How to update your dining

‘Always bring your dining room lighting down over the table, otherwise it’s such a wasted opportunity to add drama,’ says Emilie ‘A feature wall doesn’t have to be expensive,’ says Sophie. ‘Try using that fabulous wallpaper you adore on just a couple of framed panels, rather than the whole wall’

Partners. ‘The daily rituals of mealtimes are being interspersed with the need for a desk, plus a place for friends and family to gather. Extendable tables offer the greatest flexibility – our best-selling design is an extendable oak and ironwork table.’

WHAT WOOD FINISH OR COLOUR SHOULD I CHOOSE? ‘I love timber and the irregularity of beautiful graining,’ says Philippa. ‘For me, natural oak is beautiful and modest, fitting into most schemes, while walnut and dark woods have depth of colour and create a striking silhouette, allowing the table form to really sing.’

LET’S TALK TABLE SHAPES ‘A rectangular table takes up more space than an oval or round one, where cut-off corners save space and can be better for dinner-party conversation,’ says Sophie. ‘There’s nothing worse than an overbearing table in a dining room that makes you feel you can’t move your chair around – it just screams board meeting!’ adds Emilie. ‘I’m a big fan of round or oval tables, and love pedestals, like the classic Tulip table – no one gets a table leg.’ Philippa suggests looking at softer rectangles and lozenge shapes. ‘They still give that banquet dining experience,’ she says.

HOW CAN I MAKE A VINTAGE TABLE WORK WITH NEWER PIECES? ‘I love the juxtaposition of old with new in dining,’ says Sophie. ‘Sleek, modern chairs look fab against a vintage table.’ Emilie agrees: ‘If you love something then chances are it will go with your style.’

BUT HOW CAN I GET THE MISMATCHED CHAIR THING RIGHT? ‘Although the idea is relaxed, it’s worth some careful planning,’

Emilie. ‘You don’t want to be eating in a room where sound echoes. The rug has to be bigger than the table and ideally, all chairs should remain on it when pulled out.’ But Sophie thinks slightly differently: ‘Unless your dining room is grown-ups only, I’d steer clear of a rug – not only can it get trapped under chairs, it can be tricky to treat spills.’

MY DINING AREA IS PART OF MY KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM – HOW DO I MAKE IT WORK STYLISHLY? ‘Clever lighting is a must,’ says Sophie, ‘whether it’s a row of pendants, a show-stopping chandelier or some funky wall lights.’ The answer lies in lighting for Emilie, too. ‘It can really help zone the room. Also, try not to just shove your table in the corner of the room; if it feels like its own space, it will work in your favour,’ she says. Philippa suggests creating a visual flow through the shell of the room with continuous flooring, wall treatments and lighting. ‘Then layer up each zone to reflect its function,’ she says. ‘Hang a striking and dimmable pendant over the dining table to create focus and atmosphere at mealtimes, bring cosiness around the sofa for lounging and ensure there’s great storage in the kitchen to keep clutter at bay.’

WHAT’S TRENDING IN TABLEWARE RIGHT NOW? ‘I just love silverware picked up from flea markets. It has such a feeling of quality about it,’ says Emilie. ‘While linen always works and doesn’t look too busy with food.’ Sophie and Philippa are very much on board: ‘Oooh yes! Team with artisan-style plates – they’re everywhere at the moment,’ says Sophie. ‘You can’t beat beautiful ceramic glazes – those pieces that you know you’ll love for years to come,’ adds Philippa.

‘Think about how you use your dining room on a daily basis – if you never sit at the table, then what’s the point in going for a giant one that you’ll end up only using once or twice a year?’ says Emilie

HOW CAN I MAKE MY DINING SPACE REALLY SPECIAL FOR ENTERTAINING? ‘Go to town with flowers – something from your own garden always feels so personal and creative,’ says Philippa. ‘Don’t hold back,’ agrees Emilie. ‘And try to add an element of surprise that guests will love and remember.’

3 OF THE BEST STORAGE PIECES

CORNER CABINET Make the most of every inch of space with this nifty cupboard. Parquet corner sideboard, Oak Furnitureland SHOW-OFF SHELVES This unit’s small, slim footprint means it won’t overbear in a dining space. Side Tim sideboard, Loaf

HIDDEN BAR Store all of your spirits and glassware behind closed doors. Jade drinks cabinet, Atkin and Thyme

MEET THE PROFESSIONALS...

EMILIE FOURNET, OWNER OF EMILIE FOURNET INTERIORS (EMILIEFOURNETINTERIORS.COM) Emilie has been an interior designer for six years, pursuing her life-long dream. She works mostly in and around London on anything from one-room makeovers to complete house refurbishments. She is a member of the Interior Design Collective (interiordesigncollective.co.uk).

SOPHIE MARTELL (OAKMANAGEMENT.CO. UK) IS A FREELANCE INTERIOR STYLIST She’s worked in the interiors industry for more than 20 years styling books, magazines and catalogue shoots. Recently, Sophie has also been directing shoots for Ideal Home.

PHILIPPA PRINSLOO, PARTNER AND HEAD OF DESIGN AT JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS (JOHNLEWIS.COM) Philippa heads up the Design Studio at John Lewis & Partners and creatively directs on all aspects of furniture and homeware. Her mission is to inspire customers with collections that are distinct and relevant. Philippa has worked in the home design industry for more than 10 years, first at Habitat before joining John Lewis & Partners in 2011.

WORDS JENNIFER MORGAN TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM PHOTOGRAPHS