Now that the living-room makeover is complete, I’ve moved on to sprucing up our dining room – another space that’s in need of attention, having been decorated in a bit of a rush when we first moved into the house in 2014. I’ll be revealing the results soon, but first I want to share my plans and the inspiration behind the new scheme.
The brief
This is what the room has looked like for the past four years – there’s nothing much wrong with it, but I’ve always felt it could be better. The dining table is a little too dark for the space, the shelves are a bit too crowded, and the upholstered chairs are showing serious signs of wear after being the target of cats’ claws for several years.
The plan is to replace the above with a minimalist yet inviting space for relaxed meals with family and friends. The colour scheme is staying largely monochrome – the room faces south and catches the sun for most of the day, so it can handle it – but with slightly warmer shades in place of the cool blue undertones. The starting point was a charcoal and cream rug from Swedish company Nordic Knots, which is replacing the current grey and white patterned one. I’m also incorporating natural oak in the form a new table, and I’ll be carrying through a few soft grey accents from the living room to ensure this space feels connected to the rest of the house.
The chairs
The vintage Bertoia chairs at either end of the table are staying, as they’re some of my favourite pieces in the whole house. I want to replace the other four chairs with understated black ones which won’t fight them for attention, so the hunt is on for the perfect design. Current contenders include &tradition’s ‘Pavilion’ chair, HAY’s ‘J77’ chair and Ferm Living’s ‘Herman’ chair, but I have to admit I’m struggling to make up my mind (and a recent Instagram poll didn’t help as there was a near-even split!).
The lighting
Another feature that we’re keeping is a dimmable pendant light suspended low over the table, but we’re swapping the vintage-style metal one for something a little larger and more minimalist. The ‘Fluid’ light from Muuto will be ideal, and its soft, diffused glow should create the perfect mood for dinner parties and other gatherings. I also like the fact that it’s fully enclosed, so it won’t collect dust and spiders like the previous one!
I’d also like to add a floor lamp in the corner to give another source of ambient light. And of course lots of candles will be essential.
The finishing touches
I don’t want to clutter the room with too much stuff, but the built-in dresser in the alcove provides a great place to display a few well-chosen accessories. I’m planning to focus on black and chrome pieces to tie the various elements of the scheme together, but I want to soften things with a few natural textures such as sheepskins, stoneware and wood. I’ll also be using this room to show off a bespoke artwork created by one of my favourite ceramicists, Tracy Dixon, who pairs organic shapes and tactile surfaces with a beautiful minimalist aesthetic.
I’ll share photos of the finished room as soon as it’s ready, so watch this space…!
Nordic Knots, Tracy Dixon and Muuto are kindly gifting items for the makeover, but as always all words and opinions are my own.
Most photography by Abi Dare; mood-board images by Peter Kragballe, Michelle Halford, Paul Massey and Scandinavian Love Song
Wow! It already looks so gorgeous but I’m also loving the sound of your new warm neutral scheme! Can’t wait to see the final outcome! Thanks for sharing Abi x
Thanks! It just needs smartening up and warming up a bit. I can’t wait to get it finished and share the results x
Ooh I love the mood board, this is going to look amazing I’m sure!
Thanks so much! I can’t wait to get it finished and share the results
Dare I say that I am becoming a minimalist myself and starting to embrace these colour ways more by the day? SHOCKED? I really like what I am seeing here. Having used Bertoia diamond chairs in the past I have to warn you they are not very comfy; you should get the seat pad as well as place a sheepskin on them. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REVEAL!
Thanks so much Jenny, and wow – minimalism is spreading! So glad you like it – I hope the finished room turns out OK… Thanks for the warning about the chairs – we’ve had them a few years already and luckily they came with seat pads, so combined with the sheepskins they’re OK x
Great dining room inspiration. I’m not a minimalist but loving the monochrome colour scheme and clean lines. Looking forward to seeing the finished room.
Thanks! I’m aiming for calm and clutter-free, but still warm and inviting. Hope I can pull it off…!
Loving the mood board look – and looking forward to seeing the finished room Abi !
Thanks so much Lin! Hopefully not long until I can share the finished thing x
Oh, I didn’t notice the Bertoia chairs before. Glad they’re staying. Looking forward to the final result (quite curious about the bespoke ceramic artwork).
Thanks Juan! I could never part with the Bertoia chairs – I love them. Tracy’s artwork is actually already in place and it’s so beautiful – I can’t wait to share her work.
What a gorgeous moodboard there Abi! I’m sure it will turn out great and I dearly enjoy following you along through the process!
Thanks so much Eleni! I hope you liked the finished room. I hope to share it soon… x
There is nothing wrong with minimalism! I’m a big fan too. And I love what you have done with your mood boards. Really look forward to seeing the finished product!
Thanks Camilla! I knew exactly how I wanted the room to look and it’s all coming together nicely so far. I hope to share the results soon…
It looks pretty good as it is (and I do like the pictures on your wall!), but your plan will certainly add a bit more warmth, whilst still retaining the minimalist look. Good luck with it, look forward to seeing the end result.
Thanks! I definitely want to keep the minimalism, but it will look so much better with slightly warmer tones rather than the blue-tinged greys. I can’t wait to get it finished now!
I love the mood board – you have really captured the essence of the aesthetic your’e after! I am sure the refurb will be successful and I hope to see photos of the finished project!
Thanks Catherine! I can’t wait to get it finished. It’s almost there actually – I’m just waiting for the new chairs to arrive now.
I love how you mixed the black chairs with the metal ones. It looks amazing.
Thanks! Hopefully it will all come together how I’ve imagined.
I love the plans you have for this space, really interested to know if you’ll be using a warmer wall colour? I’ve just purchased (it’s sitting still boxed in the hallway, in fact, I have to breathe in to pass) an ercol chest of drawers for my bedroom in ash which is a big change up for my bedroom. Now I have the dilema of how much change do I bring into the room. Dangerous stuff makeovers.
Thanks Mary! The wall colour will be staying the same as it’s quite a warm white anyway, but I hope the new furniture and accessories will bring out the warmth rather than fight against it x