8 Interior Designers, 8 Dream Schemes

The aim was to create an inviting breakfast/dining nook with a nod to the mid-century era, but also a modern twist. Using earthy colours such as moss green and dark cerise, the interior feels warm and balanced, sophisticated and timeless. The bouclé trend is proving to be here to stay, but this organic-shaped sofa adds an unexpected touch in the glossy lacquer ball feet. A pedestal dining table made from sustainably sourced rattan, along with retro striped upholstered chairs, complete the ensemble. The vintage 1980 drinks trolley is small in size – I love the eccentric shape, while its plexiglass construction offers an unobtrusive and whimsical impression. To zhuzh up the tablescape, I love this dramatic bamboo trim porcelainware that continues the playful, organic theme, along with scalloped linen napkins and Italian-made burnished brass coasters.

Visit JulietteByrne.com

I believe a dining space should be warm, comfortable and versatile. It doesn’t want to be too perfect; you should feel like you can spill a drop of wine or food without being too precious because this is a place to be enjoyed and shared with family and friends. Everything happens around the table here. This one is extendable, making it super versatile for when you have more guests over. It has lovely oversized round legs and is made from warm walnut wood. When it comes to seating, I think it’s great to mix it up between chairs and a bench; again, it makes the seating options more dynamic. The chairs are fun and sculptural, bringing a lovely pop of colour against the walnut table. Lighting is next on the list. No one wants to dine under harsh spotlights. It’s important to create a warm glow over the table, with low and mid-level layered lighting to give a comfortable ambience. A rug under the table helps ground the table, which is really important in open-plan spaces – just make sure the rug is big enough, so when the chairs are pulled out they don’t sit or fall off the edge. 

Visit CuplaStudio.co.uk

I was inspired by the term 'relaxed dining' and how that can be interpreted through the use of colour and textures. I leant towards natural materials and exploring how they can create a certain emotion within a space. I wanted to create a space that wasn't gender specific, so focused on a timeless yet understated palette of versatile earthy tones, meaning you can switch in different accessories such as cushions and tableware, to keep your space evolving with the seasons. The materials used are fairly textured which make them more durable – ideal for families – while still being sophisticated and elevated. The scheme reflects a space that has understated luxe, with refined and considered elements.

Visit CollectionNoir.com

This elegant, contemporary space is all about balance. It’s brought to life through beautiful textures and details. I’ve used a mix of natural features, like in the rattan sideboard and antique lebrillo bowls, with more refined textures to create a warm and smart interior. The raffia wallpaper works well for a cosy breakfast space, as well as being a robust and resistant wall covering. A beautiful chandelier forms the centrepiece of the space, presiding over a sculptural, organic-shaped table. The chandelier brings a touch of nature into the home, and is wonderfully striking against the matte black of the dressers. The large mirror captures and reflects the glow from the chandelier, while the dappled blue lamps, placed on the console, create a further sense of warmth and personality. I regularly include olive trees in my commissions; they offer a subtle, grown-up take on the house plant trend. The finishing touch to this setting is the delicate, patterned breakfast set from Dior. It’s a timeless way to start the day; the brand’s ‘Cannage Montaigne’ print is one of my favourites.

Visit StudioLodha.com

For me, an informal and relaxed dining room is one that feels calming and understated, and that is filled with organic textures and shapes. In this set up, there are natural elements like jute, wood, rattan and even paper to create a look that's natural in tone and not too busy or overcrowded. Keeping things simple yet elevated is the key to creating an informal space that looks effortlessly easy to recreate. To make the neutral scheme pop, there’s a warming blue to inject a bit of colour. Finally, every room needs a tiny bit of black to catch the eye –  it’s here in the form of a cast-iron radiator and a nod on the chairs.

Visit TopologyInteriors.com

Putting this scheme together, I imagined it for a Georgian basement kitchen, using warm colours, different textures and natural materials to create a relaxed and inviting space. The reclaimed flooring brings a richness and, combined with other types of wood, it creates a feeling of the space having evolved over time rather than looking too designed. Combining pieces from different eras is something I like to do wherever possible. The more traditional pieces such as the Berdoulat table and antique pine dresser are balanced by the Clam chair, which provides a comfy spot to read in, and the 1960s pendant, which I love for its pop of red. I chose the wallpaper for its subtle pattern that works as the perfect backdrop for hanging art. There’s more pattern with the fabric proposed for curtains or blinds, while the antique pine dresser provides a practical backdrop for displaying favourite crockery and pottery. 

Visit CaveInteriors.com

 At Munro, we have a penchant for intricate layering, combining warm and tactile materials to craft an inviting and romantic atmosphere. Envisioning an informal dining area and breakfast nook, we pictured a medium-sized space with a lofty ceiling adjacent to the main kitchen, offering a scenic view of the gardens through expansive glazed Verdigris doors and windows. Serving as the heart of the home, this family space is one of the most frequented areas, accommodating various activities such as snacking, homework, tea, lunch, and gossip. It requires a delicate balance of versatility and durability while maintaining a warm and welcoming charm. Our approach involves seamlessly blending modern furniture with classical elements, exemplified by the exquisite ceiling rose and antiqued mirror wall, imparting a sense of spaciousness and a touch of historical allure.

Visit ErikMunro.com