The Dining Room With Depth

Since dining rooms tend to be used in the evening, I prefer darker walls and trim. I especially love the texture of grass cloth for walls. When it comes to the ceiling, it’s nice to look up and see something dramatic, whether that’s a beautiful wallpaper, a gold-leaf detail, or a handblown glass chandelier.

I love a good grass cloth. The natural color variations give the walls beautiful depth without shouting for attention—just that quiet kind of luxe every room needs.

I’ve used Benjamin Moore’s Deep Secret on trim, walls, and ceilings. It can appear blue, black, and gray depending on how the light hits it.

Dark trim is one of my favorite ways to modernize a traditional home. And if there’s any room where you can turn up the drama, it’s the dining room. It’s meant to be moody and a little sexy—so don’t be afraid to play with rich, saturated tones.

I definitely think about functionality. With the threat of red wine and rogue crumbs, I skip anything silky or too plush. A textured woven wool rug is my go-to—it’s durable, forgiving, and still looks great underfoot.

I always go for fabrics that can handle a little real-life action—think wools or cottons. They look great and won’t freak out over a dinner party spill. Silk, on the other hand, is gorgeous but way too high-maintenance—even water can leave a mark.

You don’t want a room with several large-scale patterns. Instead, you could upholster a pair of lead chairs in a large pattern and the side chairs in a small check, light stripe, or woven wool. Even if you’re more of a minimalist, you can make a room feel warm and cozy by using a combination of paint, grass cloth, and woven fabrics with depth of color.

Interview by Alyssa Bird