Decorate the walls to differentiate between the living and dining room.
Having one long wall expand across two different rooms, such as your living and dining room, can create decorating challenges, especially if you want the two spaces to visually have their own identity. Choose colors, patterns or objects that you can use in both spaces to unite the areas so they complement each other rather than compete. Use the shared wall to achieve a cohesive look that flows without using the same color scheme or theme in both spaces.
Instructions
1. Paint the wall in one color that works with both rooms. For example, use chocolate brown if your dining room is chocolate brown and red, and your living room is chocolate brown and aqua. Use two different shades that complement each other, or paint one section and wallpaper the other. Use decorative molding to separate the two areas. For example, the dining room part of the wall can boast a cream-colored wallpaper with mauve and light blue flowers, while the living room portion of the wall is painted in the same shade of light blue.
2. Hang mirrors in both spaces. Use different sizes, shapes or frames for distinction, such as a formal rectangular mirror with a floral border etched into the glass in the dining room, and a series of playful round mirrors in the living room.
3. Frame artwork or family pictures to hang on both sides of the walls. Use artwork with at least one common color or a similar theme or style, such as an image of a vineyard with a gold frame in the dining room and a picture of rolling hills in a matching gold frame in the living room. Alternatively, hang black-and-white family photos in the living room with black frames, and a mirror with the same black frame in the dining room.
4. Hang panels of fabric in one or both rooms on small decorative rods. For example, paint the entire wall terracotta red, then hang fabric with a striped print with hints of the red in the living room section of the wall. Alternatively, hang two different prints on the walls using complementary colors but different patterns.
5. Accessorize the walls with wall sconces, floating shelves holding knickknacks, or wall stickers with images or words that apply to both spaces. For example, the dining room might have "Bon Appetit," while the living room has "Live, Laugh, Love" or whatever words are inspiring to you and your family.
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