THE ART OF DINING

Stylish schemes and table decorations to set the tone for any occasion, inside and out

Decorating and table ideas to set the tone for any occasion.

ABOVE & BELOW

In rooms that benefit from an abundance of natural light, choosing weathered planks for the floor and ceiling introduces warmth and texture without having to rely on window dressings or soft furnishings. Offset the dark tones with white walls and accessories for a balanced look.

GLORIOUS ISOLATION

Outdoor dining areas can sometimes lack intimacy, so consider a table slightly removed from the house for greater privacy and set with tableware from Marks and Spencer, marksandspencer.

com, as above.

NATURAL WONDERS

The trend for textured weaves, which are a great choice for bringing a softer, more organic feel to larger spaces, shows no sign of abating. In this laid-back scheme, sheer window panels in Nepalese nettle fabrics, £38m, from Studio 23 Textile, studio23textile. blogspot.co.uk, softly diffuse the light, with oversized pendants creating a dramatic focal point.

Indoor-outdoor living is in vogue, so versatile dinnerware is an asset. Rather than melamine, lightweight yet durable ceramics, such as our Ist London range, are a great choice for alfresco dining. EMILY RUBNER, dining buyer at Heal’s, heals.com.

GREAT OUTDOORS

Lunchtime dining works best as an informal affair, especially with meals conducted outside. Opt for simple yet stylish place settings that can be easily laid. A smaller table nearby can be used as a holding space for spare glasses, drinks, desserts and cheeses, allowing guests more room at the main table.

POINT OF VIEW

Nothing creates a sense of occasion like a dramatic wallpaper or decorative mural. Starting the design above the dado and in line with the top of the table is very effective, creating a panoramic panel around the room and a unique talking point for guests.

MODERN APPROACH

Used less frequently than other spaces, dining rooms provide the opportunity to experiment with colour. In this room, chairs upholstered in pink, with the theme continued in matching tableware, creates a playful mood. The Orb pendant, £1,908, CTO Lighting, ctolighting.

co.uk, finishes this scheme perfectly.