Back in September, (in yet another Notes for the design file post) I wrote about the pairing of ultra-light, white rooms with very dark rooms that have white upholstery. I toyed with the thought of private rooms being dark and public rooms being light and while the photo above is the exact opposite, I think it is a great example of how to play dark and light decor off of one another.

There are so many reasons I love this dark dining room. Let’s count the ways:

1) In most cases, I prefer horizontal surfaces in a room to read as the same tone. They have achieved the look here with the floor and tabletop. Speaking of which, this rustic dining table instantly makes this dining room feel comfortable. It’s not so precious that it couldn’t be used for each and every meal. Remember my mantra: “Life is short, eat off the good china.” I will never understand the theory behind dedicating entire rooms to only special occasions.

2) Adding to the easy-going vibe of this dining room are the belgian linen slip-covered dining chairs with matching back pillows. I like the fact that the shape of the dining chairs is quite modern, masculine and clean-lined. The slipcovers soften up the hard lines and speak to the rustic dining table. The fabric color brings in the light feel of the white kitchen on the opposite side of the open doorway.

3) This room gets instant credibility in my book because the sideboard and wood table do not match. (In wood-tone, era, or style.) I think it is visually more interesting to cobble together pieces that speak to one another or allow the other piece to stand out. Take note: The sideboard has captivating lines, but it’s dark, rich color makes it recede into the background. This allows for the creamy dining chairs to frame the dining table who takes the center stage.

4) In the last three years, Mr. D and I have spent a lot of time in Litchfield County, Connecticut – aka iron ore country. This may be why I am completely drawn to the simplistic nature of these black iron light fixtures. They don’t compete with the space, they’re just totally simple and utilitarian.

5) Did you notice that the glass front kitchen cabinet panes mimic the glass window panes? I love, love L-O-V-E that repetition of a simple detail. We did a similar treatment in our last apartment on the black mirrored wall – I used the same proportion as the windows in the loft.

Posted by Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo / ABCD Design Inspiration and Dream Decorating and Interior Design as Inspiration and Uncategorized