Interior Design Advice-How To Update Your Dining Space

Entertaining at home is big news but if your dining room isn’t making style headlines, these design experts can help you get it right

Once a room kept largely for dinner parties, today’s dining room needs to work much harder to earn its keep in our space-challenged homes. Here, three pros share their expert advice...

WHAT MAKES A DINING ROOM EXTRA SPECIAL?

‘Personality,’ says interior designer Emilie Fournet. ‘Somewhere that feels very much like a destination – like a beautiful restaurant.’ Stylist Sophie Martell agrees: ‘A separate dining room is a brilliant excuse to experiment, but you still need to get the basics right – how the space works, how it’s lit, etcetera.’

TALKING OF COLOURS, WHAT SHOULD I GO FOR?

‘You can afford to choose something dark and moody if you’re lucky to have that separatespace,’ says Sophie. ‘For openplan, I’d stick to more neutral colours that co-ordinate well with your kitchen.’

WHAT ABOUT IDEAS FOR FEATURE WALLS?

‘The space above a sideboard really lends itself to being creative – somewhere you can stamp your style,’ says Sophie. ‘Think a gallery wall, a collection of finds – such as woven bowls – or even a living wall.’ Emilie suggests thinking braver still. ‘While a feature wall can add depth, how about a feature ceiling?’ she suggests. ‘It will give all of your guests something to look at and can make the room feel cosier.’

I NEED TO REPLACE MY TABLE, WHAT STYLE SHOULD I GO FOR?

‘Dining tables have never been so well-used,’ says Philippa Prinsloo, head of design at John Lewis & 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.’