Totally Delicious Dining Spaces

WHETHER YOU HAVE A SEPARATE DINING ROOM OR A TABLE WITHIN ANOTHER ROOM, CREATE A STYLISH SPOT TO GATHER, EAT AND ENJOY GOOD TIMES WITH DECORATING IDEAS THAT ARE A FEAST FOR YOUR EYES…

LAYER UPON LAYER

‘The one style secret everyone should know is the brilliance of layering. By adding variety in the form of textures, patterns and materials, you can create interest, sophistication and a subtle thoughtfulness that will elevate the space,’ says Sandie Wallman, managing director at Nordic House. Start from the ground up and ensure each layer works in harmony. Don’t co-ordinate too rigidly; an element of contrast is good, but there should be a common thread.

IN THE ZONE

Open-plan living may have ushered in a more relaxed approach to dining, but it’s still nice to retain an air of distinction. All the best interior designers advocate zoning the dining area, and using a rug is one of the fastest routes to success. ‘In an open-plan room, a large rug is often all you need to establish a dining zone,’ says James Langley, managing director at Woven. ‘We recommend laying out newspaper on the floor to get a sense of scale. Aim to buy a rug that is big enough for all dining furniture legs to fit comfortably within its perimeter.’

ON THE BENCH

If you’re struggling to find room for a separate dining table in your home, banquette-style seating could be the answer. ‘Built-in bench seating is great for maximising space as it can be tucked into the corner of a room – perfect for turning kitchens into kitchen-diners,’ says Melissa Klink, head of design at Harvey Jones.’ Boost your storage by requesting liftup seats or built-in drawer units, and go for medium-firm foam seating for extra comfort. Mix with freestanding chairs for the less nimble; not everyone finds it easy to slide along a bench.

HEART OF STONE