INSIDER INSIGHT

THE KEY DECISIONS TO ACHIEVE A SMART DINING ROOM

COLOUR AND PATTERN ‘Dining rooms should make a statement and have that wow-factor, being the perfect setting for a celebration for special meals,’ says Emma Deterding, founder of Kelling Designs. ‘Use a warm bold colour that cocoons you and makes you feel cosy and safe in the space, especially in winter as that’s when most of us use our dining rooms.’ Burgundy, blue and green are ideal hues and remember that lacquering paint will give a reflective quality, bouncing more light into the space.

CREATING A MULTI-USE SPACE For a dining room to earn its keep, it has to work hard – and that requires careful planning. Elements such as closed storage to hide office and homework clutter are crucial, as is finding a table with the appropriate surface – French polish will need to be covered by felt or a blanket. Adapt the lighting, too, says Helen Pett, design ambassador for Arteriors London. ‘Complementary wall lights on three of the four walls, for example, will allow for a sufficient spill of light while still adding a decorative element.’

TABLE PLANNING There are two key questions when choosing the shape of a table, says Cassie Rowland, head of product at Neptune. ‘Firstly, where your table sits, and secondly, how you plan to use it.’ The lack of corners in a rounded top gives a smaller footprint that is ideal for compact rooms. ‘However, you can’t beat the impact and scale of a large rectangular table,’ she adds. A good tip is to take a lead from the room’s architecture – rectangular ones work well with elegant Georgian proportions.

DECORATING THE TABLE If you have a table with a pretty patina leave it bare for a twist on a traditional winter setting and build up interest with linens and accessories, says interior designer Birdie Fortescue. ‘Napkins and place mats with a shaped edge can be a great way to introduce a fun element. Pick out the colours of your linens in the floral arrangements for a cohesive look.’ When it comes to flowers, dahlias in rich reds and autumnal ochres can look very effective. ‘For an opulent touch, use silver candlesticks and clear glass vases to contrast with the texture of the table,’ adds Birdie.

CHOOSING A PENDANT If you’re looking for a light to hang in the centre of a dining room, then start with the size of that room, says Peter Legg, brand and product manager at Där Lighting. ‘The common mistake is to choose something that’s too small. There’s no substitute for seeing a light in place before deciding but, failing that, use a tape measure to check the size of the new light against the current one. Alternatively, cut a circle of paper to represent the diameter and see if it looks right.’

“AN OVAL DINING TABLE IS GREAT FOR CONVERSATIONS AND ALSO HELPS TO SOFTEN

ANGULAR SPACES”

ANNA HAINES, founder, Anna Haines Design