Interior design for a dining room is as much down to personal taste as the food that is served in it. However, with expert advice from award-winning designers, the space can become truly spectacular
Flora Di Menna, a leading interior designer in Ontario, Canada, says,
“Contemporary dining style is a window into one’s epicurean tastes and insight into their personality, culminating interest and movement of space.”
She believes that today’s home dining and entertainment world is very much inspired by the bounty of different lifestyles coexisting in our society, from formal to casual.
“Gone are the days of a four-walled, enclosed dining room with a table, chairs and pretty framed picture over the buffet,”
she says.
“Straying from this more traditional, ‘one size fits all’ style, homeowners are now using their dining spaces as a canvas on which to express their own sense of style. Personalisation is the newest chapter of contemporary design, and this certainly applies to where we like to enjoy a home cooked meal.”
According to Flora, contemporary doesn’t necessarily refer to the concept of furnishing style, but rather to the harmonious arrangements of how spaces relate to the dining activity.
“One way of accomplishing this,”
she explains,
“is to blur the boundaries of the space using large, sliding glass doors, which invite nature’s beauty into the dining experience. And believe me, a pristine view of the outdoors makes any dish taste all the better, especially when the scene boasts a beautifully lit poolside garden, sheer waterfalls and fire bowls. In a setting like that, it’s impossible to resist indulging in fine wines, champagnes, grappas and cognacs, all encased in a walnut and zebrano wood finish – an accent which only further complements the nature-steeped space.
“As seen in this space, culminating one’s collection in a custom designed, climate controlled glass cellar has the potential to arouse discussions with even the most devoted epicurean guests. Large glass doors pivot open into the wine tasting room, where rolling ladders access the double-height storage area finished in stainless steel and white lacquered doors. Calcatta marble countertops are accented with a combination of white glass and marble mosaic backsplash, while more Italian porcelain calcatta slab tiles enhance the floor. Textured bronze mica wallpaper glistens in the play of light that’s strategically positioned in the room.”
The tasting room also allows continuous views to the two adjacent rooms, and the glass panelled screened wall gives a flawless glimpse into the lounge area exhibiting collections of sculptures and artwork.
“Monochromatic in colour scheme,”
continues Flora,
“this space is dramatised with its light and dark shades of white, deep browns and inky blue-blacks. White velvet drapery and silk cotton carpets contrast the rich wenge floor.
“Complementing this simplistic yet elegant scheme is the polished stainless steel and glass table surrounded by lacquered ebony stiletto chairs. And to further spark conversation? The ceiling panel feature, hidden sound speakers and light control technology. All in all, this space comes together in an elegant symphony of atmospheric delights.”
Flora Di Menna Designs
+1 905 709 2077
[email protected]
www.fdmdesigns.com
Signature Style
S2 Interiors is a boutique interior, architecture and design studio based in Dubai but with a global reach. The studio’s design director, Sneha Divias, feels that, as the dining room is where people come together, it’s a room to be celebrated. It should therefore have a signature style which should be functional and stylish for entertaining.
“It’s one of my favourite areas to work on as it is the primary social area in residences,”
says Sneha.
“Keeping it clean with a feature marble table and suspended lighting is a trendy way to jazz up the space, it means seeing beauty in strict and clear lines and angles.”
She advises that starting with neutral minimalist colours like black, grey and white, and adding accents of colours and metals is a good way to achieve balance.
“I always play with textures and materials: mixing stone with wood, interesting fabrics, exquisite chairs,”
explains Sneha.
“Artwork is a very important component in the dining area as it can really bring some identity and accessorize the area. It is also key to have a nice rug to define the space and increase the comfort level. It’s all about creating the right atmosphere and reflecting your lifestyle.
“When selecting the furniture and working on the layout, the key questions are how much flexibility you need, what is the use of this space (formal entertaining or everyday living) and will its flow work with the adjacent areas (kitchen or living room). It is also important to consider the durability of the finishes and materials selected as it’s a high maintenance area.”
S2 Interiors
+9714 25 66 467
[email protected]
www.s2interiors.ae
