number of styles — but which to choose?
Our design experiment started with a few essential pieces in a neutral, versatile aesthetic: a stunning salvaged wood dining table, elegant bench seating, a neutral area rug, and a subtle light fixture. Then we isolated three design “moments” where a style swap could have a big impact. After chatting with Tania about her preferences, we settled on three trending styles to incorporate: cottagecore, mid-century modern, and Palm Beach. See how each transforms her space, and let us know which you prefer.
Dining Chairs
There’s something extra inviting about the combination of bench seating and dining chairs — like there’s always room at the table for more guests. Plus, chairs are such an easy shortcut to style change! Do you want to lean into the cozy cottagecore vibes with striped upholstered wood chairs? Perhaps add some mid-century modern contrast with slim linen and oak seats? Or, if you’re inspired by the garden views, you could incorporate the Palm Beach stylings of these natural rattan beauties.
Houseplant and Planter
Houseplants are always in style, and you can even use specific ones to emphasize different aesthetics. This faux ficus has a full shape and softly curved leaves that fit well with cottagecore, especially when potted in a ceramic planter with character. With its tall, sculptural shape, this faux fiddle leaf is almost as iconic as mid-century modern design itself — even more so when paired with a sleek white planter. Feeling more tropical? A palm tree is the epitome of Palm Beach vibes, and a woven bamboo planter adds that patio-lounging spirit all year round.
Buffet and Mirror
Buffets are a smart idea for storage, plus they’re some of the most stylish furniture around. Add a wall mirror to reflect those dreamy windows, and you have an organized, extra-bright space. With details like antiqued brass knobs and warm wood tones, this navy buffet is packed with vintage-inspired cottagecore charm. The delicate beaded detailing of this distressed wall mirror matches beautifully. Or achieve a mid-century modern effect with the contemporary shape of this black oak beauty: The sharp lines and arched doors give it a modern twist, which is accentuated by this bronze mirror‘s sleek curves. If it’s Palm Beach you’re after, double down on undulating shapes and all the rattan. This curvaceous rattan cabinet makes a bold tropical statement, while a wavy gold mirror is a subtle nod to beachside style.
Which Did Tania Choose?
Tania told us she loved elements of all three styles — especially those striped dining chairs! After spending some time with each setup, she decided to mix and match her favorite pieces to create a layered look that’s distinct to her. What would you choose?