7 minute read
PLAN THE PERFECT DINING
| PLAN THE PERFECT | Dining space
WHETHER YOURS IS A SEPARATE ROOM OR MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACE, A DINING ROOM CAN BE TRICKY TO GET JUST RIGHT. WE ASKED OUR EXPERTS TO SHARE THEIR DESIGN ADVICE
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FESTIVE COLOUR
Add touches of ruby red for a Christmas dining scheme that oozes grown-up glamour. Motion dining chairs, £199 for two; Wellington rug in Teal, £120; Black Ball wall mirror, £200, all John Lewis & Partners
MEET THE EXPERTS
RUKMINI PATEL
INTERIOR DESIGNER
EMMA-LOUISE MARSTON
STORE LEADER, NEPTUNE HOME, FULHAM
ABBY HESKETH
COLOUR EXPERT AND WALLPAPER & PAINT PRODUCT MANAGER, GRAHAM & BROWN
GO VIVID
Coordinate dining chairs and wallpaper for a pop of colour. Brodsworth Empress wallpaper, £104 a roll, Little Greene
Once purely for ‘entertaining’, today’s dining room can now fluctuate between playroom, home office and snug. As many of us look forward to having friends and family over, how can we make more of our dining space? We asked our experts...
THE TRADITIONAL DINING ROOM
‘We are using our spaces in more of a multifunctional fashion, rather than just for a singular activity, so I don’t think the traditional dining room is as popular as it was,’ says interior designer Rukmini Patel. Yet Emma-Louise Marston of Neptune believes people still want a separate dining room. ‘I think we’re looking for a defined space to entertain, and being in the dining room for dinner still feels like an event,’ she says. ‘It stops work bleeding into home life.’
If your dining room needs to multi-task, then Emma-Louise advises: ‘It’s crucial that you put your office away for the evening. Have a workstation cabinet that you can pop the laptop and paperwork into. Out of sight means you won’t be tempted to go back and “do a little more” after eating.’ Both Rukmini and Emma-Louise agree on adding a few special touches to make a multi-use space work for dining. ‘Add a tablecloth to change the look of your table from “work desk”,’ says Rukmini. ‘It’s as if you are telling your brain about the change of activity.’
ZONE THE SPACE
‘If your dining room also doubles as a living room or snug/playroom, then define different areas with rugs and layered lighting,’ says Rukmini. ‘Situating the dining table under a low-hung ceiling pendant will give drama and create the effect of an intimate space.’
Abby Hesketh of Graham & Brown loves to see zoning on the walls: ‘It’s easy to do with masking tape, creating crisp lines and blocks of colour,’ she says. ‘Or use a wallpaper in just one area.’ Don’t forget storage, says Emma-Louise. ‘Just having lots of baskets will help you tidy up easily.’
MAKE IT FEEL SPECIAL
‘I love a good tablescape,’ says Rukmini, ‘where everything, from tablecloths to placemats, napkins to placenames, matches – as well as the flowers. Alternatively, flowers in small vases and coloured
GO FOR GREY
Even traditional mouldings can look modern when painted a smart neutral. Retro Geometric framed print, £100, Abstract House
EYE-CATCHER
Create a talking point in your dining room, with a distinctive sideboard. The closed doors hide the clutter, while the space on top is made for display.
Buy“ a DINING TABLE youlove and don’t worryabout what the
LATEST TRENDS "are
EMMA-LOUISE MARSTON, NEPTUNE
candles are my go to.’ It’s important to make sure everything has been put away, advises Emma-Louise. ‘You don’t want to be sitting down to a special dinner and see a toy poking out from somewhere.’
Emma also loves a tablecloth: ‘Who knows what’s going on underneath? It might be some trestle tables pushed together that don’t quite match, but a cloth instantly makes them special,’ she says. ‘Think about your favourite restaurant – does it have candles? Flowers? Lovely glassware? If you’ve space on your table, treat yourself to some lovely serveware. It doesn’t need to match your crockery, but lovely serving dishes and plates will elevate those everyday pieces.’
THE RIGHT TABLE AND CHAIRS
‘What you choose really depends on the size of the room, the overall design and your requirements,’ says Rukmini. ‘If your home is a new build, then try an oval design to counteract the boxy lines they often have; if
Solid wood furniture adds instant character. Wycombe oak dining table, £1,270; Wycombe two-seater bench, £375; Milo stool, from £250, all Neptune
Choose a statement table that extends for practical and style points. Merlin extending dining table and four chairs, £2,495, Furniture Village
WARM GLOW
Create an intimate feel at the dining table with low pendants
NEED TO KNOW... MOOD LIGHTING
Emma-Louise Marston from Neptune shares her lighting tips
n Swap spots for more intimate lighting sources, such as a pendant above the table, table lamps on consoles, or even candlelight. n Table lamps make a statement on a sideboard, adding height and structure as well as a soft glow. n Fit a dimmer to give you different lighting options of lighting in the room, from bright to soft.
Createa FEATURES “ CLASSIC likewall feelbyaddingtraditional PANELLING anddadorails"
NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR
you have a young family, then you could consider banquette seating around a square table.’
When it comes to seating, Rukmini says,‘Whatever table you choose, make sure chairs have 70 90cm clearance space to get in and out.’ And Emma Louise believes that you don’t need to have all the same chairs. ‘You could have two complementary fabrics, or an upholstered bench with carver chairs at each end,’ she says. Do think about what children are happy sitting on, as opposed to older relatives, who might need more support.
ADD A STORAGE PIECE
‘We are seeing more modern dressers with glass doors,’ says Rukmini. ‘There has been a shift, though,’ adds Emma Louise, ‘as we’re storing things we use, rather than just being for show or best. Dressers with closed storage are brilliant for hiding things away.’ But it’s not just dressers, with drinks cabinets and trolleys now a part of our dining rooms. ‘The theatre of eating and drinking is really coming back,’ says Emma Louise. ‘We want to have a drink in the right glass and feel a little decadent.’
CREATE MOOD WITH COLOUR
‘Darker colours make a room feel more dramatic and cocooning,’ says Rukmini. Emma Louise agrees, saying: ‘We’re seeing bold use of colour, although it’s important to think about what the space is used for. If it’s also your home office, perhaps choose colours that are conducive to working, such as yellows.’
If you are looking to add a feature wall, then Abby says to choose the one opposite the door, ideally. ‘This will be the first thing you see when you walk in. If you have more than one door, go for the wall opposite the window so it catches the most light.’ n
Banbury wingback chair, £249; Nude Lines wall art, £25
Create your dream room
READY TO UPGRADE YOUR SPACE BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO START? HOME ESSENTIALS CAN HELP
The change in season offers a perfect opportunity for an interiors overhaul, but even with beautiful inspiration, bringing those ideas to life in your own home isn’t always easy. Luckily, Home Essentials is on hand with a carefully curated collection to help you create the room of your dreams.
ON-TREND LUXE EDIT
The brand’s newly launched Dream Rooms campaign is fronted by singersongwriter Frankie Bridge and interior stylist Nicki Bamford-Bowes. They’ve revealed their very own edit which has everything you need to transform your space without breaking the bank, from stylish soft furnishings to furniture and on-trend accessories. It’s full of pieces we love for a contemporary luxe feel: the Opulence pouffe (£49, in a range of colours including emerald and royal blue) looks striking alongside the warm accent lighting of the Smoked Glass floor lamp (£79), while the Vintage rug (from £29) makes a stunning focal point. Wall art, ornaments and fabulous faux plants complete the look.
STYLINGTIPS
To make things even easier, Nicki has also shared top styling tips and tricks on how to pull the look together. ‘It’s amazing how a few clever additions can change an entire space, and Home Essentials’ curated product ranges make it super easy and affordable,’ she says. You’ll have the home of your dreams in no time at all.
Lexington dining chair, £139; tableware, from £15
FOR MORE INFO
To transform your space shop the campaign at homeessentials.co.uk and follow @homeessentialsshop for more inspiration
