Photos by Stefan Radtke
Get inspiration for your dining room ahead of the holidays with this stylish version from Hirshson Architecture + Design.
The original dining room in this home was a high-traffic area, completely cut off from the adjacent kitchen. The talented team at Hirshson Architecture + Design in Greenwich re-modeled it and created a new opening to the rest of the home, with French doors to the backyard that embrace the flow for the family in and out of the dining room.
Additionally, the reimagined space is full of textural elements and chic design touches thanks to Dorynne Brock, senior interior designer at Hirshson Architecture + Design.
“I love the harmony created between the layers of finish and texture in the room, plus the moody vibe and the amount of storage created by the built-in millwork and twin bars in the space,” says Brock.
The dining room is initially formal, but as the room transitions, and you move throughout the space, it becomes more casual and inviting, creating a comfortable space for daily dining and entertaining.
This family loves color, so Brock was able to make a statement with the palette. Because the space is open to bold colors in adjacent rooms, she wanted to create a mellow yet interesting backdrop in the design, to highlight the architectural details. “We explored a neutral palette of textured wallcoverings for the space,” says Brock. “To create the tone-on-tone color palette, we carefully matched the Phillip Jeffries Silky Strings II Silk wallcovering with Farrow & Ball Hardwick White on the paneling.”
There is also a combination of traditional and contemporary details, including the outswept tapered legs and sophisticated interest of the classic, Art Deco-inspired, dining table from Theodore Alexander.
“The tapered legs and the scoop-back design of the chairs, combined with a high-gloss onyx finish and a metallic woven seat fabric, create a modern twist on a classic design,” adds Brock.
Modern paneling on the bars and cabinets is finished with an antique mirror and reeded glass detail on the doors.
The finished design is an inviting space that successfully functions for both daily dining needs and occasional entertaining. “It is a space that lends itself to sticking around long after the meal has ended,” says Brock.
What Every Good Dining Room Needs:
- Comfortable chairs
- The right layout, with the right amount of furniture for the space
- Dimmers (“Good mood lighting is a must,” says Brock)
- “Storage pieces, so your favorite pieces are close by and can be utilized as a serving area,” Brock says. “This keeps plenty of space free on the table, creating a comfortable and roomy space for guests.”
Get the Look:
Dining Table: Newman II, Theodore Alexander
Dining Chairs: Rory Dining Chair, Theodore Alexander
Chandelier: Vivian Two Tier Chandelier, Circa Lighting
Wallcovering: Silk Strings II Platinum, Phillip Jeffries
What Every Dining Room Needs for Entertaining:
- “A beautiful table setting is always a nice way to set the mood for a wonderful dining experience,” says Brock. “Flowers are a very simple way to add some color and personality to your table.”
- Good lighting is always imperative. Candles are an additional source of lighting that create an inviting dinner glow.
- A bar stocked with different glassware for different drinks. (“Vintage and/or colorful glassware is a fun way to incorporate color into your table setting,” she says.)
- “Be sure you have flexibility with your seating,” Brock says. “An extendable table is always a good idea. Find the ideal table size based on your family and room size, but plan to be able to accommodate additional guests.”
- Have a place other than the table to set food (a buffet, sideboard, or console) to ensure the table does not get overly crowded.
- “The twin bars in this dining room provide plenty of storage space but also a beautiful way to showcase some of the family’s most special glass and flatware items,” says Brock.
Related: Meet Malka Helft, the Interior Designer Behind Think Chic Interiors
