High Point Market: Dining Room Design Showcase
| This December, our team took on something new. At High Point Market in October, each of us chose a dining table that sparked our creativity—then built an entire dining room concept around it. The result? Three distinct spaces, each rooted in a unique story, personality, and approach to connecting with others.With the holidays in full swing, we’re reminded that the best memories are often made around the table — where recipes are passed down, stories are retold, and everyone finds their seat. Whether you’re hosting a candlelit dinner, a Christmas morning brunch, or a lively game night that stretches late into the evening, your dining room sets the tone for how you gather. We hope these three designs inspire ideas for elevating the space you love — and spark a vision for the moments yet to come. |
 |
| Rochelle’s Design: A Transitional Dining Room for the World Traveler Inspired by a striking center-column dining table with a beautifully reeded base, this dining room blends sophistication with a warm, worldly charm. Deep gold, chocolate, and taupe tones unfold across an oversized mural wallpaper, creating a moody backdrop perfect for candlelit evenings and intimate gatherings.A dramatic statement light fixture casts a soft, ambient glow, while a streamlined modern console keeps the room feeling fresh and thoughtfully curated. This space belongs to someone with a bold personality—someone who has seen the world, collects stories, and loves hosting the people they care about. It’s a dining room designed for connection, warmth, and unforgettable evenings around the table. |
 |
| Christie’s Design: Warm, Welcoming, and Full of Heart Christie was drawn to this dining table for its cozy farmhouse feel and the beautiful wood finish that instantly brings warmth into a home. It’s the kind of table that invites you to linger—big enough to gather the whole family, whether it’s for a meal, a game night, or those in-between moments where everyone ends up talking and laughing long after the plates are cleared.Her design centers on comfort, connection, and simplicity done well. It’s a room that feels lived-in and loved—a true heart-of-the-home space where memories are made. |
 |
| Laken’s Design: Tranquil, Tidal, and Full of Calm Laken’s dining room is centered around a round table chosen to encourage a more intimate, balanced flow—where every seat feels connected and conversation comes naturally. Soft blues and warm woods keeps the room feeling calm and grounded, setting the tone for relaxed, easy gatherings. A thoughtful mix of materials—woven chairs, gentle textures, and a softly sculpted light fixture—adds quiet character without overwhelming the space. Perfect for someone who appreciates comfort with a touch of refinement. Altogether, these details create a setting that feels personal, supporting connection, warmth, and those unplanned moments that make a home feel lived in. |
| Ready to begin your own Homestory? When you’re building or remodeling, every choice shapes the story your home will tell. Start with one inspiring element — the table everyone gathers around, the light that warms the room, or the art that sparks conversation — and design outward from there. That’s how the most meaningful spaces come to life. If you’re dreaming of a home that feels beautifully personal and truly yours, we’d love to guide you. We’re now booking projects for Spring 2026 — let’s start designing your Homestory together. Dwelling Place Interiors Creating inspired homes, telling your story with excellence. |
| Warmly, |
 |
 |
 |
| Leland in Lights is back Dec. 6 to Jan. 4 at Founders Park, located at 113 Town Hall Drive. Stroll through dazzling light displays, discover whimsical themes, and snap picture-perfect moments around every corner. Start the season off right with the Grand Illumination of Leland in Lights on Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Santa and the community will count down to the moment the park lights up in spectacular fashion! |
 |
 |
| Holiday Entertaining Tips for a Beautiful, Stress-Free SeasonWhether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a lively holiday gathering, a few thoughtful touches can make your dining room feel effortless and inviting. Here are some of our favorite designer-approved tips: 1. Set the Mood With Layers of Light Candlelight is the quickest way to create warmth and intimacy. Mix tapers, votives, and pillar candles at varying heights. Dim overhead lighting and let the room glow. Our youngest son loves to take on the task of lighting the candles for the most basic of dinners. Have smaller children? Look for candle options with glass containers or opt for battery operated candles. 2. Let Your Table Tell a Story You don’t need elaborate décor—just pieces that feel meaningful. Incorporate natural elements like fresh greenery, dried citrus, pinecones, or a simple garland. Add one unexpected detail (a unique napkin ring, a collected bowl, a handmade ornament) to give the table personality. Over the years, I’ve done this in many ways – tying a ribbon around the napkins, setting candy in small dollar store sleighs at each place – anything that says, “I thought of you and I’m glad you’re here.” 3. Create an Easy Serving Zone A well-staged console or sideboard can be your best friend. Set out glassware, a drink dispenser, or silverware ahead of time so guests can help themselves and you’re not juggling everything at once. This is my go to for large parties. We often set 2 or 3 tables and having everyone go through a buffet line together makes serving simple and gives all guests a chance to mingle. 4. Use a Signature Scent—Subtly Simmer a pot of citrus, cinnamon, and cloves, or light a soft, wintery candle. The goal is a gentle welcome, not a scent that competes with your food. 5. Keep the Menu Simple & Special Choose one showstopper—an entrée, a beautiful dessert, or a festive cocktail—and let the rest be straightforward. Hosting is about connection, not complexity. Read that last sentence again. While these are great tips for a beautiful occasion, don’t let anything keep you from hosting. The investment you make into your family, friends and community is a gift with great rewards! 6. Add a Thoughtful Conversation Starter During the holidays, guests often span generations. Place a small card at each setting with a meaningful question (“What was your favorite moment this year?” or “What tradition do you treasure most?”). It’s an easy way to spark connection and make memories. Or, pick up the table talk cards listed below; they are a fast track to connection! 7. Don’t Forget a Cozy Touch If your dining space opens to a living area, drape a few throws, light the tree, or add a soft lamp nearby. It makes the entire home feel warm, cohesive, and ready for gathering. 8. Prepare you! If you skip all of the above tips, that’s ok! The most important thing is to be a relaxed and welcoming hostess. It probably won’t all go well or perfect but if you open your home to others and share yourself with them, you’ve accomplished the most important thing! I usually spend the time preparing the food and table settings a couple of hours ahead until about 30 minutes before guests arrive. I allow myself 15-20 minutes to change clothes, gather my thoughts and breathe. Whatever isn’t done didn’t need to be; it’s time to relax and enjoy the party! |
 |
 |
| The Whiteside |
| You don’t often find a mid-century home on the intracoastal waterway, but my clients found this gem with a superb lot and boating dock. We wanted to keep the charm, but lighten and brighten the interior and exterior. It is now an inviting oasis in a beautiful setting! And it looks pretty amazing with Christmas decor! |
 |
 |
| 1. Table Topics Holiday Conversation Pack– Enjoy meaningful conversations with family this holiday season with this themed conversation pack. We’ve been using Table Topics at family meals for some time, and they always help guide conversations for family togetherness. 2. Coastline Trough Centerpiece– One of Laken’s picks, this centerpiece features an organic ruffled rim & a warm white reactive glaze that provides variation in the finish, making a lovely long centerpiece for floral arrangements, orchids, other blooming plants. 3. Braided Scallop Edge Round Placemat in Sand & Silver – Another one of Laken’s picks, these placemats are hand sewn using durable and beautiful nylon in a rich assortment of colors. Designed for casual and elegant entertaining, these tabletop essentials can be used to bring a touch of style to your table indoors or out. 4. Noritake Noble Pearl Set Of 4 Dinner Plates, 11″ – One of the picks from Christie’s design, the Noble Pearl place set is a modern, elegant bone china collection that pairs thin, impactful gold lines with subtle light grey for a soft, shadowy effect, enhanced by raised enamel dots and two styles of gold banding. Offering traditional place settings, a modern 12-piece set, and coordinating table accessories, Noble Pearl is designed for everyday use and is conveniently dishwasher safe. |
CATEGORY
12/08/2025
COMMENTS