Australian House & Garden

Smart Shopper Dining tables.

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Once hidden under a cloth in a separate room, the dining table has finally emerged, in standout designs that hold their own in any open space, writes Georgia Madden.

As the location where we eat, work, entertain and sometimes even fold laundry, the modern dining table really earns its keep. And with open-plan living here to stay, it’s embracing its place in the spotlight.

“Once the dining table had its own room and didn’t get a lot of attention. But with the kitchen, dining and living in one space, it’s become a key feature piece,” says David Cross, senior design consultant at Poliform Melbourne. “As a result, there’s a new interest in dining-table design.”

Today’s styles encompass extendable designs, models that fold flat against the wall to maximise space, and pieces that include storage zones for tableware. While looks are important, size really matters. The table should seat every member of the household, be in proportion to the room, and allow for comfortabl­e traffic flow, says Angela Haughton, an interior design manager at Coco Republic.

You should also consider which surface will best suit your household, advises Freedom interior decorator Alex Butta. “Solid timber, recycled or rustic, is ideal for families because it can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. Veneer is cost-effective, lightweigh­t and relatively durable if it’s textured or has a natural wood grain. Glass is elegant but scratches easily and isn’t always suitable for children. Stone is heavy, hard-wearing and can be used indoors or out.”

Industrial, French provincial and Scandi styles continue to sell well at Harvey Norman, with darker stains and marble tops taking over from the pale, natural hues of the past few seasons. Meanwhile, at Freedom, walnut-toned timber tops, often paired with metal legs head the line-up. Combining different materials in a single piece is one of the year’s biggest trends, according to Cross, and can be a great way to add interest

to an open-plan space. “We’re also seeing a softening of corners, thanks to new technology,” he says. “Many designs have gently rounded corners, which is safer for children and allows you to walk more comfortabl­y within the space. Soft, elliptical shapes are another developmen­t.”

Chunky, floating surfaces are giving way to ultra-slender tabletops, says Simon Thomson, director of Voyager Interiors. “We’re seeing impossibly thin luxury surfaces, such as ceramic and porcelain, coming through. They’re durable and easy to maintain, and can be designed to mimic surfaces such as concrete or wood, without the bulk.”

Industrial advances have opened up new possibilit­ies, including nanotech materials such as Fenix and Dekton, says Fabio Fanuli, director at Fanuli. “These new surfaces have a matt finish that’s resistant to heat, scratches and stains. Dekton can be made to replicate marble. It’s incredibly strong and sleek and can be used indoors or out.”

For the many buyers who can’t go past natural timber, walnut and oak are the top choices this year, says Fanuli. Regardless of the timber you choose, make sure it comes from a sustainabl­e source, advises Cris Bucknall, owner of Eco Chic. “Look for FSC [Forest Stewardshi­p Council] labelling and opt for plantation timbers such as American oak, mango wood and Victorian ash. Steer clear of tropical hardwoods such as teak and mahogany, unless they’re certified as sustainabl­e. And look for designs with a waterbased finish, or just left natural with a hand-rubbed oil or wax finish.”

When it’s time to hit the shops, be prepared. “Take a floor plan, room measuremen­ts, photos and flooring samples,” says Cross. Ask in store about practicali­ty and maintenanc­e, and get a feel for how the table handles, advises Haughton. “If you can, inspect the base on a tiled floor for sturdiness,” she says, “and with an extension table, check the smoothness of the mechanism.” It’s also worth taking a peek underneath, adds Cross. “If the finish on the underside is as nicely done as the top surface, you know it’s a quality piece.”

‘BOOST YOUR STORAGE OPTIONS WITH A DESIGN THAT BOASTS DRAWERS FOR NAPKINS AND CUTLERY.’ MELISSA McINNES, IKEA

 ??  ?? Takahashi Asako ‘167’ 120cm American oak round dining table in Dark Wenge, $1320, Curious Grace; curiousgra­ce.com.au.
Takahashi Asako ‘167’ 120cm American oak round dining table in Dark Wenge, $1320, Curious Grace; curiousgra­ce.com.au.
 ??  ?? DAVID CROSS, POLIFORM MELBOURNE ‘ W I T H T H E K I TC H E N , D I N I N G AND LIVING IN ONE SPACE, THE DINING TABLE HAS BECOME A KEY FEATURE
P I E C E .’
DAVID CROSS, POLIFORM MELBOURNE ‘ W I T H T H E K I TC H E N , D I N I N G AND LIVING IN ONE SPACE, THE DINING TABLE HAS BECOME A KEY FEATURE P I E C E .’
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