The Art of Design: A Bright & Joyful Breakfast Room

There’s something magical about the way mornings unfold in a beautifully designed space—and this breakfast room proves just how transformative a little color and pattern can be.

The Mood: Bright, Cheerful, and Collected

For this breakfast nook, I leaned into a fresh, feel-good palette and lively wallpaper to set the tone. The patterned wallpaper isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the life source of the room. Its geometric large scale and soft mint tone create energy without overwhelming the petite space, acting as an instant mood booster the moment you walk in.

A Conversation Between Pattern and Art

When working with a bold pattern, the key is to build thoughtful layers and mix scale. I selected artwork that speaks to the color palette of the wallpaper—soft greens, sunny yellows, and grounding neutrals—without competing for attention. Abstract pieces and still lifes with vibrant color harmonize with the wallpaper’s structure while adding depth and personality. It’s a playful dialogue: the wallpaper leads with pattern, the art responds with emotion.

Bringing It All Together

I’ve paired a corner dark blue ticking stripe banquette with a woven pedestal table to bring in warmth and texture. Classic spindle-back chairs in a citrus green add a jolt of fun. The rug beneath the table mirrors the joyful tones above, grounding the space in a soft rainbow gradient that stretches from sunrise pinks to sky blues. Across the room, a white sideboard with woven paneling anchors the design, while mint-green ceramic glazed lamps and a large-scale still life painting echo the freshness and liveliness of the morning ritual.

This breakfast room was designed to celebrate the little things—slow mornings, fresh fruit, and sunlight through the windows. It’s a reminder that good design doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels like joy.

Designer Tips for a Curated Breakfast Room

Start with Pattern & Don't be afraid to be Bold!: Let your wallpaper lead. Choose something that will set the entire mood for the space. Don’t be afraid to wallpaper all of the walls in your space and sometimes if the space calls for it the ceiling as well. Often, when someone falls in love with a bold wallpaper, their first instinct is to use it on just one wall. That approach often leaves the space feeling disjointed or incomplete. Especially in smaller rooms like a breakfast nook, committing to wrapping all the walls in wallpaper can actually make the space feel larger and more cohesive. The pattern draws the eye around the room and creates a visual flow that anchors the entire design.

Pro Tip: If your room is small, like this breakfast room, opt for a light-colored wallpaper with open patternwork. It keeps the space feeling bright, airy and inviting.

Mix in Natural Materials & Textures: Wicker, rattan, and raw woods soften the space and keep it grounded. Also, items like a natural fiber rug adds warmth and coziness to the space while also being functional as natural fibers hold up well and are simple to maintain.

Pro Tip: Sourcing wicker or wood antique pieces give the space patina and character that immediately make the room feel layered and lived in. 

Do you have a space—or several spaces—that don’t feel like you? Or rooms that sit unused because they just don’t work for your lifestyle or spark emotion? At Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design, we specialize in creating spaces that not only function flawlessly but also reflect your personality, passion, and artful taste.

Whether it’s reimagining a cheerful breakfast nook or redesigning an entire home, we’re here to help you have a home that truly brings you happiness. Let’s work together to transform your environment into a joyful, personalized haven.