Most dining rooms are designed around the table. But for a recent Winnetka project, the starting point was the art that would go on the walls. To give her clients’ contemporary collection room to breathe, Hayley Kauffmann, owner of the local interior design firm Hayley Maureen, stripped away the builder-installed paneling. From there, every decision struck a careful balance: “The goal was to get the eye to go throughout the space and not just look at the art,” says Kauffmann. Equally as important: “We wanted the room to be very approachable and comfortable.” Here are some takeaways.
1. ARTFUL LIGHTING
The candelabra-style chandeliers are crafted from wood, adding a natural texture that nods to the botanical motifs in the artworks.
2. NEW HEIGHTS
The coffered ceiling was painted white to contrast with the dark walls and make the room appear even taller than it is.
3. WELL SEATED
Plush armchairs provide comfort, and their casters make it easy to glide them in and out from the table.
4. CLEAR INTENTIONS
The table’s glass surface reflects the art on the walls, offering different perspectives of it, depending on where you’re sitting.
5. HIDDEN SHIMMER
Curtains with metallic threads woven into them impart what Kauffmann calls “subtle glam.”
Kelly Aiglon is a contributing Found editor and freelance writer for Chicago magazine.