CHARACTERFUL DINING ROOMS

Where we gather with family and friends to partake of food and lively conversation needs to be inviting, comfortable and practical, with layers of texture, flattering lighting and storage for tableware and linen

Creating a sense of occasion need not necessarily translate to an overly formal environment. Where dining rooms of old may once have played a role in creating a distinct shift between the familiar kitchen supper and elegant dinner parties, today their form responds to the demands of their environment and designs are more flexible. Smart separation of spaces may of course still stand for those wishing to implement a distinct change of mood for special events, yet elsewhere careful encompassing of adjoining areas affords opportunity to create flow and synergy throughout home interiors. Here we speak to experts for their advice and ideas on creating dining rooms with style.

DINING ROOMS Case Study One

Dramatic Porta Romana overhead pendants are one of several lights in the room that allow for a multi-layered lighting effect. Underfoot, the overscaled Floor Story rug provides an arresting visual focus, and was specially sized to fit the proprtions of the room.

Pale-pink upholstered armchairs echo the soft pink velvet curtains and chime with hues used in the rugs by Floor Story. Vibrant accents of colour in the lampshades and scatter cushions create a layered look.

Natalie Stephenson and Juliette Wright, founders of Stephenson Wright

Bold colour and accessories create a dynamic entertaining space that mixes heirlooms with contemporary touches.

The brief “Our client is a young actress living between London and Los Angeles who entertains frequently. Our brief was to update her classic London penthouse apartment and inject a feeling of fun whilst adding a soft and feminine edge. She had inherited a few antiques, such as the Fornasetti dining chairs, and wanted her strong personality to show through other pieces interwoven with these.”

Considered use of colour “We were delighted that our client embraced colour. We combined soft blush velvet curtains with bolder emerald and cerulean blues on the rug, and warmer tones of peridot greens and cream around the room. The colours made the monochrome Fornasetti chairs stand out, and tonally pulled everything together. We loved how her taste in quirky three-dimensional knitted art by Lucy Sparrow (the artwork above the fireplace) added texture.”

Creating synergy “The space has an interesting open-plan set-up: at one end of the dining room in front of an open archway is a comfortable seating area with armchairs, the backs of which can be seen by guests at the table. To avoid the furniture looking too heavy in the line of sight, we used lightcoloured upholstery with wide panels down the back of the armchairs in the same brocade from the sofa scatter cushions to add unexpected interest. To replicate the synergy at the front, we used the same brocade on the armchair cushions to tie the look together.

“Two super-large rugs sit in each end of the room – one almost six metres long, in wool and art silk for a subtle lustre. We enlisted Floor Story to rework one of its designs to fit proportionally. We also recoloured parts of the rug, darkening some areas and playing with colour in others. The Floor Story design references the carnival-like atmosphere of Venezuela – to us this just ticked all the colourful boxes even more!

“The furniture styles are quite a mix, which we love as it’s a great way to add to the personality of the room. A contemporary perspex and gold cocktail cabinet sits next to an antique brass claw-foot dining table and a reclaimed teal mantelpiece. The lights are modern with colourful shades – everything has a warmth to it.

“The sculptural shapes of the Porta Romana wall and pendant lights are so interesting, and we like how slightly overscaled they felt. Combining overhead lighting with wall sconces and table lamps allows a layered lighting effect and many scene-setting options. When specifying a coloured lampshade we will usually include a reflective lining to help the light to bounce more effectively – although in a dining room its nicer to have a softer less bright light.”

Louise Bradley, founder of Louise Bradley Interior Design

Graceful architecture and a stately setting in Regent’s Park, London create the framework for a smart dining space.

The brief “The dining room is situated on the first floor of a Grade I listed house in London’s Regent’s Park. As with any heritage house the original footprint and features needed to be retained. The client’s brief was to create an elegant space for relaxed lunches and intimate dinners for family and guests. The natural views taking in the park helped dictate the colour palettes for both the dining room and the drawing room alongside.”

Bespoke creation “The dining room, adjacent to the drawing room, dictated a central table – perfect for entertaining and allowing guests to converse easily. The handcrafted furniture was designed for the space, and was made by artisans and specialist British cabinetmakers with whom we have been working for a number of years. To the right of the table, the silver-leaf credenza with fluted doors sits between the dining room windows and houses the air-cooling system, whilst to the left the bespoke cabinet with metal-and-glass display shelving showcases the client’s collection of antique glassware

“The furniture features unusual finishes, such as the silver leaf on the credenza and the verre églomisé mirror baguettes set within the dining table, which is finished in an aged pewter, all of which combine to create coherence around the room. The cabinetry to the left is in a combination of finishes: the timber doors have an inlaid bronze panel to pair with the bronzeand-glass shelving, whilst the white marble top creates a lightness to the room. The layering of textures adds to the timeless, classic feel, with dining chairs upholstered in a cotton velvet with piping detail to the back further adding to the central composition of the dining table.”

Adding softness “Inspiration for the muted palette came from the architecture and setting. As the home overlooks Regent’s Park, we combined a muted palette to reflect nature outside, with layered textures and pops of rich colours to lead the eye around the room. We used a timeless silk wallpaper from Fromental as we did not want to use curtains, which lends a softness and warmth to the walls. The antique marble columns were sourced on a trip to Paris, and are positioned next to the window as there is a direct link between their shape and the external architecture. The plants on top of them incorporate greenery into the room and lead the eye on to view of the park.

“The high ceilings allowed for an impressive chandelier, which, when lit, creates an ambience for evening entertaining. We used a pair of Murano glass chandeliers to create a unity between both the drawing room and dining room, providing a cohesive entertaining space.

“The flooring is an original oak parquet which was restored, and is paired with an antique Persian rug in soft greens, sourced in Paris. I always use natural materials as they age so beautifully and gain character with time. When possible, restoring the original features within a property is always the first option.” 

ABOVE The pair of centrally positioned Murano glass chandeliers creates unity between the drawing room and the dining room, whilst the muted palette and silk Fromental wallpaper used across the two spaces adds further to the cohesive feel. RIGHT The silver-leaf credenza is one of several bespoke pieces created for the project, including the aged-pewter dining table with verre églomisé surround. BELOW The deftly designed sleek bronze-and-glass shelving, white marble top and cabinetry with inlaid bronze detailing, have a lightness that does not dominate despite being of reasonable height and width.

DINING ROOMS Case Study Two

DINING ROOMS Case Study Three

Camilla Clarke, creative director of Albion Nord

An sumptuously appointed dining room is teamed with an adjacent snug yet decadent wine and cigar room.

The brief “This Marylebone terrace property was designed to be a family home. The aim was to create a timeless aesthetic that combines old and new with a classical backdrop and a light, fresh palette. The house was then layered with unique eclectic touches that focus on highlighting the magnificent proportions and architectural features of the property. The dining room was designed to be a space to entertain in the evening. The aim was to make it inviting and intimate, whilst also highlighting the classical proportions and symmetry of the room.”

Creating new history “The property was previously occupied as a commercial space and then stripped back to a raw, open concrete shell. The only original feature was the facade. We wanted to work with the heritage of the building and our aim was to sensitively reinstate the Georgian architectural features of the property and work sensitively to the history of the building. In the dining room, and throughout the property, this meant that we were lucky enough to choose all of the new cornicing, plasterwork and architraves.

“In terms of location in the house, the dining room comes directly off a gallery room which is used to welcome guests. From there, a secret jib door leads you into the dining room space, within which there is also a wine and cigar room, and easy access to the chef’s kitchen.”

The dining room “The dining room is bought to life with a bold blue paint colour on the walls (Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball). A large dining table allows room for plenty of guests to sit around the table on the sculptural Soane dining chairs, which have been upholstered in a chocolate brown leather with antique brass stud detailing.

“A mixture of antique and bespoke pieces gives the room character and sophistication. The pair of antique commodes with their lion’s-paw feet are the most charming pieces in the room, and also provide a great storage. The antique marble bust nods to the classical nature of the room whilst remaining fresh and contemporary as a silhouette against the bold blue walls.”

The wine and cigar room “The ambition was to make the wine and cigar room feel part of the dining room, but also to give it enough privacy and personality that it could be its own space. This was achieved by framing the opening with beautiful velvet curtains which add a softness and create a separation between the rooms. The walls were painted in a different colour to the dining room and dark timber panelling was added to create a slightly moodier atmosphere. The two large leather Howardstyle armchairs are dressed with cushions upholstered in a Guy Goodfellow fabric, and sit alongside bespoke dark timber cabinetry designed to neatly conceal the wine and cigar fridges just to the side.”

ABOVE The cocoonlike interior of the adjacent wine and cigar room is accentuated by clever use of velvet curtains across the opening, and dark-toned pieces within, including wood panelling and leather armchairs. LEFT The bold blue of the dining room walls creates an inviting feel, and offsets the cornicing, plasterwork and architraves, reinstated to sensitively restore the interior architecture as it would have been in its original Georgian incarnation.

and enjoy the finest olive oil all year from your own tree

Giiing service available

DINING ROOMS Case Study Four

Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs

Strong pattern and rich hues combine to create a sense of sophisticated fun in this historic home.

The brief “This spacious late-Georgian property is situated in the Suffolk countryside, with the dining room being one of many large rooms. The client needed a room to host large dinner parties, so it had to be a practical space but also maintain a fun atmosphere. They wished to retain the old curtains, which in design terms lacked impact, so we knew we had to achieve the brief with wallpaper or a punchy paint. It took some time, but the moment we saw the Rapture & Wright wallpaper, we knew it was the one. Our client was brave as they only saw the smallest sample but kept faith.”

Combining old and new “We were so happy to be able to go and buy a proper antique dining table. It has been a long time since we have done that, and it gives the room such presence and stability. We found some inexpensive dining chairs which were given a full makeover using a Christopher Farr fabric on the backs to tie in with the yellow of the curtains without making it feel too yellow-heavy, so this fabric was just right. Paired with a rich burgundy on the front and piped in yellow, they perfectly complement the room.

“A large rug was also required by our client to protect the brand-new carpet. We went to Unnatural Flooring for an easy-to-clean and durable bespoke rug and had the border bound in fabrics to match the piping and fronts of the dining chairs.”

Lighting solutions “We needed wall lights big enough to fill the large spaces between the windows. The lighting we went for in the end added brass accents to match other furnishings such as the mirrors and lamps.

“The pendant light from Julian Chichester adds an interesting focal point, and has multiple bulbs around the circumference to cast sufficient light. Mirrors at either end of the room also add a sense of depth and are ideal for reflecting light into the space.

“I love the bold Rosanna Lonsdale lamps and fabulous shades which tie in so well with the furniture and wallpaper – they give that really special ‘ping’. They also add stability and steadiness to the room with all the other patterns and colours going on around the lamps.

“We were thrilled with the outcome – by working with our brave client and keeping the curtains and original architectural features, we achieved a joyful room with a balance between old and new which combines patterns, colour and details throughout.” 

ABOVE & BELOW Strong pattern and rich hues are offset by accent details to achieve a fun and functional room. The brass of the light fittings adds a touch of warmth, whilst the bespoke rug was bound in the same fabrics as the upholstered chairs to tie in the look.