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      Picture for blog post Floral Frills: How to Create a Themed Bedroom for Girls

      Floral Frills: How to Create a Themed Bedroom for Girls

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      If you've read our previous article describing how one goes about decorating for children, and you are now wondering how to design a bedroom for your little girl, look no further. We assembled our panel of decorators to formulate the following list of definitive elements to include when putting together an inspirational bedspace for your little princess(es).

      Floral Print There are few other print styles that are as quintessentially feminine as floral print. Perhaps as synonymous with little girls as glitter and ponies, floral print can be injected into a space by way of bedspreads or decorative features such as headboards to affect a themed bedroom for girls.

      Nothing says "this is a girl's room" like floral print. Designer: We Interior

      Pastel Pink Pinstripes An alternative to floral print and other patterned prints is the pinstripe, a vintage element that can be turned into a more subtle indication of feminine tastes by applying the element to walls in shades of pink, magenta, or fuchsia.

      Instead of floral print, take the route less travelled with some vintage pinstripes in shades of pink. Designer: Gusto Design

      Upholstered Walls Padding the walls in upholstery softens the space, and when the upholstery is coloured in feminine shades, it provides comfort and elegance in equal measure. Classical upholstery, such as button-back or diamond-shaped designs saturated in shades of pink serve to fill a girl's bedroom with a timeless and feminine ambiance.

      The range of patterns on the upholstered walls in this bedroom suggests a girl with a mature personality sleeps here. Designer: Gusto Design

      All-White Furniture As white pairs well with shades of pink, consider selecting furniture that is completely white to add a clean and modern dimension to feminine spaces. Classically inspired furnishings in white are also appropriate for a girl's bedroom if the intended décor is more vintage leaning than modern.

      Classical furnishings in white are a simple way to lend a bedroom a feminine vibe. Designer: DMZ Consultancy

      Play House The pièce de résistance of any young child's bedroom is the play corner, but the girl with a fully appointed play house and the requisite tea set will likely ascend to the role of princess of the block - as little girls apparently adhere to a pecking order based on who can host the most lavish imaginary tea parties.

      The girl who has a tea set like this one is destined to become a little Miss Popular. Designer: Regal Violet Looking for ways to affect a themed bedroom for boys? Read about it here.  
      Picture for blog post Mother's Day Special | Give Your Mom the Gift of Colours

      Mother's Day Special | Give Your Mom the Gift of Colours

      Friday, November 20, 2020
      With Mother’s Day around the corner, find out the most ideal colour palettes for your supermum to show how much you love her.   This Mother’s Day, take the opportunity to surprise your mother with a fresh coat of paint to her favourite space at home. After all the sacrifices she has made for the family, she deserves to come home to a refreshed environment for her to unwind and reconnect with her senses. For years, AkzoNobel, the leading global paints and coatings company and producer of decorative paint brand – Dulux – has researched on the mood shifting powers of colours and its impact in our homes. Therefore, the idea to surprise your Supermum, starting with a switch of colours in her favourite home space, may just be the way to her heart this Mother’s Day.   AkzoNobel recently announced Heart Wood (also known as Pictured Rocks 10YR 28/072) as the Colour of the Year 2018. Its gentle grey-pink tones, coupled with the nourishing warmth of wood and tactile comfort, adds a sense of harmony to the space, making homeowners feel instantly at ease. Anchored upon “A Welcome Home” theme for the new year, AkzoNobel released three variants of colour palettes, each featuring the use of Heart Wood, to create contrasting designs for mothers with unique personalities. These palettes are known as ‘The Comforting Home’, ‘The Inviting Home’, and lastly ‘The Playful Home’. [embed]https://youtu.be/V7QAHLvdD1I[/embed] One good place to start is the kitchen, a space where a mother’s expression of love to create nourishing foods begins. It is also often the starting point of the day’s flurry of activities, from preparing breakfast for the tiny tots to bidding farewell to her other half. To empower mothers to start their day in a hearty space, the kitchen makeover ideas below derived from our palettes this year aims to bring out the unique characteristics of every Supermum: The Warm-Hearted Woman: The Comforting Home This is the type of mother who sees her home as the sanctuary that brings her calm and comfort. The Comforting Home palette, made up of shades from red to yellow, offers a rich, welcoming interior akin to a mother’s warm embrace. Generously layered with textures, the warm earth tones bring a sense of comfort, while clay and a soft blush pink calms the mind – allowing one to cocoon and reset. When paired with wooden interiors with exquisite heritage, the colours ooze a modest, subtle luxury which is relaxing yet not overpowering. For a softer feature wall colour, do consider Santa Rose; or Babbitt Brown for a darker, more grounded tone. Here is an example of a room themed The Comforting Home: The Open-Hearted Woman: The Inviting Home An open-hearted woman places great importance on bonding and creating relationships with people. Comfort and convenience reign supreme in The Inviting Home design, often furnished with cotton and linens. Accompanied by cool shades from grey to blue, the palette draws in neutral colours to support the mother’s need for connection. The theme showcases an easy use of colour, with sea-green being the primary colour, with a hint of soft blue that transitions across the room. Beside is a proposed design to bring out the best of an Inviting Home theme. The Light-Hearted Woman: The Playful Home This is for the new-age mothers who are modern and unconventional. For her, home is a place of inspiration where creative ideas and future plans are borne. Often in search of practical and out-of-the-box designs, the cool mother needs a Playful Home – one that encompass fun yet low-key patterns with multiple modern design hacks. The theme is complete with a mix of vibrant, outrageous, and energetic colours such as Monarch Gold and Triple Crown. Mothers in this category often feel inspired by life, so do not be surprised to find a flower pot in her kitchen! Try some of these ideas below to create The Playful Home: AkzoNobel Dulux hopes to bring forth the most desired, personalised designs for every Supermum on this special Mother’s Day. May the joy of repainting with their loved ones brings warmth to her heart. For more information about Dulux, visit https://www.dulux.com.my/en.
      Picture for blog post Bench Warmers: Bench Seating Ideas for the Dining Room

      Bench Warmers: Bench Seating Ideas for the Dining Room

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      The grandeur and pageantry of formal dinners have faded from modern landscapes as much as the detachable starched collar - so has the prevalence of gratuitous dining arrangements in the compact urban homes of our present age. Given the space most of us get to work with, our common dining arrangements have evolved to facilitate more casual meals in the interest of limiting footprints and conserving space: with a bench taking up the same amount of floor space as - if not less than, several dining chairs. If you’ve come across our pointers on how to set up a compact or minimalist dining space, you may be interested in going through the various ways one can assemble casual bench seating or restaurant style banquette arrangements.


       
      Countryside Charm Image source: Sustainable Pals

      A banquette arrangement surrounded by walls in pastel blue and floors decked in wood immediately evokes imagery of countryside skylines. The classical rendering of a dining space from rural environments is reinforced by the decorative trim lining the base of the banquette seating and the intricate motifs sewn into the fabric of the cushions. The accompanying chairs are composed from frames of wood in a shade matching the floor, and a dining table with a single plinth instead of multiple legs is selected - so as not to detract from the ornate decorative features of the banquette’s base.


      Rustic Industrial Image source: Hafoti

      With a bench bearing the same design and composed of the same materials as the dining surface it accompanies, the result is a cohesive arrangement that does more to maintain a sense of space. The pictured arrangement is placed over a simplistic weaved textile rug and furnished by rustic constructions of darkly lacquered wood. The individual pieces of wood are joined in the fashion of traditional carpentry - with both hidden and overt varieties of the common mortise and tenon joints, while the frames are bound by reinforcing bars that are held in tension with industrial coupling attachments of vintage origin.


      Provençal Defined Image source: Geoloqal

      The intermingling of classical and rustic vibes in this dining space is the very definition of Provençal style - with a coffered ceiling and ornate decorative plaster trim on the surrounding whitewashed walls. The furnishings are composed of visibly aged wood and upholstered with simplistic fabrics, with the bench constructed out of the same materials and bearing the same rustic design of the through mortise and tenon joints as seen in the legs of the dining surface. The incorporation of a quintessential stone planter bowl decorated with lion heads, and the pair of cyclopean chandeliers - vintage metal chandeliers encased in metal rings appropriated from wine barrels, further reinforce the Provençal ancestry of the décor.


      Country Light Image source: Dans Design Magz

      The pictured dining arrangement evokes imagery of the European countryside with seat cushions upholstered in a deep blue fabric bearing geometric motifs in white to match the surrounding walls. The accompanying furnishings are deliberately selected for their space-saving designs: Eero Saarinen’s 78-inch diameter Oval seats up to eight diners, while its robust cast-moulded aluminium base minimises the expected clutter of table legs against the scant floor space. The accompanying chairs are the DSW variation of the Eames duo’s moulded polypropylene shell from the 1950s, mounted on the Scandinavian reinterpretation of the iconic Eiffel Tower legs seen in the DSR original. Punctuating this space when lit but camouflaged against the background when not needed, is the lighting fixture known as "PH 4/3" - a Poul Henningsen creation based on his famed Artichoke.


      Understated Sophistication Image source: Listspirit

      A vintage banquette assembly, subtly speaking in minimalist tones of the kind of décor associated with the American Prohibition era, is composed out of velvet capitoné upholstery in drab olive. The shade of the bench cushions is complemented by a regal slab of serpentine marble bearing serene swirls of white against a background of dusky green. The table’s box steel legs of minimalist design are contrasted in monochromatic fashion against the polished tubular steel frames of the accompanying chairs - the Cesca variation of Mart Stam’s iconic S33 cantilever chairs from 1927, with hand-woven cane weave inserts added by Marcel Breuer in 1928.

       
      Picture for blog post CH Christmas Special | Decor Ideas for a Stylish Christmas at Home

      CH Christmas Special | Decor Ideas for a Stylish Christmas at Home

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      This Christmas, furnish your spaces with delectable festive decor that symbolises love and happiness. Here are a few ideas from Metrojaya’s Trim Shoppe and Living Quarters featuring a  delightful collection of ornaments, heart-warming décor and exquisite gifts that add a special sparkle to the festive air.

      Festive Style

      From primitive rustic to charming vintage, from the whimsical to old world European-styled designs, there are many ways to decorate your home this Xmas. Whether you are looking for traditional ornaments, ribbons and garlands, Classic Santa and Angel figurines, or unique tree toppers and finials, these small details work wonders.

      Tree Trimmings

      Trim your Christmas tree with beautiful ornaments, garlands, and festive holiday lights. You can also opt for classic looks for your tree - for example pairing vibrant color schemes with various decorating techniques using ribbon, lights, and matching ornaments. Consider modern themes such as nautical Vintage Romance, Gatsby Glitz, Wintery Elegance, Splendor of Christmas, Deck the Shores, Whimsical Yuletide.

      Customers of Metrojaya can also opt to purchase already decorated trees at any Metrojaya stores. It’s a simple process: just simply take your pick, finalise your purchase and bring the tree home with all the ornaments of their choice. Metrojaya's customer service personnel is also available to offer advice on tree decorations. Metrojaya’s trees range from RM190 to RM550 depending on the height (6ft, 7ft and 8ft). Christmas trims range from RM9.90 to RM79.90.  Dazzling Table Settings Make your holiday table sparkle with dazzling tableware and eye-catching centrepieces to complement your festive feast. The Xmas trend this year leans towards a vintage look accompanied by a touch of glitter. You can also use bold colours to enliven the table and set the mood for an enchanting evening. Christmas Cookspaces Don't leave out your kitchen when you decorate for Christmas. Go for festive yet functional kitchenware that you can use all year long. Cozy Corners Christmas is also a time for reflection and chilling out. Adorn your sofas or beds with plush and lush fabrics to introduce a cosy yet chic atmosphere to your quiet corners. Check out Metrojaya's Christmas catalogue for more ideas | www.metrojaya.com.my Styling and photography by Metrojaya
      Picture for blog post Pool Cool: 5 Poolside Styling Ideas to Inspire You

      Pool Cool: 5 Poolside Styling Ideas to Inspire You

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      You could just opt for a simplistic set of stackable plastic outdoor furniture for the sake of cost and convenience - but if you’re aiming for a resort-calibre poolside environment, or if you’ve read our pointers regarding swimming pool design, you may also be interested in reading our tips on embellishing your poolside to match the aesthetics of the world’s most scenic holiday villas.


      Minimal Appeal Image Credit: Les Asia

      The narrow profiles and lightweight compositions of minimalist furnishings provide the practical functions of seating and table surfaces without interrupting a picturesque backdrop. In the pictured poolside decorated by Les Asia, the scenic panorama of the lush greenery and far-flung blue-green slopes is preserved through the white plastic cane webbing of the Vera lounge chair from the Chiaramonte–Marin design studio.


      Light & Bright Image Credit: Bridgman

      White furnishings tend to provide a layer of elegance to classically-inspired outdoor environments composed of manicured gardens, brick-lined water bodies, and antique fountains. With contemporary frames and semi-transparent elements, the pictured patio furniture bridges the thematic gap between the classical garden background and the countryside aesthetics evoked by the expanse of wood deck flooring in the foreground.


      Streamline Style Image Credit: Bridgman

      While white furniture may complement a classical décor, or may be intentionally used to provide seating arrangements with greater emphasis, the predominance of greys in modern architectural finishes often lead to the creation of potentially disconcerting monochromatic contrasts. The previously pictured furniture set is presented in an optional finish of grey to complement the preferred present-day combination of stone, steel, and glass.


      Neutral Nuances Image Credit: Les Asia

      The pictured left and right-handed Brafta sectional ends, from the Skyline brand of designer outdoor furniture, are combined to assemble a lounger fit for two on this poolside. The cane weaved backs of these loungers are of a height similar to the planter boxes in the background, creating the impression of upholstery nestled into a rocky nook.


      Serene Waves Image Credit: Ethimo

      A display of contrasted forms provides a brief respite from spaces designed in strict adherence to the modern aesthetic. The pictured poolside is composed with an abundance of straight lines and right angles serving as implied borders around the circular furniture.


      Picture for blog post 8 Kitchen Accessories to Make Food Preparation Easier

      8 Kitchen Accessories to Make Food Preparation Easier

      Friday, November 20, 2020
       

      Some home chefs make it look easy - the most impressive among us proving capable of preparing three square meals a day for multi-generational gatherings with the kind of speed and proficiency that can only come with decades of hands-on experience. Not everybody has the time and energy required to become an accomplished chef at home, so we took it upon ourselves to review some products embodying the trade secrets that professional chefs have been harbouring.


      ASOTV Perfect Potato Fries Cutter Image Credit: GoShop

      As a staple component of the modern fast-food diet, French fries (or freedom fries) are typically difficult to prepare outside of the commercial kitchen - entailing the dicing and frying of several potatoes in order to accumulate enough pieces to amount to a sizeable portion. With the ASOTV Perfect Potato Fries Cutter, a large portion of fresh French fries can be prepared with a fraction of the time and effort ordinarily required.


      BENRINER Japanese Mandoline Vegetable Slicer Image Credit: BigSpoon

      For those among us with a healthy wariness for sharp knives, rapidly slicing vegetables is less of a chore and more of a nightmarish test of culinary ability. If you want to prepare sliced vegetables with some reasonable speed and proficiency without making a trip to the emergency room, the Japanese Mandoline Vegetable Slicer from Benriner would be a required accessory in your kitchen.


      IKEA VARDAGEN Bottle Opener and Can Opener Image Credit: IKEA

      An ever-present problem in mechanical engineering is the link between the number of moving parts in a product and its likelihood for failure - which explains the rationale that the designers at IKEA adopted when they retooled the common hand-held can opener to work without any moving components. Both the new can-opener and accompanying bottle opener of the VARDAGEN package are equipped with robust Acetal plastic handles for comfort and hefty stainless steel heads for durability.


      Jamie Oliver VI Terracotta Drizzler Image Credit: SpotlightStores

      Endorsed by a certain affable celebrity chef, this drizzler provides a ready dose of sauce or oil with a pull on its traditional cork stopper and its terracotta finish blends with rustic or country-inspired spaces. With its celebrity endorsement and manufacture in Portugal - a traditional epicentre for the manufacture of European ceramics, one can be certain of this product's quality and authenticity.


      Le Creuset Mortar & Pestle Image Credit: Le Creuset

      While the electric blender may be preferred for its convenience, the most stringently traditional chefs prefer the authenticity associated with a stone mortar and pestle. The unglazed ceramic interior of Le Creuset (French for "the crucible") purportedly helps to release the full flavour of herbs and spices as Nature intended, producing more fulfilling sauces with thicker consistencies - which even the most nonchalant of diners will appreciate.


      Morphy Richards 3-in-1 Digital Kitchen Jug Scales Image Credit: Harvey Norman

      Nearly every kitchen has one of those drawers dedicated to the storage of baking utensils - with the majority of space taken up by weighing scales and the inevitable arrays of nesting measuring spoons or cups. With the 3-in-1 Digital Kitchen Jug Scales from Morphy Richards, an aspiring baker can weigh up to 5kg of ingredients in a stainless steel bowl and continually add to a mixture using the tare function to keep track of individual measures.


      Yanagi Sashimi Knife Image Credit: BigSpoon

      For those who use their knives like paintbrushes and are mindful of the stringent protocol surrounding Japanese cuisine, a generic Yanagi Sashimi knife is a necessary part of the versatile chef's toolkit. BigSpoon carries a 24cm-long, right-handed Yanagi Sashimi knife that has been manufactured in adherence to honoured traditions with a wooden handle and a sealed collar around the tapered stem.


      SOKANO Japanese Rice Dispenser Image Credit: SOKANO

      For as long as humans have been storing rice, weevils have been an unpleasant but accepted part of food preparation. Sokano's innovative rice storage bin holds up to 12kg of your choice of rice grains above the countertop, and out of the reach of pests, with a series of small wheels that enable the bin to be easily moved around. A single slide of the dispensing drawer puts a standard measure of rice at your disposal, pulling older grains from the bottom of the bin without the aid of any electrical or mechanical components.


      * Brands / names are listed alphabetically  
      Picture for blog post Pretty as a Picture: 14 Ways to Display Art at Home

      Pretty as a Picture: 14 Ways to Display Art at Home

      Friday, November 20, 2020
      It's really fun and enjoyable to pick out art pieces for our homes. But once you have your favourite art work, how do you display it at home? Framing it up is a good way to do so, but there are actually many ways to arrange a good piece of art to blend in with your interior style. Here are some ideas to easily display your art pieces in stylish ways. 1 Make your art piece a part of your living room's overall style. In this example, the black and white print beautifully complements the sofa setting. Art can even be in the form of pillows like the singular colourful piece on the sofa, which creates an immediate focal point. 2 Affix open shelves on the walls to display your art. Placing it next to a mirror also adds depth and gives your wall a focal element. 3 You can also use your favourite prints to enliven empty corners in the house by creating a collection of displays on top of a console. 4 You don't need to frame up prints all the time. Polariod shots or printed photos in their original non-framed state make great art displays at home as well. 5 If you are framing a different set of paintings or prints, use similar frames. If your paintings are similar in style and tone, you can use different frames to create visual interest. 6 You can also create symmetry by grouping prints and frames of the same style and colour palette. 7 An art piece makes a great decorative feature for your dining room walls. Choose something that brings out your table setting. 8 For a more casual look in the dining space, mix up your framed art pieces. In fact, let it hang randomly on the wall - you don't have to keep the frames straight and stiff all the time. 9 However, if you prefer a more formal look, arrange your frames in a straight and linear fashion. You can break the monotony by introducing a circular frame. 10 For bedrooms, an art piece over the headboard is always an easy yet effective way to enhance the appeal of the room. 11 For something a little different, you can try layered groupings of framed art. 12 In lieu of actual paintings or prints, how about maps on the wall? 13 Use art to introduce colours to your living spaces. 14 For a touch of eclectic and exotic appearance, choose art work that have an antiquated and handcrafted treatment. We have more tips here on how to make your living spaces stand out with unique decorating elements.
      Picture for blog post Outdoor Craft: 4 Ways to Make Outdoor Accessories from Recycled Items

      Outdoor Craft: 4 Ways to Make Outdoor Accessories from Recycled Items

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      With the ever-increasing sweltering heat serving as a reminder that accelerated climate change is a real thing, and in view of the prolific rate at which we throw things away, we thought it prudent to take stock of the things some creative homeowners have been doing with recycled materials to furnish outdoor spaces in vintage style without breaking the bank.

      Planters A commonly seen use of recycled materials occurs in planter boxes. Rubber tires, glass bottles, tea tins, old furniture, discarded cookware, and even bathroom fixtures can be easily used to shore up the sides of planters, or to individually hold soil and plants within themselves.

      Without any modification, this clawfoot tub is simply transported outside to serve as a planter box. Image Source

      Lighting Discarded glassware is also ideal for use in homemade lighting fixtures thanks to their translucence. Glass containers keep candles that have been placed inside them lit, and can be used to keep exposed bulbs of lighting fixtures dry. Bottles with narrow necks can be repurposed as candle holders, while mason jars with wider mouths can be used to shield a flame from wind or to fully enclose a lightbulb.

      Jars can be used as candle holders to prevent the wind from blowing out the flames. Image Source

      Furnishing Furnishing outdoor spaces does not necessarily entail significant expenditure, especially when one considers making their own furniture out of reclaimed wood. Old railway sleepers, warehouse pallets, or even those immense cable spools can be modified and cobbled together to make for some truly bespoke furnishings capable of enduring years of sun and rain. As an added bonus, screw on some caster wheels to make your furniture arrangements more versatile.

      This rustic outdoor seating is formed from stacks of pallets, with the advantage of mobility provided by the caster wheels. Image Source

      Perhaps the most ubiquitous example of using recycled materials is the archetypal tire swing, prevalently used in rural settings since that bygone era when children had no choice other than to go outdoors for entertainment. The tire swing can be achieved by simply combining a discarded car tire with a length of rope thrown over a sturdy branch.

      The archetypal tire swing. Image Source

      Barbeque Pits Recycling metallic items is inherently problematic as most industrial applications require metals of the highest purities, but discarded metal objects often make for unique barbeque sets espcially when composed of stainless or carbon-coated steel. The homemade barbeque set is typically just an industrial-grade steel drum which has been cut open, but with a dose of creativity almost any metal object can be converted into a container for hot coals. Take the road less travelled by considering the use of an old car wheel as a fire pit by welding a perforated steel plate to the bottom and placing a grill over the top.

      Almost any metallic object can be converted into a homemade barbeque grill. Image Source  
      Picture for blog post Vanity Flair: 5 His & Hers Vanity Countertop Ideas for Modern Bathrooms

      Vanity Flair: 5 His & Hers Vanity Countertop Ideas for Modern Bathrooms

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      Some reading this may have experienced this first-hand: you’re up in a rush to get ready for the day - and as much as your heart surges at the sight of your loved one, you find your schedule stalled as your significant other is in the midst of an unreasonably lengthy grooming ritual at the master bathroom’s only sink. In the interest of keeping things cordial in the bathroom, we went ahead and listed five ideas for incorporating a second sink.


      Diverse Influences Interior design by: FIX Design Solutions

      Seemingly disparate influences are brought together in this bathroom decorated by FIX Design Solutions, the result is a lightweight and eclectic ensemble suitable for the typical sizes of bathrooms in modern homes. Generous elliptical mirrors hang in a tight formation above a pair of farmhouse-style sinks, while the white aprons contrast against a background of black tile in monochromatic fashion.


      Symbolic Arrangement Interior design by: Latitude Design

      Just as two halves make a whole, the double sinks occupy a circular vanity in the centre of this space decorated by Latitude Design, proving that the bathroom counter need not necessarily be along the walls. Acting as both a practical feature and as a visually grounding element in the centre of the space, the accompanying mirrors are embedded into a partition that is held above the counter, resulting in the mirrors appearing to float across the diameter of the round counter.


      Elegantly Unbound Interior design by: Desigva Interior

      In this bathroom decorated by Desigva Interior, a protracted length of countertop is used to host twin basins with ample space in between, producing an expansive and luxurious ambiance. The elegantly simplistic space is complemented by an ethereal glow spilling onto the polished stone, the same light from recesses beneath the mirror forming an intangible frame around the vanity.


      Framed in Wood Interior design by: MDS

      With wall space at a premium in most bathrooms, countertops may have to be kept in check with the addition of other elements. In this space decorated by MDS Interiors, the vanity is bookended by wooden cabinetry to contain the length of countertop within a frame, and to keep it from overwhelming the rest of the bathroom.


      Composed for Opulence Interior design by: Casa Indah

      When ideal proportions and luxurious materials converge, a bathroom evoking imagery of an upscale hotel emerges. The vanity in this bathroom is a relatively simplistic arrangement consisting of a pair of wide basins presented against a backdrop of marbled stone, with a countertop composed of plain black stone and cabinet doors of dark wood providing the necessary contrast.


      Picture for blog post Dine in Style: A Dining Table Buying Guide for Every Homeowner

      Dine in Style: A Dining Table Buying Guide for Every Homeowner

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      As the dining space is arguably the most likely part of a home where family members can be expected to congregate, the selection of a dining table is probably the most important decision to be made - at least with regards to furnishings. We understand that the wide range of styles and materials available for dining tables may be overwhelming for most, so we put together this definitive guide to assist you in your search for the perfect dining table.

      Material

      The materials commonly used in dining tables greatly affect their longevity in terms of substance as well as style. Hardwoods, metals, tempered glass, stone, and even mould-injected plastics tend to be the materials of choice for long-term furnishings expected to endure years of physical impacts and spills. On the end of the scale would be the lightweight or flat-pack designs composed of veneered wood composites such as plywood and fibreboard. These engineered composites are significantly less durable, showing a tendency to warp when subjected to excessive moisture or heat. On the plus side, tables made of these materials are preferred for short-term and low-frequency applications as they tend to be easier to repack and move by design.

      Natural materials such as hardwoods and stone tend to be porous, requiring regular maintenance and a coat of varnish or sealer to prevent permanent staining from everyday use - however artisans attest to some aesthetic benefits derived from a deliberate patina providing a personalized tinge to these natural materials.

      Natural materials such as hardwoods and stone tend to be porous, requiring regular maintenance and a coat of varnish or sealer to prevent permanent staining from everyday use. From iN Design Bumper Issue 2016. Image Credit: Latitude Design

      Metals would also need to be protected, albeit to a lesser degree by virtue of their inherent durability. Metal furnishings are at the highest risk of deterioration by rust when used outdoors, and especially when lacking a protective coating. To ensure the longest possible lifespan, a metal dining table should be powder-coated in carbon to provide protection against scratches.

      Dining tables sporting tempered glass tops are much sought after as they provide a balance between eye-pleasing aesthetics and durability in their reflective surfaces. While glass is naturally lower in impact resistance when compared to metal, modern tempered glass is manufactured at such high pressures that its durability is virtually guaranteed in everyday circumstances.

      Dining tables sporting tempered glass tops are much sought after as they provide a balance between eye-pleasing aesthetics and durability in their reflective surfaces. From iN Design Bumper Issue 2016. Image Credit: The Roof Studio

      Mould-injected plastics are likely the most economical and durable solution for outdoor applications but as white plastics tend to turn yellow with age, care should be taken to minimize their exposure to direct sunlight.

      Size

      One of the most crucial considerations for your dining table would be its dimensions, as a dining table that is too large for its space forces diners to squeeze through narrow gaps between the wall and their seats. We recommend allowing for gaps between 90 centimetres to 1.3 meters (or 36 to 50 inches) of space between a dining table and the surrounding walls to enable diners to comfortably take their seats.

      We recommend allowing for gaps between 90 centimetres to 1.3 meters (or 36 to 50 inches) of space between a dining table and the surrounding walls to enable diners to comfortably take their seats. From iN Design issue #66. Image Credit: Design Base Interior

      Diners should be provided with ample elbow room to allow for a relaxing dining experience. Our recommendations are to provide each diner with around 60 to 70 centimetres (or 24 to 28 inches) of space. With this rule in mind, one can accurately determine the appropriate size for a dining surface needed to serve a particular number of diners.

      Shape

      The shape of a dining table should also be considered, as rectangular tables tend to accommodate fewer diners than round tables of a similar size. To calculate the number of diners appropriate for a round table: multiply the diameter of a table by the value of Pi (π: 3.14) and divide the result by the amount of space needed for each diner.

      Assuming a minimum of 60 centimetres (or 24 inches) of space needed per diner, a round table with a diameter of 1.5 meters can easily accommodate 7 diners. From iN Design Bumper Issue 2016. Image Credit: Turn Design Interior

      Assuming a minimum of 60 centimetres (or 24 inches) of space needed per diner, a round table with a diameter of 1.5 meters can easily accommodate 7 diners, or up to 8 diners with a negligible reduction in elbow room. A rectangular table that is 1.5 meters long can only seat a total of 6 diners - one at each end and two along each length.

      A rectangular table that is 1.5 meters long can only seat a total of 6 diners – one at each end and two along each length. From iN Design issue #71. Image Credit: Pocket Square

      The choice of a dining table's shape has a noticeable effect on the space it occupies. Round tables, while capable of accommodating a greater number of diners, tend to appear imposing in tight quarters and are generally not suitable for small dining spaces as a result. Conversely, the more conventional rectangular dining tables take up the most space, requiring long and narrow spaces to avoid appearing out of proportion.

      Round tables, while capable of accommodating a greater number of diners, tend to appear imposing in tight quarters. From iN Design Bumper Issue 2015. Image Credit: D'concepto Design   Rectangular dining tables take up the most space, requiring long and narrow spaces to avoid appearing out of proportion. From iN Design issue #78. Image Credit: Living Space Creative Design

      Height

      Dining tables are commonly manufactured within a standard range of heights, from 710 to 760 centimetres (or between 28 to 30 inches), which makes finding them a relatively easy task. The key considerations to apply when looking at the various heights of dining tables is that the surface should be sufficiently low to provide an ergonomic resting place for arms, while the support structures beneath the surface should be sufficiently high to prevent knocking against knees.

      To conserve floor space for smaller dining areas, open layout concepts, or simply for variation - consider counter-height tables, measuring up to 910 centimetres (or 36 inches) in height to join with kitchen counters, or bar-style tables around one meter in height.

      Consider counter-height tables, measuring up to 910 centimetres (or 36 inches) in height to join with kitchen counters. From iN Design magazine issue #74. Image Credit: Nu Infinity    
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