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.’
Denne historien er fra January 2020-utgaven av Ideal Home UK.
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Denne historien er fra January 2020-utgaven av Ideal Home UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Maximise Outdoor Dining Space - If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have
If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have. We asked a host of garden experts to share their top tips on making the most of a small space, whether you're hosting friends and family for a special occasion, relaxing at the end of the day or enjoying your morning coffee.
hometruths
KELVIN AND LIZ FLETCHER GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THEIR HOME
Fresh & delicious
Chicken traybake with garlic & cherry tomatoes
NATURAL habitat
KERRY HARRIS' EAST LONDON HOME IS A LESSON IN BLURRING THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT
"WE AREN'T traditional"
RACHAEL AND ALEX'S RELAXED FUNCTIONAL HOME IS A BLEND OF VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE, MID-CENTURY MODERN AND PALM SPRINGS SHADES
GROWING up
ARCHITECT ROB AND WIFE EMMA HAVE TRANSFORMED A 1970S HOUSE, GIVING.THEM MORE SPACE FOR THEIR FAMILY
The shortlist PARASOLS
Create a cool spot with these dazzling sunshades
Weekend decorator
CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS... WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW
The shortlist PICNICWARE
Everything you need for the perfect spread
PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN BY CREATING A DEDICATED SPACE FOR RELAXATION, SAY OUR EXPERTS