Room to Love: Dining room elevates the everyday and meets the needs of a Boston family
Striped wallpaper backs and library sconces make the presentation especially chic.
The directive for this South End town house? Make it feel like a proper family home: sturdy and sophisticated. Kristine Irving, principal of Koo de Kir Architectural Interiors in Boston, designed built-ins that show off the homeowners’ collections — they are global travelers — and chose furnishings that are both handsome and hearty.
THE DRAPERY
A single curved rod unites the gracefully curved bay window as one unit. Positioning the rod halfway between the window trim and crown molding feels balanced and airy.
THE TABLE
Irving swapped out the IKEA dining table that had been with the wife since college for a table from RH that will stand up to the couple’s two boys.
THE BUILT-INS
Striped wallpaper backs and Urban Electric Co. library sconces make the display shelves, which are painted in Benjamin Moore “Clay Beige,” especially chic.
THE CHAIRS
Customizing in-stock pieces — Irving reupholstered the backs of side chairs from Arhaus in plaid to match the custom host chairs — can be a more economical and faster way to create a unique look.
THE LIGHT
An extra-large Urban Electric Co. pendant is fitted with a diffuser to hide its four bulbs.
THE MANTEL
Replacing the unremarkable fireplace, surrounding with a historically accurate marble mantel from Nor’East Architectural Antiques in South Hampton, N.H, upped the sophistication.
THE MIRROR
The period-appropriate mirror from Berkshire Home & Antiques in Sheffield enhances the volume of the dining room and adds unexpected elegance.
Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot. Send comments to Address@globe.com.
