KDH Design Diary: Create The Ultimate Dining Room With The Brown Davis Design Team! Robert Brown Shares His Top Tips...

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DOES YOUR HAMPTONS HOME HAVE A COMFORTABLE AND INVITING DINING ROOM…OR STAGNANT AVOIDED SPACE??

 

KDH poses the question to famed interior design gurus Robert S. Brown, and Todd Davis of Brown Davis Interiors. Todd and Rob joined their shared passion for classic architecture, discerning environments, and extraordinary craftsmanship to create Brown Davis Interiors in 1994. Rising stars in the elite environs of Washington DC, Brown Davis has designed two residences for the Clintons, President and Secretary of State, The British Embassy residence and an array of exceptional projects involving contemporary and historic renovation. Always seeking inspiration and growth in artistic styles and influences. The Brown Davis aesthetic is a uniquely American perspective, fusing the traditional roots of classicism, with an exuberant, sensual vitality. Taking a fresh look at our traditional dining room has been on my mind recently so I asked these new Hamptons pals for a few tips to share with me & KDHamptons readers….Rob shared this incredible KDH Design Diary below:

 

“Picture me sitting around my dining table after dinner and every chair is still filled with guests. I realize that the supposed point of the evening [dinner, which was not expensive or elaborate] is over and my friends are still here. What makes a guest stay and feel comfortable in a room when the main event is over? Is it the dimmed lighting and candles? Is it the fun but soft music? Is the accent wall freshly painted a dark color to make the prized piece of art “pop”? Could it be the comfortable chairs?”

 

Brown Davis designed British Embassy Residence Dining Room. Photo by: Gordon Beall

 

“A comfortable room is something we decide on, and have an immediate reaction to the moment we view it. Our senses pick up all of the elements in a nano second and we determine just as quickly if we feel safe, welcome and uplifted.

Dining Rooms typically have the greatest challenge to look inviting and alive even when they’re not in use. Even in a formal or traditional space, an addition of a quality filled but bright fabric covering the chairs can bring lively energy to the room. Or consider a bold geometric rug which could provide juxtaposition to solid traditional furniture. Note: Its the energy created by juxtaposition that makes a room feel compelling and interesting. Juxtaposition can be in color contrast OR in opposing design elements.”

 

Mongolian sheep skin as upholstery to my vintage Milo Baughman dining chairs creates a magical effect.

 

“In my case, I choose to take a bold step. I added Mongolian sheep skin as upholstery to my vintage Milo Baughman dining chairs [above]. It’s effect was magical. The chairs never fail to bring a smile to a visitors face and uplift their spirits. What a powerful emotion happiness is…to be able to evoke this emotion is fantastic. The result is also to bring energy to the room when viewed even when it is not in use. I love that!

Consider a bright color to upholster your Dining Room chairs. If it’s a formal or a casual room, consider bright fabrics in linen/rayon blends…consider something fun like mongolian sheep skin!”

 

Dining Room with banquet and bright curtains. The rug, banquet, table and chairs were all custom designed by Brown Davis. Photo by Billy Cunningham

 

Here is the Brown Davis summary of ways to enliven any design-style of Dining Room:
  1. Paint one principal wall a deep dark accent color. Any art on that wall will “pop” with new energy.
  2. If it’s a formal/traditional space, consider adding a principal modern piece of art which adds youth and energy to a space.
  3. If the room is modern but feeling cold and impersonal, add something vintage to bring soul and warmth…this encourages approachability. It could be a vintage chandelier, art object or a piece of furniture like Paul Evans or Vladimir Kagan server. If these are out-of-budget items, look for a thrift store/vintage piece of furniture with good bones and have it lacquered off white, deep charcoal or aubergine and you can create compelling interest that way.
  4. Add a bold patterned, geometric rug to a traditional or modern space. It adds instant energy even if its a neutral color to fit a sophisticated quiet room.
  5. Consider pushing the table to the side of the room and adding a sofa/banquet against the wall for seating. Banquets are natural “attention getters”and sought after places of honor. Add a few decorative pillows for comfort but make sure the seat cushion is firm and the seat height is standard dinning room chair height…aprox 19”. Your dining room may now become the natural “go-to” place for card playing, computer viewing and fun impromptu luncheons.
  6. Open your vision to consider something wild that you have never considered before. Its fun to “consider” new ideas and it doesn’t cost a thing!
Photo by Angie Seckenger

 

How amazing is this KDH Design Diary? Thank you so much Rob! Our biggest problem now may become how to get your dinner guests to leave!!

 

**For inquiries regarding bespoke interiors and architecture please contact:

Todd Davis: 305.401.7565
or by email: todd@browndavis.com

Brown Davis Interiors, Inc.; Brown Davis Interiors
1527 31st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007

Brown Davis Interiors, Inc.
1665 Alton Road
Unit #1
Miami Beach, FL 33139

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