Room of the Day: Traditional Dining Room Shaken With a Twist
This home's colonial architecture inspires formality, while the room's bold color, a mix of styles and a glossy bar update the look
Becky Harris
April 14, 2015
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Though these homeowners aren’t necessarily the most buttoned-up formal types, they recognized the importance of a formal dining room in their colonial-style home. And so did their designer, Taylor Jacobson, who completed renovations throughout their house. “These clients were wonderful to work with. They have great taste and a wonderful art collection,” she says. The dining room provided a start to the larger project, and the bodacious new blue botanical wallpaper that covers its walls inspired them to use the hue in many important spots.
During the update, a glossy and glamorous new bar replaced a butler’s pantry between the kitchen and dining room. Perhaps the most important take-away is that finishing a bar as quickly as possible can help you survive an extensive decorating project.
During the update, a glossy and glamorous new bar replaced a butler’s pantry between the kitchen and dining room. Perhaps the most important take-away is that finishing a bar as quickly as possible can help you survive an extensive decorating project.
Photos by Amy Bartlam
Room at a Glance
What happens here: A young couple enjoys formal dinners. As a bonus, the room shares a chic bar with the kitchen.
Location: Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters); about 20 feet by 15 feet (6 by 4.5 meters)
Being in view of the main entry, the dining room makes a statement as soon as people walk into the house. “The house has colonial style and called for more formal spaces,” Jacobson says. That didn’t mean the owners couldn’t put their own twist on it, however.
One of the first selections was the dining room wallpaper, Raphael by Sandberg. “Blue wound up being a strong element through a lot of the home,” the designer says. “It started in here.”
Room at a Glance
What happens here: A young couple enjoys formal dinners. As a bonus, the room shares a chic bar with the kitchen.
Location: Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters); about 20 feet by 15 feet (6 by 4.5 meters)
Being in view of the main entry, the dining room makes a statement as soon as people walk into the house. “The house has colonial style and called for more formal spaces,” Jacobson says. That didn’t mean the owners couldn’t put their own twist on it, however.
One of the first selections was the dining room wallpaper, Raphael by Sandberg. “Blue wound up being a strong element through a lot of the home,” the designer says. “It started in here.”
The fantastic botanical pattern nods strongly to the tradition of wallpapering colonial dining rooms. Jacobson shook up the tradition with a distinctive Widdicomb midcentury modern dining set found in Palm Springs, California.
Adding a twist is an unexpected chandelier. It’s a custom, one-of-a-kind piece made by local Echo Park artisan Jason Koharik.
Light fixture (similar): 8 “J” Arm Chandelier
Adding a twist is an unexpected chandelier. It’s a custom, one-of-a-kind piece made by local Echo Park artisan Jason Koharik.
Light fixture (similar): 8 “J” Arm Chandelier
A painting that is a family heirloom enjoys an honored place. Its blue background is just the right hue for the room.
Jacobson transformed a hallway between the kitchen and the dining room from a dysfunctional butler’s pantry to a chic bar. Contractor Alden Cusick did the build work.
The cabinetry is custom made and covered in a high-gloss lacquer. “We made sure the finish on the top could stand up to splashes,” Jacobson says.
Cabinet paint: Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball
The cabinetry is custom made and covered in a high-gloss lacquer. “We made sure the finish on the top could stand up to splashes,” Jacobson says.
Cabinet paint: Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball
A mirror backs the bar, and glass shelves give it an open look. Jacobson arranged the bottles artfully and broke things up by displaying clear glassware on the middle shelf. Brass hardware, brackets and lighting add to the glamour.
“Lighting is really important in here,” the designer says. She bought the brass double-light sconce fixture from British company Besselink & Jones.
“Lighting is really important in here,” the designer says. She bought the brass double-light sconce fixture from British company Besselink & Jones.
To the left, you can catch a glimpse of the other side of the bar that leads to the dining room from the kitchen. The wallpaper and brass finishes play off the kitchen’s Hicks pendants.
The room’s design honors not only the tradition of formal dining in a colonial home, but also the fun and glamour of cocktail hour. Cheers to that!
More:
See more rooms in this house
See more Rooms of the Day
The room’s design honors not only the tradition of formal dining in a colonial home, but also the fun and glamour of cocktail hour. Cheers to that!
More:
See more rooms in this house
See more Rooms of the Day
Related Stories
Feel-Good Home
How to Get a Joyful, Clutter-Free Dining Room
Some tidying tips — and a focus on what makes you happy — will help you get a handle on the dining-room drop zone
Full Story
Lighting
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Dining Room
By David Warfel
Find out how to develop a layered lighting plan that will help you enjoy your time around the dinner table
Full Story
Trending Now
The Top 10 Dining Areas of 2023
By Becky Harris
From small eat-in kitchen nooks to large formal dining rooms, these most-saved dining areas serve up inspiration
Full Story
Entertaining
15 Essential Tabletop Items for Entertaining
Choose these basic serving and tableware pieces and you’ll be ready to host a dinner party or a large gathering
Full Story
New This Week
8 Delightful New Dining Rooms
See how designers mix bold patterns and palettes with inviting furniture to create stylish spaces worthy of conversation
Full Story
New This Week
6 Fashionable New Dining Rooms
See the colors, materials and furnishings designers used to add personality and style to these spaces
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Dining Areas of 2022
By Becky Harris
Get ideas for casual breakfast nooks, elegant eat-in kitchen setups and formal dining rooms from these most-saved photos
Full Story
Lighting
20 Dining Rooms With Chic Chandeliers and Pendant Lights
Whether sleek and modern or dripping with crystals, lighting is the special ingredient in any dazzling dining room
Full Story
Standard Measurements
Key Measurements for Planning the Perfect Dining Room
Consider style, function and furniture to create a dining space that will let you entertain with ease
Full Story
Photo Flip
20 Drop-Dead Gorgeous Dining Rooms
Glimmering chandeliers, beautiful wallpaper and stylish tables and chairs are among the stars of these dining rooms
Full Story
Amani, Wallpaper Direct has it - search Raphael by Sandberg
It is a very nice wallpaper. Can I buy it. How much it cost.