Do you recognize this scenario? When you first styled and furnished your dining room, you went with a traditional formal look: heavy cherry wood furniture, brocaded wallpaper, chair rails, 3-level glass chandelier, sconces, prints with large gilt-edged frames, glassware and porcelain figurines in the hutch, cloth runner on the buffet, etc. The styling and appearance were right for the time and you were proud of the look of quality and elegance. Times change, however. Styles change, the needs of the family changes, grandkids come along. One day you look at the dining room and realize that it is not being utilized by the family because it is too formal and people are afraid of "messing it up."

We have to go with the tide, as they say. Change happens anyhow and the dining room might end up getting cobwebs and eerie spirits if no longer used. Besides, what a shame to let go of a nice room. A little redecoration and the formal room can be easily transformed into a casual, cheery place to eat together and hang out in.

The dining set is the hardest to let go. For one, it's probably a very expensive furniture set and knowing the state of the economy, it's better to put off unnecessary spending. Buying a new dining furniture is not really needed. You can make the formal table and chairs "friendlier" with a change in tablecloth, cushions and an addition of an area rug. It all boils down to the choice of color. Use shades that are lighter or brighter for a casual look. Why not store the candelabras in the meantime? You can take them out every Valentine's Day for a romantic dine-in experience, so it won't exactly go to waste.

Use seat cushions and area rug that are color-coordinated. Look for a rug that fits the dining table and chairs properly. It's also time to change the room color from the austere dark tone to something more cheerful. Think pastel, off-white, light green and earth tones.

The change in tablecloth can immediately affect how the dining room looks. With a light-colored cloth, the space will look airy, cozy and warm. You can still use deep colors like shades of red if you want to emphasize elegance in the room. Just make sure that the color matches the rest of the room.

A carpeted floor is one obvious sign of formality but it doesn't have to go. You can change the carpet's color if you wish, or take it off and have a bare wood flooring instead. Complement the flooring with an area rug. Check the size of the dining area so you can purchase a rug that can accommodate the dining table set and that includes the chairs with a space left when they are moved back for sitting and getting up. Even a carpet flooring can be accented with an area rug.

You can add more decors by displaying some dining ornaments and collectibles. They don't have to be rare, expensive pieces. Pretty stuff will do. If you have things you deem as special, you can showcase them in a glassware cabinet for all to see. It could make for a great conversation.

The once too heavy and layered curtains can now be replaced with a simpler design and fabric. A window drape always looks nice in a dining room and also provides privacy from the outside, so doing away without it can make the room look bare. Curtains offer a feeling of comfort and intimacy. Family dinners will all the more be a bonding time.

Going from a formal to casual ambiance is actually easy. Just think opposites. From dark colors to light, thick curtains to thin, formal looking to more relaxed. I'm sure your dining room will also offer a new dining experience for the family. Bring out the pizza!