JACKSONVILLE, Florida - Artful placement of interesting accessories can transform a dining table from a functional piece of furniture into a highly decorative part of the home's overall interior design plan, according to Judith Sisler Johnston, president, Sisler Johnston Interior Design and ASID Allied Member.

"Twenty years ago, a dressed table always had a tablecloth with felt pads underneath to protect the delicate veneers and solid woods," Sisler Johnston said. "With technological advancements in finishing products, most dining tables today have more durable surfaces, making it possible to enjoy the figures, patterns, inlays and fine wood graining without using tablecloths and protective pads."

Along with the growth of the tabletop industry, there are more choices in the upscale furniture market, including glass, marble, wood and granite tops. Industry advancements have also resulted in more reasonably priced products, such as high pressure laminates that resemble expensive wood and stone options. For that reason, many are draping their dining tables with table scarves, sashes, placemats, chargers or a combination of these instead of covering the table with a cloth.

"Think of the table as an empty canvas and decide what you want it to say," Sisler Johnston said. "Table décor should be inviting and appealing whether it applies to formal or casual dining areas. I strive for coordination with other decorative elements in the surrounding areas. This can be achieved with color or texture or patterning."

Often, both casual and formal dining chairs have fabric seats which can be recovered to coordinate or contrast with window décor. Those same fabrics can be used to make napkins, placemats, table scarves or sashes to achieve a custom look. Mixing and matching textures, such as smooth ceramic dishes and polished metal flatware with woven wicker or rattan placemats, can produce an interesting result. In recent years, chargers (or large plates) have been used instead of, or in addition to, placemats for a multi-layered look. Chargers are available in a variety of materials that add color and texture, including ceramic and metallic finishes.

The table's centerpiece has traditionally been a colorful floral arrangement, which is still a popular option. The floral centerpiece should be scaled to the table's proportions to achieve the most pleasing effect. However, floral centerpieces are not the only choice, according to Sisler Johnston. Clustering decorative objects, including boxes, vases, candles and statuary, can be just as effective. If carefully placed, these items can be built into one large centerpiece. Cake stands, books and clear Lucite boxes and stands can be used to elevate some of the clustered items to achieve the correct balance. Adding illumination enhances the table's sparkle. Different sized candlesticks can be placed within a live plant or silk greenery arrangement for a natural effect.

"I often get cues from the chandelier above the dining area when I design table tops," Sisler Johnston said. "I like to incorporate crystals as well as similar or contrasting metallic accents and linens that work well with the chandelier."

Jewelry, an art element that is used in window fashions and upholstery, is also making its way into table décor. Jewelry appears on table fabric trim, napkin rings and embellishments on dishes and flatware. Another colorful, artistic and natural idea is to fill vases with fruit, such as apples, oranges or lemons. Placing small votive candles around the base will illuminate the arrangement in a soft and subtle way.

Sisler Johnston says table décor possibilities are endless. A practical approach for casual dining decor is to fill one clear glass canister with alternating layers of white rice, brown sugar and flour. The same concept works with different nuts or herbs.

"I have seen some of the loveliest centerpieces made from herb gardens," Sisler Johnston

said. "Those small plastic pots can be clustered in a basket and covered with moss and will add fragrance, color and useful charm to any table." For all interior design projects, Sisler Johnston recommends consulting with a licensed interior designer, who can assist with proper planning,help prevent costly mistakes and design an inviting space that functions well for its use.

Sisler Johnston Interior Design offers comprehensive interior design services for residential and commer

cial clients, specializing in luxurious living spaces for exceptional homes. The company designs residential and model homes as well as community centers, hotel and office suites.

ASID Allied Member Judith Sisler Johnston and her team of licensed, talented designers help clients enhance their surroundings with timeless elegance and classic style. Sisler Johnston is Jacksonville's leading authority on designing spectacular spaces that are beautiful, functional and reflect her clients' personalities and lifestyles.

Sisler Johnston’s design work has been featured in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and television programs.  Sisler Johnston Interior Design celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004 and has been recognized with nearly 100 industry awards.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908 or visit www.sislerjohnston.com.

For more information about Sisler Johnston Interior Design, call (904) 288-0908

Photography:

Oakbrook Dining - The dining chair fabric was also used in the window décor and as napkins and placemats in Mattamy Homes’ model at Oakbrook.