Open to the kitchen, great room and back deck, the dining area transforms to a cozy cocoon when linen drapes are drawn. Formal furnishings in a dark finish elevate the design, while a graphic print area rug grounds the space and lends a contemporary element. "Most of us have lost our dining rooms, which is fine, but sometimes you want that formal, intimate space," says interior designer Linda Woodrum. "That's what the drapes do: All that wonderful fabric creates the feel of an intimate party without losing that open living concept."
The area rug's bold graphic print, in a dark espresso color, grounds the space and lends a contemporary aesthetic that counters the room's formal furnishings and dramatic Empire style light fixture, fashioned from wrought iron and washed wood.
A concave dining chest, neoclassically inspired, served as a springboard for the room design. Interior halogen bulbs shine a spotlight on porcelain dinnerware and resin-cast white ribbon coral.
Clear glass taper holders, in chess piece style shapes, lend drama while keeping views unobstructed.
Seating up to eight guests, the trestle style dining table carves out a formal dining space. Dining chairs, upholstered in a celadon-hued fabric, echo the home's subtle beach theme.
The open concept dining area flows seamlessly into the kitchen. Clear glass subway tile, which clads the kitchen backsplash, sparkles gem-like in the distance.
"It almost feels like a cabana out on the beach," says Linda of the dining area. "It's so uniquely special and it's very applicable to people's own lives having the ability to shut the kitchen off even if you're draping just one wall."
