Dining In: informal chic

Bolia’s Alp dining table and Chicago dining chairs, both in white pigmented oiled oak, offer the ultimate in Scandinavian design and craftmanship. All tableware shown here is also provided by the same company. Bolia is available through Your Home Styling in Centro Nórdico on the Mijas Road (www.yourhomestyling.com).

TASTEFUL DINING AREAS

As we are now at the start of a new year, more people are dining at home to save money after the heavy expenses that Christmas festivities inevitably brought. Even though the pandemic has made many people tired of cooking at home, others have started to embrace it. The dining table brings the home – and friends – together to enjoy homemade food that has been seasoned with love. One other certainty following the pandemic is that there are more people than ever working from home, often turning their dining tables into desks for work – and study if they have children. Without doubt the dining room is now a less common part of the contemporary home, and instead we are seeing more informal dining areas within an open plan living room and/or kitchen. Bar areas are also a great addition to the modern home, providing an area for socialising and casual dining. When choosing your dining table, you need to consider its size carefully, ensuring that there will be plenty of space to walk around when diners are seated. On the other hand, be careful not to go too small – and make sure you allow for your usual number of guests to sit comfortably. If space is limited, the general rule is to go for a circular table, whilst rectangular tables are better for a larger room.

The Bulthaup b3 table, shown here in walnut, complements Bulthaup’s other kitchen systems, inviting the household to relax in the living space – whether they are dining, drinking or simply getting together with friends. Bulthaup is situated in Avda. Cánovas del Castillo in Marbella (www.bulthaup.com).

The Time Flies dining chair from Umage has a customisable upholstered chair which can be easily changed offering flexibility whenever you want to change the look of the chair. Shown here with their Asteria pendant lamp. Umage is available from Escandi Design on the Mijas Road (www.escandidesign.com).

The Owen dining table and bold and elegant Odette chair from Meridiani provide a black and white contrast that transforms this into a striking dining area if you want to make a real design statement (www.meridiani.it).

Gubi’s travertine stone Epic dining table was designed by GamFratesi as a sculptural piece of furniture inspired by Greek columns and Roman architecture. The Bat dining chair offers the distinctive shape of a bat’s wingspan and comfortable seating. The shell comes in a range of colours and upholstery options (www.gubi.com).

Pedrali’s contemporary Elinor table collection features soft and curving lines. The base is made from two large legs in rigid polyurethane foam upholstered in leather which support a square table top in ultra-thin solid laminate or white glass with rounded lacquered MDF. The accompanying Héra armchair is available in ash wood or American walnut, and features a remarkably sophisticated and ergonomic design. Pedrali is available through Nomad Studio One in Calle Espinosa, Sabinillas (www.nomadstudioone.com) and Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo, San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com).

These black rattan chairs with arms offer an attractive contrast with the natural wood of the dining table and cabinets, both made from recycled teak. Everything shown here is available from New Life Home in Avda. de Velázquez in Málaga, or shop online at www.newlifehome.es.

The contemporary Meet table from Lago has an eye-catching geometric base that serves as a beautiful sculptural element which enhances the overall look of this table. It can be customised in a wide range of finishes, and the base comes in special metallic lacquers: Peltro, Titanio or Nero. Lago is available through Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com), Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avda. del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com) and Acoola in Polígono Industrial San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).

BAR STOOLS

Left Skagerak’s Georg bar stool combines Nordic sensuality with Japanese minimalism. The wool cushion gives extra comfort on the oak seat, which is kept in place by a braided leather strap. Available through Nomad Studio One in Calle Espinosa, Sabinillas (www.nomadstudioone.com).

Northern’s new stackable Treble bar stool is available in various versions and features elegant square tube legs and an inviting circular seat. The high bar just under the seat can be used as a convenient handle or hang rail, while the lower two bars serve as footrests. Northern is available through Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) and Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).

The Nerd counter stool from Muuto has a seamlessly integrated back and seat. Its contemporary, playful and high-quality design is unmistakably Scandinavian in style. Muuto is available through High EndHomes in Puerto Banús (www.high-endhomes.com).