Harvest time brings forth emotions of abundance, gratitude, and grace and invites us to gather at the table. As we gather together, let’s discover how we can foster a positive atmosphere and facilitate meaningful conversations. My favorite piece of advice that I have received is to control the controllable and let go, or let God have ownership over the rest. Although we cannot control the experiences that our friends and family have under our roof, through design we can create an intentionally comfortable, thought-provoking atmosphere. The design process for this looks something like what follows.
In typical design fashion, let’s start with the focal point of the room. If we want the focus to be around conversation, then the seating needs to accommodate. If the room is large and you plan to have large groups over, break the room up into smaller furniture groupings. You may feel that one large dining table includes everyone, however yelling across the table to have your voice heard, doesn’t invite people to speak. Setting up another table in another room, or a couple of high tops mixed with a smaller dining height table, is more interesting and allows guests options, inviting them to move around and sit where they are most comfortable. In living room spaces, don’t line the furniture up against the wall to fit everyone in. Instead, consider L-shaped seating with some individual chairs or sofas facing one another. It is easier to talk to someone you can make eye contact with. Swivel chairs are great for people to control the direction they are facing and can provide a little movement for those with nervous energy.
Now that they are all here, let's give them a little something to talk about. Set out simple games or puzzles that spark conversation. An amazing view can also be a conversation starter. Artwork evokes emotion, so choose carefully. Using artwork with vanishing points draws people into a space and invites them to ask questions. Highly personal artwork may be better suited for hallways or more private areas. Remember, you want your guests to focus on one another, not on your art. Accessories are something that can be a bit more personal. A decorative object collected from a recent trip or an artisan-created piece carries with it a story to be shared.
Once you have determined the seating arrangement and given them something to talk about, focus next on the lighting. Be sure that there isn’t the possibility of blinding sunlight or glare from reflective surfaces. If you are entertaining in the evening, it is important to have soft lighting on dimmers. Using bulbs with 2700k is a color temperature of light that is most pleasing for all skin tones. Play with the brightness. Lighting that is too bright feels sterile and utilitarian. Lighting that is too dim will put your guests to sleep. Get the lighting just right, and they’ll feel the urge to mingle.
Next, consider sound. Good acoustics are imperative for enjoyable conversation. Open-concept homes with high ceilings can be echoey. Are there rugs, soft furnishings, and window treatments that can be added to absorb some sound? What are the background noises? I love setting a mood with music because it provides energy to a space, but choose your playlist and your volume carefully. You want guests to feel the energy of the music but not necessarily notice it.
The last sense to consider is touch. We are tactile creatures. I can’t help myself when I walk through a department store to touch anything that looks soft. We try our clothes on before we purchase them not only to be sure that they fit but also to ensure they feel good. A natural wood dining table with an interesting layered patina, a linen dining chair, and a soft velvet sofa are all things we naturally want to run our fingers across. If your guests are compelled to touch the fabrics and finishes in your room, they will feel more comfortable opening up in conversation.
So be intentional about setting an inviting atmosphere and then sit back, relax, and enjoy wherever the conversation may lead.