Dining Area
Executive summary: This space is a continual work-in-progress where I periodically learn something new about my design preferences.
After six years of soul searching, I think I’ve finally landed on a table and chair combo that I can live with for a long time. (Thank goodness I only have one dining space to outfit, because I’d be at a loss as to what to do with a second one!) I’m not sure why this has been hard for me (much harder than picking a sofa or bed or anything else), but I was changing it up every 1-2 years, always dissatisfied with how things were functioning or looking. And I’m only talking about the table and chairs – don’t even get me started on the decor! That is still in flux and we’ll see how many more iterations I go through before we eventually move, honestly.
Table: Modway (via Amazon) | Chairs: Target | Booster cushion: Amazon | High chair: Stokke Tripp Trapp | Water pitcher: HomeGoods | Tassel chandelier: DIY | Picture ledge: IKEA Mosslanda | Gold mirror: IKEA Svansele | Picture frames: Amazon
I think a big part of the problem is that I didn’t know what decor style I wanted for the dining area, so it took a lot of trial and error for me to realize what I liked. I finally landed on this Saarinen-inspired (faux) marble top tulip table. To me, it’s both classic and chic, and I’m a sucker for the marble look. My one complaint is that I have to wipe the base, as food and dust collect on the large surface, but I still really like this table. As for the chairs, I ultimately decided that I am a fan of the Thonet bentwood chairs. I see them everywhere in Scandinavian design (which speaks to my minimalist heart), as well as in the French cafe look (sometimes I just want that rustic, sun-drenched Mediterranean vibe). These metal chairs from Target are sturdy, comfortable, not too heavy, and not expensive (I think they were $80 per chair). They checked all my boxes, and I’m really happy with them! So finally, I have a table and chair combo that I’m sticking with, instead of always wondering what I could replace them with.
As for the rest of the decor in here, I wanted something that’s easy to keep clean and not all the same (e.g., a big picture on each wall would be monotonous). I’ll write another post about all the changes this room has gone through, but for now, this is where it stands. I made the tassel chandelier by hand during COVID lockdown, and I love how it defines this space. The mini gallery wall is all photos that I took over the years, of places that mean something to us, plus are just so pretty to look at. I opted for a picture ledge on the other wall so it wouldn’t jut out far into the dining space (as opposed to a shelf, which is deeper). In here, every inch counts. To keep it interesting, I didn’t want to put more photos on the ledge. Instead, I went for a mirror (which bounces the light around – one of the “rules” of small space decorating), a couple bottles of whatever poison we’re currently working on (it’s tequila and whiskey up there), and a cookbook (which I randomly picked up, but speaks to my minimalist sensibilities, as it’s all about arranging a bunch of ready-to-eat food on a board/platter, with almost zero cooking involved). The booze and the book are examples of “functional decor” that I am always seeking. They would otherwise be tucked in a cupboard, but I’ve made them elements of decor instead. I live for making my belongings multifunctional!!
This space may continue to evolve as I keep learning about my design preferences, but I have no imminent plans. If I do decide to change something, you will be the first to know (right after my husband, ha!)
Update 10/10/23: If you’re curious about all the iterations of our dining room, I ended up wiring a post about it here.