How HGTV Star Hilary Farr Adds Extra Storage And Seating To A Dining Space

It can be tricky to keep a dining room tidy, but Hilary Farr has a brilliant storage solution. Farr is known for her clever and chic design ideas on both HGTV's "Love It or List It" and "Tough Love." Not only is Hilary Farr full of creative storage solutions for rooms without closets, but she also knows how to make storage look stylish. On "Love It or List It" Season 11, Episode 10, she turned a family dining room into a modern and functional space. One of the key pieces was a double-ottoman bench with storage compartments under the seat.

Farr explains her selection in the episode: "Those ottomans lift up and you can also stash things there. You know, with four children there's always stuff to stash." This family-friendly concept also adds additional seating to the dining area, making it a dual-purpose idea. The bench can be used as seating for children when you're hosting a large gathering. You can also pair it with a kid's table that can fold for easy storage, like the Flash Furniture Wren Adjustable Classroom Activity Table. And the good news is there are several ways you can apply Farr's concept to your own dining room.

Every dining space is different, which means you might need to alter Hilary Farr's method to fit your unique interior. If you don't have a large bay window or alcove to insert a bench-style ottoman, consider a more compact version. Cuyoca offers a Shoe Storage Ottoman with two storage cubes that can fit even in the coziest dining rooms. Another space-saving solution is a nook-style bench that will slide into the corner of your space, like the Linon Harris White Solid Pine Backless Nook.

An additional consideration is aesthetics. Farr chose a gray, upholstered ottoman with rounded edges, but you don't have to stick to a neutral, modern piece. In fact, this can be a great way to add a pop of color and visual interest if your space appears dull. The Upholstered Storage Bench by HomePop is available in green velvet, blush pink, and other color options. For a more rustic look, try a farmhouse-style piece like the Homsho 2-Tier Storage Bench.

The bench-style ottoman is not the only way to add elegant storage to your dining room like Hilary Farr. There are several dining table options that can add storage in a discreet and stylish way. For example, consider the weleson 47 Inch Round Dining Table for 4, which contains hidden shelves. Another alternative is to choose dining chairs that include secret storage compartments. The Redlife Dining Chairs each include a compartment with a 24-gallon capacity.

A classic option is to add a buffet cabinet to your dining space. This is a great way to store extra dishes and display food if you're hosting a self-serve dinner. While this won't add more seating, it is a great way to fill space in your dining room with something useful and timeless. Plus, you can choose a bar-height buffet sideboard and use it as an extra eating surface with the addition of counter stools. Consider taking the budget route and DIY-ing basic IKEA cabinets to create a built-in buffet.