There is no bigger compliment to me than when someone says they like my interior choices. I have tried to follow trends but I never fully commit and when it comes to the crunch I just buy what I love and hope it works together. The one room this is really apparent is the dining room. If you have followed me for a while you may remember it looked like this last year.
I loved it dark, but it really was dark. This photo was taken in the middle of the day and it felt like the evening. Making it actually a very depressing room to be in, let alone entertain in. I am definitely the one holding up the banner for ‘do what you love’ but on the back it would read ‘know your limits’. This house doesn’t accommodate dark colours very well. (Though watch this space as I have a plan to introduce some richer colours for winter into the living room)
The dining room has since been painted in Laura Ashley Pale Dove Grey which happened just over a year ago. I much prefer it now because it is so light and welcoming. As for the furniture and accessories it really has an anything goes vibe. There is a mixture of old and new, some budget buys and some investment pieces. I have some scandi inspired purchases mixed with very traditional but I love it! I often get asked where the table and chairs are from. We bought them online years ago and I haven’t been able to track them down since! Which always makes me look like I’m not happy to share but that really isn’t the case!
Green Basket eBay, Plant Areca Palm, Side Board Ikea, Large Vase Kelly Hoppen, Mirror Mann Made london
Ceiling light Next, Vase Cox&Cox
Basket bag Lisa Valentine Home Mirror Homesense
I would love to say this room is finished but it still needs new curtains and I want to replace the wooden bureau in the corner with some sort of drinks cabinet. All I have ever wanted for this room is for it to be an amazing entertaining space. Unfortunately we don’t do much entertaining so I have no idea why I focus on this so much. We did have talks about turning this into a snug but I worry that would make the lounge redundant. I’m not keen on having rooms that aren’t used.
We don’t eat in here but both Si and myself use the desk as an office in the evenings. it means we are actually in the same rom even if we aren’t actually talking!
Photo Frames Cox & Cox
What do you think about mixing styles like I have in this room? Do you think it works?
Cara
Cara I absolutely love your interior style. I’ve always been scared to mix things up and not have everything match. Thankfully following you on Instagram has pushed me out my comfort zone! I now buy old fashioned looking things and pieces which I wouldn’t have dared bought before. Thanks for the inspo and keep these interior posts coming 👍
Author
Ah thank you leanne. I have got to a stage now where I think ‘if I love it then who cares!’ Glad you are out of your comfort zone x
It totally works…or at least I hope so (as that’s what our house is like). I like vintage furniture mixed with modern pieces, I like the idea of being able to paint it in a few years for a different look. I tried to follow the monochrome fashion a few years back and it just so wasn’t me. Much better just to pick up things you like. Your dining room and house is just beautiful..good luck with the new bathroom x
Author
Thanks Nicola! Im so nervous about it but I’m excited to have something brand new as we never have had that before!
Hi, I also live in a cottage and agree that with small windows, low ceilings and beams we need to keep the walls light. Dark walls can work well if it’s a separate room, i.e. a snug or dining room as it would work well for evening dinner parties – very atmospheric!
Although for a daytime room it sucks all the available light and makes it sooo dark.
I do like the currrent colour scheme. Suggestion – could you use the lovely bureau as a drinks cabinet, maybe even paint it dark grey as a contrast to the light grey walls?
Love your posts and your style 🤗
I always envy your interior style and the beams in your home are amazing! This room in particular is just spot on!
Melissa x
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