With each new project I search for what I call "Inspiration Images" which are used to guide the rest of the project. They allow my client and I to discuss what they do and don't want in their rooms and they give me a great jumping off point. Part of what I advertise about being an Interior Designer is my ability to deliver on your vision. It's so easy to navigate away from your vision when there's never enough time or money, when decisions are hard, and when you're tired of an unfinished space. But that's what I am here to help with. I help to create your vision in the simplest way possible. However, with this project I strayed fairly far away from our Inspiration Images, our vision, and in the end, I think it was for the best.
Our initial concept for this room was pretty, but it was a little boring and a lot overdone. In my opinion, one of the very best design ideas for this room (and probably for the whole home) was to add a warm grasscloth wallpaper. It automatically makes this room unique and ultra chic. From there, the room started to really fall into place. Now it's one of my favorite rooms ever.
Initial Inspiration Images:
The next biggest transformation for this dining room was finding a chandelier. This home already had wiring for a chandelier, but it was just capped off. I love beaded chandeliers but am careful when I use them since they are found in so many homes. If you have a beaded chandelier or are wanting one, either try to find one that has a distinct look like the one we used, or make sure that there are items in your room that have a one of a kind look. Whether that be your art, upholstery, or vintage knick knacks. Be true to you and never follow the trends to a T!
All that to say that I loved the idea of wood beads. They have the nod to vintage glass chandeliers, but have a much softer approach. However I didn't want it to be cookie cutter. Thanks to this chandelier, I could have the best of both worlds!
Fairly early on in the design process I found this gorgeous buffet. The color, lines, and attention to detail are impeccable. Needless to say, it was ordered right away.
My client knew she wanted a large dark wood dining table with two pedestals so it was just a matter of finding the best option, but it was a quick decision! The chairs however were a bit harder to decide on. We went through a lot of possibilities and ended up going back to one of our first picks-- a classic swoop back chair with a more traditional wingback parsons chair at the ends.
I had thrown out a couple of rug options that had some blue in them, but then my client put a rug she already owned under the table and sent me some pictures. It was like "oh yes, obviously that." I mean the colors work way too well. We could probably get away with saying that it was a custom rug, when in fact it's from Wayfair!
Then came the finishing touches, which were chosen with care. I didn't want a lot of stuff in this room. Especially because my clients spent a lot on the wallpaper so it needed to shine and be the focal. Instead, I went with pieces that had just enough power to make an impact, but that weren't too busy and chaotic. Blue linen draperies were an easy decision. They helped to lighten the room and added some color. And where there's grasscloth there should always be linen. They're just meant to be!
That left us with art. Again, I wanted impactful but rather simple items to not detract from the wallpaper. I went with the so very classic Arhaus Amelie mirror. It added drama and is actually quite useful as it reflects light both from the lamps and from the outdoors all throughout the room. The very last piece to this puzzle was art on the large blank wall. An abstract nature scene continues the serene feeling we created in this room.
As for staging, we used a bar cart she already owned for the empty corner. I layered on some art and her collection of alcohol and glasses and honestly, it turned out to be one of my favorite corners of this house!
And with that this beautiful, luxurious, and yet uncomplicated room was complete. It's a dining room that will be at the forefront of my mind throughout many years to come because of it's classic style done in a fresh way.
If you want to view the rest of the rooms I designed for this client, click here.
Shop the Look
1. Pottery Barn Blue Linen Curtains | 2. Home Depot Curtain Rod | 3. Pier 1 Wall Art | 4. Build Feiss Chandelier | 5. Pier 1 Parsons Chair | 6. Pottery Barn Dining Table | 7. Dining Chairs | 8. Arhaus Buffet (no longer in stock) | 9. Arhaus Mirror | 10. Home Depot Grasscloth Wallpaper | 11. Wayfair Rug