Sophie Robinson: How to create a sociable dining space
The dining room is the perfect place for making memories. Whether that’s celebrating momentous occasions, getting together for a Friday takeaway or, as it was when I was growing up, the scene of teenage drama, this space must be ready to weather its fair share. Here are my top tips to help you create your own sense of tradition in a room made for family and friends.
When it comes to choosing furniture, go big or go home
Growing up, my parents had a big farmhouse table in their kitchen and I loved how we all gathered around it. When they moved out of the family home, the table had to be sold, and with it went a part of my childhood. Once I had my own family, I knew I wanted to create a similarly warm setting for us to make new memories, so I opted for the biggest table the room could hold. This one can fit eight comfortably, but has had 12 with a bit of a squeeze!
Use a rug to zone your space
It’s contentious, but I love a rug under the table if you have a hard floor. It needs to be robust enough to muscle up to the inevitable spills, and although a deeply patterned vintage Persian-style rug will always be up to the task, this jute one has been fantastic, even managing to survive the Christmas festivities. I like how it zones the dining area within the open-plan space. The trick is to have one big enough so that all the chair legs can sit on it.
Make a statement with lighting
Next up, you want to think about lighting. Decorative pendants hung low over the table create a lovely design feature. You could opt for something oversized and breathtaking or, like me, go for something smaller so as not to obstruct the view of the garden, which is the main focal point in this room.
Think about how you use the area
The decor of the room should always be in tune with how you use it and the atmosphere you want to evoke. As this is our family dining space, I’ve opted for a convivial palette of bonny yellow with spring flowers and plenty of patterned cushions and throws to entice people to sit down. The light yet bright colours also maximise the lovely daylight flooding through the patio doors.
Create a centrepiece for the table and make it the focal point
A large vase of flowers, either fresh or faux, will do.
Sophie's dining room: get the look:
• Woodland Floral wallpaper, curtains in CitrinePaper Straw Stripe fabric, both Harlequin x Sophie Robinson
• Quintili Beige porcelain floor tiles, Fired Earth
• Scalloped jute rug with Chrysanthemum border, Tate & Darby
• Raw oakbow-back dining chairs, Cox & Cox
• Lisbon dining table in Grey Oiled Oak, Heal’s
• The Ribbed pendant lights, Houseof
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