the stone colonial: an artful dining room
photo by Nick Gould Photography
Welcome back to the Stone Colonial series! If you're new here, we’re walking through each space in this charming Lancaster County Tudor home, showing you how we marry tradition with bold, creative design. You’ve already seen the welcoming entryway, now let’s head into the dining room. And spoiler alert: it all started with one striking piece of art.
It All Begins with a Spark (of Color)
Sometimes a design kicks off with a fabric or a rug, but in this case, it was a piece of original artwork. The homeowners had this bold, colorful painting full of rich tones, teals, magentas, golds, and corals, that they planned to hang above their buffet. They asked if we could design the room around it.
*Cue the excited designer squeal, because YES, we absolutely can!*
These clients are the dream; they’re not afraid of color and love personality-packed spaces. That meant we had a green light to play with bold tones while still honoring the traditional roots of their home.
Keeping the Bones, Adding the Fun
This house has that classic Lancaster County charm: great millwork, original hardwood floors, traditional floor plans, what we lovingly call "good bones." Our job was to keep that character while layering in color, texture, and modern charm.
We started with classic furniture pieces, an elegant wood table, traditional chairs, and a stately buffet that give the room a timeless feel. Then we let the art lead the rest.
We pulled fabrics and upholstery colors directly from the painting, using our artistic freedom to go wild with bright coral fabrics on the dual fabric chairs, a leopard print bench, and striking sapphire velvet host chairs. The built-in bench under the window was recovered in a navy velvet, and we layered it up with pillows in all the right tones; some bold, some neutral, some covered in a whimsical eyelash embroidered pattern. It's a fun, relaxed mix that feels collected over time.
A Balancing Act of Color and Calm
Next, we brought in solid-colored draperies in a grounding tone that acts as a visual break. With so many vibrant elements in the room, the smooth, uninterrupted fabric helps balance the energy and gives the eye a place to rest. It’s like the palette cleanser of the space, and it works wonders.
We also added navy grasscloth wallpaper above the chair rail. This added depth, a little texture, and a sophisticated backdrop that grounds the room without making it too dark. It feels polished but cozy, perfect for everything from weekday dinners to holiday hosting.
It’s All in the Details
Once the big pieces were in place, we layered in the finishing touches. These little details are what take a space from good to magazine-worthy:
Lighting: Let There Be Fabulous Light
We chose a Sputnik-style chandelier with a brushed brass finish that brings a modern, sculptural edge to the room. It’s unexpected but works perfectly with the traditional bones of the home. And just to keep the glow going, we added gold sconces flanking the entry to the hallway.
Hello, mood lighting.
Artful Accessories
We flanked the artwork above the buffet with modern gold-banded lamps that offer a soft glow and a little symmetry. Around the room, subtle gold wall accents add polish and bring out the warm tones from the painting. It’s just the right amount of glam.
Tabletop Layers: Everyday Style, Elevated
The dining table setup is layered without being fussy. A gold tray anchors the center, and we added blue candlesticks in varying heights for that playful, collected look. Some greenery pops in to tie it all together and connect with the garden views outside.
A View to the Front
Speaking of views, one of the best parts of this dining room is the light-filled windows looking out onto the front yard garden. We kept the drapes hung high and wide to let in all the light and keep those peaceful views wide open.
Where Tradition Meets Personality
In the end, this room feels exactly like the people who live here: warm, creative, a little bold, and totally original. We honored the traditional bones of the home while letting color, art, and texture bring the space to life. It’s layered, it’s lived-in, and it’s ready for everything from artful brunches to everyday family dinners.
before…
fabric selection…
3D renderings…
delivery day…
And that’s a wrap on the dining room, but we’re not done yet. Up next: a cozy breakfast nook filled with charm, character, and some seriously amazing home details. You won't want to miss it!
If you’re ready to get started on your own dream project, let’s chat!
And as always, thank you for inviting me into your home, and inbox!
