Coledale House - Dining Area Decoration and Styling by Karen Fowler of Studio Designs Dunn.
Karen Fowler of Studio Designs Dunn shares with us her recent project of reinventing a dining area into a sophisticated and inviting space. Karen's talks us through her creative process, from selecting the perfect palette to incorporating unique furniture pieces and accessories, while seamlessly integrating functionality with style. Join us as we uncover the details behind this stunning project and gain inspiration for your own dining room makeover!
Can you tell us a little bit about your self, your business and what you do?
I have over 10-years of experience working in high-end residential interiors, furniture, homewares, and textiles. I’ve completed a number of high residential interior decoration projects, and produced Editorial Styling projects published in House and Garden and online.
I have an innate ability to understand people and places. I am passionate about history, architecture, art and nature, all of which inform my interior design projects.
I’m curious and collaborative, and enjoy building trusting relationships with my clients. My mission is to help my clients with the endless decisions required to design a thoughtful and considered home.
What inspired the design / decorating concept for your dining area?
Coledale House sits below the escarpment with views to the Pacific Ocean. The trees, ocean, endless sun rises and sunsets set the stage for the concept and ultimately the colour palette. With hues of green, brown, reds, blue and pink, the home has a neutral palette as a backdrop which was perfect to introduce some colour.
Can you describe the overall aesthetic or theme you aimed to achieve in the space?
Calm and grounded. The overall theme for the dining space was comfort and simplicity. We aimed for the dining area to feel seperate yet connected to the open-plan living, dining and kitchen.
What were some key considerations you had in mind when selecting furniture and decor?
The main considerations for selecting the furniture and decor were, first and foremost, comfort, as well as finding unique pieces that were sustainable and functional. These pieces were chosen to complement the clean lines of the home and echo the vertical line of the horizon visible through the windows, harmonising with nature's palette outside.
Can you share some details about the materials, textures, and colours you used in this dining area?
I believe it is important to mix materials and match different surfaces in order to create a cohesive look. For example, the bronze finish appears on both the pendant light and the legs of the dining chairs. The dining table by Hay Design was selected because of it’s visually interesting features, super fine edge, angled hardwood legs and practical yet untraditional linoleum top.
The dining chairs by &tradition are constructed from metal and a recycled plastic shell, covered in a cotton blend fabric coated with an environmentally friendly protectant. This allows for the easy cleanup of any stains, the fabric colour was chosen to complement the green tones in the adjacent living space.
What role did lighting play in enhancing the ambiance of the space?
Lighting played a significant role in grounding and defining the dining room within our open-planned living, dining, and kitchen area. It was essential to select a dimmable pendant light by South Drawn that could enhance the ambiance when needed. We opted for a design that is minimal with clean lines, ensuring it does not clutter the space or disturb the views of the ocean and escarpment.
Did you incorporate any unique or personalised elements into the design that reflect your personal style?
As a designer and decorator, I enjoy working with clients who like to mix styles rather than seek out one overall look. I love experimenting with colour, pattern, materials and texture.
For this project, which is my own home, I wanted to ensure a minimal aesthetic. This choice not only reflects my personal style but also suits the home, which boasts ample storage space. With so much storage available, it's easy to tuck everything away and leave out only the special pieces to admire.
What are some styling tips or you can share that help create a beautiful dining space?
I prefer to keep the styling on my dining table to a minimum, especially when there's an interesting sculptural pendant above. The aim is to draw the eyes up to the high ceilings and then down to the table surfaces illuminated by the lighting. I typically start with a placemat to protect the surface and ground the objects. Then, I add decor of varying heights, such as a pedestal bowl (either ceramic or timber) filled with Nonna’s Grocer produce candles. Additionally, I incorporate Southern Wild Candles for their native Australian bush scents, they come in the most beautiful coloured glass vessels. If I include a floral arrangement, I ensure that the overall height of the vase and flowers does not interfere with the pendant light hanging above
What advice would you give to homeowners looking to create stylish and functional dining rooms in their own homes?
When buying chairs for your dining table, it's crucial to consider the table height. Not all tables and chairs are the same. Always measure the underside of the table and the seat height of the chair. If possible, take your chair to the table for a test fit. Investing in a dining table and comfortable dining chairs should be seen as just that—an investment. You'll want to hold onto them and perhaps even pass them down as heirlooms.
With an eye for style and detail Andromeda Lembo’ newly renovated home showcases a dining room that evokes a sense and feeling of being at a luxurious resort. After featuring her gorgeous kitchen we couldn’t resist sharing more of her beautiful home with you.