As the house renovation slowly but surely keeps chugging along, {I’ll be talking paint colors with you later this week!}, I find myself constantly furnishing rooms in my head. That’s why I was thrilled when one of my favorite San Francisco-based design firms, Niche Interiors, took us up on our request for a Designer’s Take. Founder Jennifer Jones has such a great eye. Here’s a couple of the gorgeous dining rooms they’ve designed:

As a reminder, below is the architect’s drawing of what our dining room looks like. The space enjoys some pretty special features including the original 140 year old pocket doors, a fireplace {that I still have to design – oy!}, the original crown molding, a bay window and 12-foot ceilings. Jennifer turned her sights on our dining room and I am loving her thoughts.

We took inspiration from the classic Victorian architectural details of Erin’s new home, along with her obvious love of black and white. Clearly, the bones of this space are the real star — we would create a restrained, contemporary dining space with subtle nods to traditional design.

First, we would paint the walls and moldings a warm white and add a larger ceiling medallion that is more appropriately scaled for the room. Matte black paint on the ceiling would make the gorgeous moldings pop and accentuate the tall ceilings. Graphic geode wallpaper peeks out behind tall metal bookcases flanking the fireplace, and kelly green drapery panels frame the bay window. The dramatic brass chandelier has a traditional shape with modern styling — a perfect focal point for this space!

GET THE LOOK:

1. > Chandelier 
2. > Table
3. > Curtains (custom)
4. > Minotti Aston chair
5. > Vase
6. > Zak & Fox with Apparatus Wallpaper
7. > Brass Dish
8. > Bookcase

Curious how other designers have suggested we design our Victorian? From the kitchen to the nursery, living room and bedrooms – you can find all the amazing inspiration right HERE.

 

Images 1 & 2 via Niche Interiors // Image 3 via Kay Douglass Interiors