TAKE A SEAT
Pull up the perfect chair for your space and budget
SCENE STEALER
How to make your dining table a multi-purpose focal point
TOP TABLE
Designs that call out for some serious wining and dining
Style Is Served
COASTAL, MID-CENTURY & CONTEMPORARY DINING SPACES TO INSPIRE
THE ULTIMATE WA GUIDE TO DINING ROOMS 2024
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Jody D'Arcy jody@havenist.com.au
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Kelli Savietto artwork@havenist.com.au
FEATURES DIRECTOR & STYLIST
Elizabeth Clarke elizabeth@elizabethclarke.com.au
SUB-EDITOR
Phil Stafford
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We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people of the Bibbulmun Nation; the custodians of the land on which we so passionately design, build, furbish and decorate our beautiful havens. We also acknowledge the continuing culture of the Whadjuk Noongar people and the influences they have on our architecture, gardens, interior design and decor, and we pay our respects to elders past and present.
BY STEF KING
Jody D’Arcy, Editor
EDITOR'S LETTER
Your dining room is a special area in your home where you create lasting memories with your loved ones. It is an elegant departure from chowing down in a casual breakfast nook, at the kitchen island or eating meals on the sofa. While enjoying a meal with Netflix playing in the background is relaxing, certain occasions call for a more sophisticated and stylish setting.
Designing a dining room that warmly invites guests to linger long after the meal is over is an art, and there's no onesize-fits-all approach. If you're seeking inspiration to transform your dining room, explore our exclusive Dining Room lift-out. It's a unique opportunity to draw inspiration from some of WA's most talented creatives, allowing you to tackle the project with style and confidence.
Bon appétit!
Havenist is a bi-annual digital and print magazine. Views of those printed in this magazine do not reflect the views of the editorial team or publisher. Copyright is reserved meaning no part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher, including scanning of pages and posting on your website or social media. The publisher accepts no responsibilIty for any errors or omissions within.
ON THE COVER
Cosy up in a French-flavoured dining nook. This timeless dining format, as created by designer Emma Mackie for a Sorrento home, is not just about the ambience it creates but also its practicality, making it the perfect choice for a family gathering or an intimate dinner for two. Read about this beautiful project on page 14
PHOTO
The Ultimate Dining Room Guide
DESIGN
06 How To Choose The Right Dining Table For Your Room
Don’t go shopping without these expert tips from Living Edge.
STYLE
08 Pull Up A Seat
Modern, rustic and glamourous, we’ve got you covered.
22 Dressed For Dinner
Winter dinner parties are waiting in the wings.
DINING ROOMS
10 Finer Dining
Loam shows us how to make your table the star in an open-plan space.
14 No Sharp Edges
Designer Emma Mackie crafts the dream coastal dining space in Sorrento.
18 Mid-Century Minimalism
Interior maven Jess O’Shea and maker Sam Lander create midcentury magic in Cottesloe. 22 10
NEPENTHES
by
christopher boots
How to choose the right dining table for your room
FROM DINNER PARTIES AND GAME NIGHTS TO CASUAL FAMILY GATHERINGS, EVERY MEAL FEELS SPECIAL AT A BEAUTIFUL TABLE.
STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LIVING EDGE
As the saying goes, “The oldest form of theatre is the dinner table”, and every night brings a cast of different characters, narratives, scene changes and, of course, food. Gathering around a function-forward table is essential. So, how do you choose the right style for your space, needs, and nightly gettogethers? We speak to Robin Ellis, Residential Consultant at Living Edge Perth, to discover all there is to know about choosing the perfect dining table. Whether you have a dedicated dining space or a cosy little nook, these expert tips are guaranteed to fuel a design refresh...
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP WHEN SHOPPING FOR THE PERFECT DINING TABLE?
Robin Ellis (RE): Consider how you intend to use it – will it be used for large gatherings and family dinners, or will it double as a work-from-home space or for kids to do homework? Your answers and the size of the room will inform how large it should be. Of course, the material choice must also suit the home's overall aesthetic.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE RIGHT SHAPE AND SIZE?
RE: Measure the available space in your dining area, considering its length and width and the distance between the table, walls, or other furniture. This ensures you select a table that fits well without overcrowding the room. Shape, like size, is dictated by functionality and room size. A larger, longer room suits a rectangle, while round tables suit smaller, less formal spaces. Comfortably, a 1.8-metre table fits six chairs.
THERE ARE SO MANY MATERIALS TO CHOOSE FROM. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE?
RE: Your dining table is the room's focal point and should reflect your style. Consider the overall aesthetic of your home – is it modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic? Choose a table that complements this style while adding visual interest to the space.
Walter Knoll Tadeo table. PHOTO SHANNON MCGRATH
SHOULD THE DINING TABLE MATCH THE OTHER FURNISHINGS IN THE SPACE?
RE: Your dining table should complement the rest of your furniture and decor, so consider the materials, finishes, and colours of other pieces in the room to ensure they complement each other. Each material has its own aesthetic appeal and maintenance requirements. For instance, timber tables are classic and warm but may require more upkeep, while glass tables are sleek and modern but can easily show fingerprints.
WHAT TABLE IS BEST FOR A MULTIPURPOSE ROOM?
RE: The Andoo table from Walter Knoll is an excellent choice for a multi-purpose room where the dining table serves various functions beyond just eating. It features a sleek and versatile design that seamlessly integrates into any space, making it ideal for multi-functional rooms, and its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic complements many interior styles, from modern to traditional. By sliding out the tabletops and folding the leaf up and out, it can be extended to accommodate more people. It also provides ample surface area, making it suitable for a wide range of activities beyond dining. Whether you're working on a puzzle, crafting with your kids, or spreading out paperwork, its generous tabletop offers plenty of space to accommodate your needs.
WHAT BRANDS DO YOU CONSIDER A SPECIAL INVESTMENT?
RE: e15 is a German brand known for its bold, minimalist aesthetic and commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship. It strongly emphasises natural materials such as solid wood, marble and metal, resulting in furniture that exudes warmth, texture and authenticity.
Walter Knoll is also from Germany and has a rich heritage dating back over 150 years. Known for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design, each piece embodies the perfect balance of form and function.
Closer to home, SKUPA> is an Australian brand specialising in contemporary furniture and lighting solutions. With a focus on craftsmanship and innovation, SKUPA> has quickly gained recognition for its distinctive designs and meticulous attention to detail. n
Walter Knoll Tadeo table extension table top. PHOTO BROCK BEAZLEY
e15 Bigfoot dining table. IMAGE COURTESY OF LIVING EDGE
SKUPA> Breadstick table. IMAGE COURTESY OF LIVING EDGE
Pull Up A Seat
BEAUTIFUL DINING CHAIRS GUARANTEED TO STEAL YOUR TABLE’S LIMELIGHT.
CURATED BY ELIZABETH CLARKE
1 BassamFellows Geometric side chair, $5375, Living Edge. 2 Raf armless chair - 4 Star, from $962, Jardan. 3 Greta dining chair by Paolo Cattelan, from $2660, Ultimo Interiors. 4 Dalton slipcover chair, $995, Coco Republic. 5 Miranda Wood dining chair by Luca Signoretti, from $2880, Ultimo Interiors. 6 Fermob Lorette outdoor chair in pesto, $700, Patio & Balcony Outdoor Living. 7 Featherston Scape dining chair by Grazia&Co, POA, Loam. 8 Vitra Panton red chair, $740, Living Edge. 9 Billie dining tub chair by Ditre Italia, from $2450, Henri Living. 10 Cappellini 01 Chair from $6920, Cult Design. 11 Principal natural oak chair by Karakter, POA, Cult Design. 12 Knoll MR Chair with leather sling seat by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, $3150, editeur.
Finer Dining
How to design a special space for sit-down meals in an open-plan setting.
PHOTOGRAPHY DMAX PHOTOGRAPHY STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOAM
The exquisite craftsmanship of the Froxfield
Table by local maker Nathan
makes a handsome addition to any dining space.
Dining
Day
The space in your home where you entertain guests or share a special meal is not just a table and chairs. It's a place that holds the warmth of family togetherness, the joy of spending time with friends, and the excitement of sharing stories, experiences and ideas.
So where do you place your dining table if you don't have a designated room? The open kitchen-dining-living layout, while popular, presents a unique challenge. Can you create an intimate dining experience even when it's near the kitchen and serves as a drop zone for life admin, keys and empty coffee cups?
A dining zone in an open plan is a great opportunity to make a strong design statement and add character to your space. While it is an extension of the kitchen and living room, the dining area can have a personality all its own. In fact, making it a focal point can transform the look and feel of your home.
TABLE AND CHAIRS
Choose a table made of material that effortlessly blends with its surroundings to create a captivating space. Loam selected the Froxfield dining table by local maker Nathan Day in walnut, which matches the walls surrounding it. "It's fine to mismatch your timbers, but in a large open space, creating a seamless timber palette makes it feel capacious, calmer, and tidier," says interior designer Lulu Cavanagh from Loam.
As a modern take on the early 1900s refectory table, Nathan handcrafted the Froxfield dining table in his Margaret River studio. Finding inspiration in the Hay Rake dining tables crafted by Froxfield’s English pioneers, Nathan crafted shapely curves and interlocking timber joinery, a study in precision and sturdiness. The table’s size and artisanal craftsmanship make it a natural focal point, and its accompanying chairs further draw the eye.
When choosing dining chairs, carefully consider form and proportions. Look for shapes in the table and surrounding architecture, such as arches and angular floor-to-ceiling windows, and let them inform your choice of chair. For example, the Froxfield dining table is very linear, but its legs culminate in beautiful curves at each end, making TIDE’s Lumi chair, which features straight and sweeping lines, the perfect match. Handcrafted by TIDE’s maker, George Harper, the Lumi chair combines the very best of traditional and contemporary artisanal techniques. Its soft curves, straight lines and angles make for a discreet yet dynamic visual.
LIGHTING
Good lighting is essential for creating the perfect atmosphere, the ultimate goal of a beautiful dining space. Lighting can draw attention to a dining suite in an openplan space, injecting depth, dimension and drama. It also clearly distinguishes the dining area from its surrounding spaces, giving it a more purposeful and deliberate feel.
Soft, warm lighting, whether from a table lamp or candles, has a magical ability to conjure a cosy and inviting atmosphere, drawing people around the table and encouraging them to relax and unwind. "I love to place sculptural candles on a dining table not just for soft, flattering light but as art forms," says Lulu, who has a particular penchant for pure beeswax candles by Tony Assness. "Each one is hand-poured in Bondi [Sydney] and has a sweet, subtle honey scent."
Choose from traditional pillar candles, wax bowls with an internal candle, large ribbed wax sculptures or small egg-shaped designs. Place one at the centre of the table or cluster several together, remembering that when styling, a grouping of three objects looks most impactful.
STYLING
Experiment with metallic and organic elements for a dining setting in an open-plan space. Take a minimalist approach with a single metallic centrepiece. For a more eclectic style, Loam recommends layering metallic and natural elements like bowls, flowers, fruit and candles.
"A favourite object of mine is 101 Copenhagen's handglazed Ruin vase, inspired by archetypical ruins," Lulu says. “It is the perfect decorative vessel for plants, with its tower-like design offering various openings that hide and reveal foliage while providing room to grow."
Alternatively, Tom Dixon's extra-large Bone bowl looks beautiful on its own or filled with pomegranates, and being brass, patinas elegantly with time. n loam.com.au | @loamaustralia
These three-legged vessels are as playful as they are practical. Duck Plate, Big-Coffee by 101 Cophenhagen Home, $390, Loam.
ABOVE. Whether you prefer tea lights or taper candles, this candle holder is sure to enhance your decor. Spin candelabra by Tom Dixon, $1,600, Loam. RIGHT. A beautiful, mouth-blown vase imbues an organic quality to your styling. Ostrea Rock Glass vase in rush, $330, Loam.
ABOVE LEFT. Inspired by floral shapes, this vase changes appearance throughout the day, according to light and shadows. Bloom vase by 101 Copenhagen Home, $390, Loam. ABOVE RIGHT. Sculptural like a Lotus flower, this beautiful curvy vessel looks perfect perched on a similarly dark table or a timber surface. Lotus vase by 101 Copenhagen Home, $471, Loam.
ABOVE. Beautiful objects elevate a well-designed space. Froxfield dining table by local maker Nathan Day, POA, Loam. ON TABLE LEFT TO RIGHT. Taper candles by Tony Assness, from $75; 101 Copenhagen Home Ruin vase, $220; Tom Dixon Eclectic Root , $199, all from Loam. ON SIDEBOARD. Tom Dixon Bone bowl, from $255, Loam.
No Sharp Edges
A curved wall, oval table and cosy banquette seating are key to this French-flavoured dining space.
INTERIOR DESIGN EMMA MACKIE, M INTERIORS
PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D'ARCY STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
DINING
There's nothing cosier than a banquette. Like the corner booth of a French bistro, it feels glamorous and inclusive, making it the ideal dining format for a family or a dinner for two. Designer Emma Mackie says that as part of this Sorrento dining space, it imbues ambience but is practical too.
"A banquette looks stylish and makes a strong impact, but this is also a family home, so it must be functional. It's not an obvious choice for everyday family life, yet it works."
Situated near the beach, the house was designed by Banham Architects, with Emma in charge of its interiors. "It’s a very modern home, and the kitchen's five-metre-long kitchen island bench made of porcelain with beautiful veining and peachy tones is its hero," she says. Its dramatic veining, inspired by Arabescato marble, marks a delightful journey across a colour palette of soft, peachy and natural tones, culminating in the elegant banquette-style dining space that sits opposite.
"The floorplan is very long, and we needed a dining space that would fill the area and balance out the long island bench," Emma says. The solution was to bookend the dining space with cabinetry at one end and a long, curved wall clad in timber at the other that flows right through to the entry.
"It is a dining space that sits seamlessly in its floorplan, but best of all, it's comfortable and functional too."
—EMMA MACKIE, M Interiors
Emma decided on a banquette-style dining space that embraces padded seating on one side, its backrests floating above the seating so as not to dominate the space, and a quartet of chairs on the other. The dining table, oval in shape with substantial circular ribbed legs, was the last piece of the puzzle.
"We wanted a natural timber table but felt it would be overkill next to the curved cladded wall," Emma says. Instead, she selected an oak veneer table in a soft shade of putty from GlobeWest that blends beautifully with the space's dreamy palette.
The table's organic shape offsets the kitchen island's long angular form and speaks to the curved wall. "An organic shape is also more practical for moving around than a table with strict corners," Emma says.
A large window takes in garden views, filling the room with sunlight. Emma's gentle, soothing colour scheme is elevated by atmospheric lighting: a brass pendant light featuring blown glass and hand-finished metal by New Zealand brand Snelling Studio, and a pair of ribbed white wall sconces that reference the detail of the table legs. The composition sits beautifully with the polished concrete floors that flow throughout the home, inside and out.
A large artwork is the finishing touch on this Michelin-star-worthy space. "The walls are large, so we needed a substantial piece," Emma says, and a print, The Stepwell, by photographer Giovanna Aryafara, was just the one.
Combining various elements into a seamless whole sums up Emma's method of blending various design elements into something fresh and enticing. "It is a dining space that sits seamlessly in its floorplan," she says, "but best of all it's comfortable and functional too." n
m-interiors.com.au | @m_interiors
PREVIOUS PAGE. The chic dining space rotates around a GlobeWest Benjamin Ripple dining table, banquette seating, and a set of Raglan chairs from Papaya. The brass Line pendant is from Snelling Studio, and the wall sconces are from the Lighting Collective. The photographic artwork is by photographer Giovanna Aryafara.
RIGHT. Emma styled the space simply with Bloomingville candlesticks from French Bazaar and the owner’s own ceramic vase. The table's curve riffs on the adjacent timber-clad curved wall that runs through the open floor plan.
Mid-Century Minimalism
Hand-crafted timber inspires subtle separation within a large open floorplan.
PHOTOGRAPHY JODY D'ARCY
STORY ELIZABETH CLARKE
FURNITURE MAKER SAM LANDER, SKÉL
INTERIOR DESIGN JESS O'SHEA
The purpose of specific rooms has evolved over generations according to households' needs, but the beauty of their interiors has remained intact. This dining space steeped in timber in the middle of a large open floorplan is its own, thanks to mid-century modern-inspired styling, fine craftsmanship, and subtle separation from its adjoining spaces.
The 20-year-old home’s renovation, helmed by interior designer Jess O'Shea, included overhauling the open-plan space, which included the kitchen, dining and living rooms.
The dining space sits in the middle of the floorplan and adjacent to the front entrance, which includes a cupboard and drop zone, which Jess masked with a large custommade timber divider. In keeping with the rest of the house, its mid-century design is artful and statement-making; its openings provide ample space for decorative objects while creating separation from the entrance without completely enclosing the area.
Handcrafted by furniture maker Sam Lander from Skél, who collaborated closely with Jess and the owner, it is faithful to mid-century style and made entirely of Australian materials. "A mid-century palette is often associated with American oak and walnut, but many Australian timbers work just as beautifully," he says. "I source locally to be sustainable and to celebrate our wonderful West Australian timbers."
The room divider, a special request from the owner, holds a significant place in the home's design. Made from spotted gum, its long form accentuates the room, amplifying its spaciousness.
"It's a substantial piece, and because of the weight of the top section verticals, we had to use a big metal beam at its base to stop it from bowing," Sam says. "It wedges right up to the ceiling and onto the floor. No house is perfectly square and true, and the beauty of custom work is you can make any piece of built-in furniture fit perfectly, which this one does."
Adding to the space’s pragmatic sense of beauty is a sophisticated and beautifully crafted dining table, also made by Sam. Its gentle curves and round-overs are a nod to his signature style, inspired by Scandinavian design.
"I love blended soft forms made of timber, so this table is very much my vibe," he says. "It needed to be modest in its proportions to fit purposefully between the room divider and kitchen and retain the expansive feel of the open-plan space. I made it minimal with revealed leg joinery, solid, sturdy legs that gradually taper down to the floor, and deep round-overs that reflect light and feel soft to the touch."
Crafted in American walnut, its rich, dark chocolate tones will turn golden with time.
"There is a lot of spotted gum throughout the home, including the floors and room divider, and walnut works beautifully alongside it," Sam says.
Jess agrees. "Spotted gum is typically varied, with lots of warmth and greys, so it’s flexible and easy to pair with other timbers like the walnut dining table and chairs, which were sourced by the owner and work beautifully.”
There is a sense of restraint that threads through this home, creating an uncluttered, calming retreat. Simple sculptural objects of art, a rich landscape painting and Scandinavian-style pendant lights provide visual interest, and a floor rug subtly grounds the dining table and chairs. The result is an atmospheric dining area that integrates seamlessly with its adjacent spaces.
“It’s a home filled with fine materials crafted using refined techniques,” says Sam. “The owner has a great eye and appreciates good design and beautiful work, and it shows.” n
jessosheadesigns.com.au | @jessosheadesigns skeldesign.com.au | @skeldesign
PREVIOUS PAGE + THIS PAGE. The dining space revolves around the handcrafted table and room divider with highlights afforded by strong forms and considered decor. The Molloy chairs are from Cult Design and the floor rug is from Stan’s Rug Centre. OPPOSITE. Steel-framed glass doors lead from a second living area into the dining space.
1 Bonnie & Neil checked napkin, $23, Remedy. 2 Ferm Living Flow napkin rings, $89 set of 4, Arrival Hall. 3 Henry Holland tall bowl in oatmeal, $300, Jardan. 4 Clovis Medium chandelier by Chapman & Myers, $3290, The Montauk Lighting Co. 5 Sabre Panda carving set of 2, $145, Empire Home. 6 Cisco & the Sun Bima ceramic teapot, $99, Arrival Hall. 7 Rachel Convers Ibride Alhambra porcelain plates, $189 set of 2, AGWA Design Store. 8 Henry Holland fruit bowl in green, $300, Jardan. 9 Dante brass condiment spoons, $59 set of 4, Loam. 10 Sferuco 2 Karakter glass, $52, Cult Design. 11 Eva Solo oil and vinegar carafe, $89, Remedy. 12 Mooon rechargeable 41cm light, $340, Patio & Balcony Outdoor Living.
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