We all know that the dining room is more than just a place to eat; it’s where memories are made, stories are shared, and loved ones gather. That’s why we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Audrey, the brilliant mind behind Studio Abby, who has a true knack for turning dining spaces into personal, inviting havens. Audrey’s approach to design feels like a warm embrace—she mixes style with comfort in a way that makes every room feel uniquely yours.
In this feature, Audrey shares her favourite ways to personalise dining spaces, clever lighting tips, and her go-to furniture and decor brands. Whether you're crafting a cosy family nook or an elegant entertaining spot, her insights will inspire you to make your dining room uniquely yours.
What are some effective ways to add a personal touch to a dining room?
Lighting fixtures for sure! It can be as simple as a pendant lamp with a well-thought-out pop of colour, or even a statement pendant with a sculptural form and design.
Incorporating wallpaper is another fun and effective way to add visual interest and a personal touch to your space.
- For smaller walls, I prefer to use strong colours or more elaborate patterns.
- For larger walls, I gravitate towards eye-catching designs in muted tones to achieve a cohesive, balanced look that complements the furniture and fixtures.
- If you love standout designs or bold colours but worry they might overpower the room, try using the wallpaper on the top half of the wall—it softens the impact while still making a statement!
Featured: Banana Leaves, Tropical Pattern Wallpaper
Other ways to add a personal touch would be in the choice of furniture and down to soft furnishings such as a suitable rug under the table, and decorative elements like art, prints and even portable table lamps that you can place on the table when hosting. Dining furniture doesn’t have to always be purchased as a “set”. I would say if there is a specific table that speaks to you, don’t hesitate to mix and match chairs with it! Find something common between the table and chair(s) - it can be as simple as a small design element, colour, material, to help guide you pairing the furniture and bring it all together.
We’ve noticed your creative use of lighting in dining rooms. What are important factors to consider?
Dining area setup (static or modular)
First consider whether you’ll frequently reposition the table. If your habits revolve around a more flexible use of the dining space, then recessed down-light or surface mount lamps should be considered for general illumination of the dining area.
If the dining setup is fixed, I’d recommend a pendant lamp that hangs over the table for a more intimate, communal vibe.
Lighting positions
Statement pendants are best positioned about 1.7m - 1.75m away from the floor. This prevents you from accidentally knocking into the lamp when reaching over the dining table, and also works well with most ceiling heights.
Lighting warmth
Lighting temperature over the dining area is also crucial - you would want to go with a 3000K warm-white tone to give you that inviting glow and also clarity when food is placed on the table.
Styles
For hanging fixtures in a dining space, it is best to go with neutral colours and finishes for longevity and ease of complementing the surrounding furniture. With a huge range of styles available, first opt for a fixture that fits proportionately with the dining furniture. Style-wise, be adventurous and mix it up, or choose to stick to the overall theme of the space. For example, a dining room with a botanical aesthetic would pair well with a more rustic and textured hanging lamp; but can also be easily complemented with designs that are more contemporary.
Key guidelines and considerations when it comes to selecting the ideal hanging fixture would be scale and proportion, finishes (whether a fabric shade, metal, wood, acrylic, paper etc) and of course, the overall form of the fixture.
What are your top three furniture and home decor brands for dining rooms, and why do you recommend them?
Grafunkt - With their new store in the heart of Joo Chiat, Grafunkt is great for well-known designer pieces and a vast range of iconic light fixtures (if you’re on the hunt for that conversation piece). You can’t go wrong with their curated selection-from classics to new contemporaries.
Soul and Tables - One of my go-tos for solid wood furniture that lasts, with clean-lined designs that can withstand the test of time. It also helps that their after-sales service is top notch.
Stacked Store - If you’re on the hunt for some design classics, or quirky decorative items, Stacked Store has a fun, curated, and lively range that caters to various design styles. From furniture, lighting, dinnerware, textiles, kid decor, and even a category for pets, I appreciate that they cater to almost everyone!
Audrey’s tips remind us that a well-designed dining room goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels like home. By adding personal touches, considering the impact of lighting, and choosing quality pieces, you can craft a dining area that reflects your style and suits your needs. We hope her insights inspire you to reimagine your own dining space. Do check out Studio Abby's projects if you are keen to work with her!
Ready to take your dining room to the next level? Explore our exclusive collection of dining room wallpapers to add an extra layer of charm and personality to your space. Whether you’re looking for bold patterns or subtle textures, our curated designs are the perfect finishing touch.
Image credits: Studio Abby