As we head into the holiday season, visions of large dinners and the rooms where we hold them are at the forefront of our minds. This formal dining room of a family home in Toronto evokes drama by mixing styles, creating vitality and excitement. This is just one of many dynamic international residences featured in seasoned interior designer Anne Hepfer’s first book, MOOD: Interiors and Inspiration (Gibbs Smith, 2022). Pulling back the curtain on her design process, Hepfer analyzes her global style influences, the materials and furnishings she chooses, and most important, the moods that they evoke. “To create a meaningful home,” writes Hepfer, “we must examine how we want to feel in our private spaces and how we interact with them morning, noon, and night; those decisions can set the tone for each day. Our moods live deep within us—the ultimate expression of ourselves—and are triggered by memories, dreams, scents, and experiences home and abroad, alone or shared with loved ones.” In the case of this dining room, the collision of styles creates both movement and stillness, vitalizing a room meant to entertain upwards of ten people. A dramatic energy radiates from the agate wallpaper, and Robert Longo paintings of humans seemingly frozen in motion contrast with the elegance and stability of the French rococo influence shown in the ornate mirror, King Louis XVI chairs, and crystal chandelier. A pop of color turns up the drama (we chose a bright yellow instead of a Kelly green). It keeps those in the space awake and eager to interact while they tuck in to a sumptuous meal. Feel like making a theatrical statement in your dining room this season? Here are nine editor’s picks to help make a dramatic impact on your guests.

1. Antique R.J. Horner Style Carved Mahogany Trestle Table // maineantiquefurniture.com
2. Charcoal Teardrop Vase // campfirepottery.com
3. Rope Chair // bunnywilliamshome.com
4. Nava Table Runner with Tassels, 14″ x 120″ // cb2.com
5. Robert Longo, Anne 1985, 1986, Contemporary Black & White Offset Lithograph // 1stdibs.com
6. Vintage Gilt Rococo Mirror // chairish.com
7. Cole & Son Malachite White/Black Wallpaper // decoratorsbest.com
8. Large Crystal Lights Chandelier // burkedecor.com
9. Rigdon Double Sconce // rejuvenation.com