Monthly Archives: May 2016
I am not even going to try to pick my favourite from these dining spaces, I love a relaxed look, I am most definitely not into formality, so each one of these spaces I would be more than happy to sit down and enjoy a meal.
How does one achieve that perfect dining space, learning a thing or two from seeing how the professionals do it, will definitely help you create that perfect space. Personally I like dining to be casual and relaxed, an area where everyone can enjoy good food, friendship and laughter as this is what dining should be about. It would be shallow to say that it is all down to the surroundings as that’s far from the truth, however a beautiful dining space definitely helps to create a more memorable occasion.
Above: Circular tables are fantastic space savers, especially if you buy one that extends when you need to cater for more people. The contrasting top of this table (either marble or metal) against the rustic wooden base, is perfect for a coastal look – Design by Singleton Interiors
Above: Ship-lap walls give a relaxed look, however the decorative rug adds more formality. Covered chairs still retain their popularity and look better in a larger space – Image via Markalunas Architecture Group
Above and below: This dining room from Randell Design Group is exactly the look I plan for the beach house. The two rattan chairs at either end soften the industrial style chairs. It is all about mixing up materials but keeping to similar tones to achieve a look like this
Above: You can see the rest of this beautiful home in a previous post….here
Above: You can’t get more relaxed than a dining space adjacent to the kitchen. Many dining spaces are located in open plan living/kitchen areas and work wonderfully unless you don’t like your guests seeing your kitchen mess. However, most new homes now have large butlers pantry’s where all the kitchen prep work can be done and the dishes out of sight – Image via Markay Johnson Construction
Above: Long and narrow can work well in a similar shaped space – Photography by Elad Gonen
Above: If you love the rustic look but want to make it a little more formal, incorporate a patterned rug and upholstered chairs. These chairs have nail head detail which make them more formal – Design, Kerrisdale Design Inc
Above: The formality of a crystal chandelier softens the heavy look of a rustic table, making this dining space seem a little less formal than its surroundings. Mixing up furniture, chairs and lighting can help create a relaxed look even in a grand space. – By AMI Designs
I hope you have enjoyed these dining spaces and feel inspired to update your dining room or create a totally new space. If you need help with this and need a professional, I have provided links back to the designers of the rooms.
Related posts…
A coastal Florida beauty steals the show with its fresh, contemporary look.
I have only just recently discovered Crowell & Co and love their fresh take on coastal style. Crowell believe that “as messy and unpredictable life may be, it can be both stylish and accessible. Where the clean lines of modernity intersect with the rough hewn edges of that hundred year old one-of-a-kind piece. Where flora and art books and peculiar nicknack’s are as much a part of the home’s identity as the paint colours, wallpaper, tile and fixtures”. Reading these words and looking at the beautiful images of this home everything, it all rings true.
If you love this home and would like to see more of the designers work then please hop over to their website, I have added a link above.
Have a wonderful weekend.
I am besotted with Anna French’s new Meridian range of fabrics. Inspired by global travel and ancient trade it features eye catching designs and tactile textures. Soothing neutrals and bolder blue and grey/black combinations feature in this fabulous new range.
The Meridian range is described by Anna French as patterns that include “decorative Ikat, batik motifs and textural embroideries in soothing colour palettes. Together they compose a collection with a nod to tradition with modern flair”. Mixing and matching patterns in a colourway can sometimes be tricky, however this new range makes it easy, so stow away your matching cushions and mix them up a little. Definitely this new range has a contemporary feel but would be perfect in a traditional home too.
If you are interested to see more colourways in the Meridian range, please visit Anna French over at Thibaut’s website.
This cute Bahamas cottage with its sunshine yellow shutters is hiding quite a lot behind its simple facade…
Laura Hay Decor and Design has taken a simple coastal cottage and decorated it an updated style that doesn’t detract from its origins. Colours are kept light and fresh with unexpected yellow accents that contrast against the blue, Bahama skies. Opting to use the exterior window shutters instead of curtains keeps the interior light and exterior views unimpeded.Contemporary lighting designs can be spotted throughout the cottage from the striking multi star pendant light in the entrance way to the strong, black bedside lamps in the yellow bedroom. The living room has been decorated subtly with clever use of textures and pattern. Note the collection of sea glass bottles on the coffee table and the strong lines of the wooden ‘sputnik’ like lamp base. I can definitely envision myself lounging by the aqua waters of its outdoor pool.
I hope you have enjoyed touring this Bahamas cottage, it is definitely making me feel like taking a vacation.
Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are in the world.
Eclectic artwork and coastal touches drew me to this traditional home which has been beautifully re-designed by Banks Design Associates.
I am not making this statement because I am a biased artist, but I truly believe that art take a room from ordinary to extraordinary, whether it is contemporary or traditional in style, there is a piece of art for every room. My own home lacks artwork for the sole reason that I have very little hanging space, should I have a larger home I would fill it with art and I don’t just mean my own personal paintings, I love all forms of art including abstract.
I previously featured Linda’s interior design work in a gorgeous waterside home. Today’s home is classic, however Linda, of Banks Design Associates, has taken a bolder approach with colour and artworks. Linda’s has incorporated both texture and pattern to show case the owner’s art yet still retained the character of this lovely Cape Elizabeth house.
I hope you have enjoyed touring this lovely home as much as I have enjoyed sharing it.
I am sorry I have been a little absent from the blog the past few weeks, I have had a lot going on in my life which was pulling me in all directions. Things should be more settled soon with some popular, regular posts returning.
