Drama Overhead Dining Room

This is a formal dining room, but for people who aren’t formal—they really use their home. The couple wanted a level of “finish” that feels formal, but with personality. They’re both lovers of blue—he likes it moody and contemporary, she likes lighter, more coastal in feeling. This room has a bit of both and of course that wallpapered ceiling, which is unexpected and fun—a real conversation piece!

It’s all about the right materials. The rug is all wool, a low pile—that’s essential. You can just spot-clean that with dish soap. The chairs are a linen woven stripe, which is hardy, too, and easy to clean. Nothing should be so delicate that it’s too precious to use.

I’m a stripes superfan! You can never have enough stripes: they’re classic, they don’t go out of style, they play well with everything. Stripes go nicely together when their scale or material is different from one another. It’s hard to get it wrong.

It’s color-matched to the ceiling wallpaper and it’s to create a full envelope of color and lets your eye go to the ceiling feature. Even without an exciting ceiling, I love painting the trim and walls one color. It’s especially powerful with trim on the walls, too, which adds texture but without too much contrast.

I’m not always a fan of accent chairs at the heads of the table — but these serve a purpose! Not only does the floral pattern contrast nicely with the more rigid stripe, allowing more movement in the room, but the profile is important. One of the homeowners is 6’6’’ and these were chosen expressly because he needed a bit more support. And yes, they look good!

Interview By Sophie Donelson