Room of the Week: An Elegant Shared Dining and Living Area
A long, shared dining and living area showcases how to blend and define spaces
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
Our clients wanted us to embrace the scale, beauty and detail of this magnificent room, and make it suitable for individuals or groups of various sizes.
Our clients wanted us to embrace the scale, beauty and detail of this magnificent room, and make it suitable for individuals or groups of various sizes.
Starting point
Respecting the original details of the home, such as the stained-glass windows in the adjacent hallway, was paramount. The stained glass also set the colour palette.
Respecting the original details of the home, such as the stained-glass windows in the adjacent hallway, was paramount. The stained glass also set the colour palette.
Key design aspects
The different seating areas break up the vastness of the space, creating intimacy. The colours and finishes are rich like the architecture, and complement the owners’ art collection.
Colour palette: Working against a neutral base of off-white walls and the rich brown timber floor, we used coral, lime and apricot to add life to the space.
The different seating areas break up the vastness of the space, creating intimacy. The colours and finishes are rich like the architecture, and complement the owners’ art collection.
Colour palette: Working against a neutral base of off-white walls and the rich brown timber floor, we used coral, lime and apricot to add life to the space.
Materials palette: Wool and silk rugs, matt stained-timber floors, brass and copper, tan leather, plain and printed velvets; contrasts of glossy and matt finishes of fabrics, tabletops and floor coverings.
Key pieces of furniture:
Custom-designed rugs, custom sofas. The Austin sofa (in lime green) and brass side table are from Temperature Design. The Aver dining chairs are from Casa Mia. Cushions by Elitis were custom-made in Liberty printed velvet. The artwork (above Austin sofa) is by Fred Williams.
Key pieces of furniture:
Custom-designed rugs, custom sofas. The Austin sofa (in lime green) and brass side table are from Temperature Design. The Aver dining chairs are from Casa Mia. Cushions by Elitis were custom-made in Liberty printed velvet. The artwork (above Austin sofa) is by Fred Williams.
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture/fixtures
We considered the bay window, central fireplace and concealed television to create a room that suits many uses. It can feel intimate for small gatherings, or can be reorganised if the owners wish to host larger gatherings.
We considered the bay window, central fireplace and concealed television to create a room that suits many uses. It can feel intimate for small gatherings, or can be reorganised if the owners wish to host larger gatherings.
Challenges you worked around
The elongated space and centrally placed fireplace created a challenge with the planning. It wouldn’t have worked to use the fireplace as a focal point for furniture layout, as we needed to address the beautiful bay window at one end, and ensure the room was used in its entirety.
Why do you think this room works?
The furniture zoning, bold colour and artwork, complemented by the graceful elegance of the space, make it a lovely room to be in.
Tell us
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join in the conversation.
More
Want more? Check out last week’s Room of the Week: A Light-Filled Modern Kitchen in a Period Home
The elongated space and centrally placed fireplace created a challenge with the planning. It wouldn’t have worked to use the fireplace as a focal point for furniture layout, as we needed to address the beautiful bay window at one end, and ensure the room was used in its entirety.
Why do you think this room works?
The furniture zoning, bold colour and artwork, complemented by the graceful elegance of the space, make it a lovely room to be in.
Tell us
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join in the conversation.
More
Want more? Check out last week’s Room of the Week: A Light-Filled Modern Kitchen in a Period Home
Styling and answers by Jacquie Pask, interior designer, Moss Melbourne
Who lives here: A family with one child, a dog and a cat
Location: St Kilda, Victoria
Room size: 10 x 4 metres