Our challenge was clear: rethink the dining room. Move this grand, stately room into a 21st century life while honoring its impressive architectural heritage. Inspired by the jovial hedonistic spirit of the revelers in the frieze, we imagine a wonderfully informal room where friends and family can live the way we live now – on the run, on the go, loving company but hating bother. Heavy formality is gone. Spirit and whimsy are in.
The bones of the room are pure Aesthetic Movement. This late Victorian style, currently being celebrated in the smashing exhibit Cult of Beauty at the Legion of Honor, emphasized craft over production and held beauty over all. In our modern-day homage, the furnishings are locally designed and crafted, beautifully designed, lovingly made.