The Dining Room

The art of contrast pt.II

It’s that time of the week again. The vibe? Cozier than ever. The air? Crisp enough to make you feel like maybe, just maybe, you deserve to stay in bed all winter. Except that you don’t- and you won’t- because, well, for the sake of being politically correct let’s say life is just hard and leave it at that.

So obviously, I spoke to Nancy, because that’s what I always do. I speak to Nancy a lot. And she, in her infinite wisdom, decided that this week’s look should be all about dining. Those fall dinners that somehow feel warmer than any other time of year. Cold air, warm hearts etc. Oh, how I love irony. Anyway, this week’s look is all about the dining room, which is a great place to eat,  and dramatically declare “this year’s gone by so fast” over pasta and steak and whatever chaos that comes out of your kitchen.

 I asked Nancy to share with me how her mind works, and while she strongly refused to divulge her deepest, darkest secrets(just good sense, no bad blood), I managed to squeeze these seven tips  out of her- not five, seven- because it’s my lucky number and I was feeling generous. So without further ado, Here’s how this week’s look came together:

1. Anchor & Focal Point

Start with one bold statement: the lacquered red buffet. Fall trend alert- saturated jewel tones. Everything else plays backup.

2. Palette Building

Pair that red with muddy sage, earthy greens, and warm neutrals. Add honeyed oak and brass for glow. It’s color therapy for grown-ups.

3. Shapes & Silhouettes

Curves are in. Drum table base, round chairs, soft chandelier. Curves make everything feel more inviting - kind of like carbs.

4. Materials & Texture Mix

Marble table for quiet luxury, rattan lighting for that hand-crafted feel, and a cozy rug to ground it all. Matte walls meet glossy buffet, shiny velvet meets calm wood. You get the idea: contrast = charm.

5. Integrate Art

Gallery wall time. Think landscapes in ochre and green, one dramatic portrait in a straw hat for personality. Gold or oak frames to tie it together.

6. Lighting Plan

One sculptural overhead (woven, because we love a natural moment) and one petite brass lamp for evening glow. Warm light or nothing.

7. Styling & Layering

Keep it collected, not matched. Dried florals, ceramic vases, and a few stacked books. Add texture, skip the clutter. Let it breathe - it’s not a flea market.

So there you have it. A dining room that feels like a warm hug, looks like a magazine spread, and smells vaguely of cinnamon and confidence.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to convince Nancy that seven is a lifestyle, not just a number.

See you next week!

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