Interior Design Advice-How To Update Your Dining Space

Entertaining at home is big news but if your dining room isn’t making style headlines, these design experts can help you get it right

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Once a room kept largely for dinner parties, today’s dining room needs to work much harder to earn its keep in our space-challenged homes. Here, three pros share their expert advice...

WHAT MAKES A DINING ROOM EXTRA SPECIAL?

‘Personality,’ says interior designer Emilie Fournet. ‘Somewhere that feels very much like a destination – like a beautiful restaurant.’ Stylist Sophie Martell agrees: ‘A separate dining room is a brilliant excuse to experiment, but you still need to get the basics right – how the space works, how it’s lit, etcetera.’

TALKING OF COLOURS, WHAT SHOULD I GO FOR?

‘You can afford to choose something dark and moody if you’re lucky to have that separatespace,’ says Sophie. ‘For openplan, I’d stick to more neutral colours that co-ordinate well with your kitchen.’

WHAT ABOUT IDEAS FOR FEATURE WALLS?

‘The space above a sideboard really lends itself to being creative – somewhere you can stamp your style,’ says Sophie. ‘Think a gallery wall, a collection of finds – such as woven bowls – or even a living wall.’ Emilie suggests thinking braver still. ‘While a feature wall can add depth, how about a feature ceiling?’ she suggests. ‘It will give all of your guests something to look at and can make the room feel cosier.’

I NEED TO REPLACE MY TABLE, WHAT STYLE SHOULD I GO FOR?