Redefined Dining

CHALLENGE: To transform an unused dining space into an elegant yet comfortable dining room.

SOLUTION: When homeowners Priscilla and Dennis envisioned a multi-room redesign of the first floor of their Central West End home, they were particularly eager to achieve a new look for their white-walled dining room. The couple chose Lisa Davis, interior designer for Heirlooms in Clayton, to collaborate on their ambitious venture. “I wanted the space to look and feel like something out of one of my favorite magazines,” says Priscilla, noting her gravitation toward traditional style with a dash of Old World charm. Selecting a color from the dining room rug, Lisa chose a dramatic red for the walls – a color that is great for dining rooms, she says, and that flows nicely with the chocolate browns and baby blues awash throughout the adjacent living room. She chose furniture from Heirlooms in keeping with the home's rich history and aesthetic. A cherry table with a birdcage base showcases a medley of accessories, including an ornate serving tray, a crystal decanter and a marble vase displaying an arrangement of fresh preserved hydrangeas designed by Lisa. Surrounding the table are custom dining chairs upholstered in a mix of silk botanical-patterned and striped fabrics, accented by silk bolsters trimmed with a brush fringe for added character. “Layering accessories – mixing patterns, textures and heights – adds interest and creates a sense of intimacy,” says Lisa. The crowning glory of this space is the crystal chandelier, transformed by Lisa with deep chocolate shades. Decorative molding draws the eye up toward the architecturally defined ceiling painted a rich golden-caramel. “Dark color on a ceiling -– especially in a tall space – creates warmth in the room,” says Lisa. Custom cornices feature intricate emblems resembling golden coins that enhance the room's classic ambience. The couple's love for travel is evident in the mix of furnishings – a blend of new accessories and treasured mementos that personalize the space, such as a set of impressive prints Priscilla picked up while strolling through Harrods in London. “I like having pretty things to look at while we're enjoying dinner,” says Priscilla, who uses the space with her husband as their primary dining area. “This dining room is a space we truly use – and not only a couple times a year. It's quite cozy.”