Case Study | A South Tampa Dining Room
This family wanted a special place to gather
This project was special.
Why? Because the clients are amazing humans, we got creative with custom fits, and told their unique story through design. AHH - this is what is about, my friends.
My clients had moved into their El Prado home a couple of years before and had two very young children. They wanted a place to build their traditions, which included:
having family Shabat dinner together
hosting formal friend and family gatherings
serving premium cocktails
impromptu kid-friendly neighborhood pool parties
celebrating the beautiful life they are building
“I loved working with Audra! She communicates clearly and professionally and is also so much fun. I can’t wait to work with her on another project soon!”
Challenges
they needed storage! retail storage solutions that would give them the functionality they needed were limited (this was the main problem)
a cocktail mixing station was high on their list and a place to store the associated barware and mixology tools
the room had become a dumping ground for craft activities, items to return, party supplies (common dining room fatality)
it was pretty bare because the clients were stuck on some of the key design decisions
the existing art and lighting they wanted gone
overflow serveware from the kitchen needed a home in this room
BEFORE
Here’s What We Did
In short, we pulled down the lighting, repainted, furnished, decorated, and styled this room.
We created a cohesive overarching design vision first. We talked about what they wanted the room to feel like, the style they both appreciate, how they need it to function, and the vision they had for using the space. This is one piece of what we are uncovering in the first phase of design.
We added these pieces:
contemporary statement chandelier with an architectural shape
washable rug because they have little children
consolidated storage piece which space freed up in the kitchen
one piece of art to carry the tone of the room
drapes to add dimension and warmth
mirror to brighten up the corner
lots of styling accessories!
Read on to see how these elements came to life in a unique way.
#1 Unique Element: A Custom Shelf
When we couldn’t find a storage solution that was stylish and met the client’s functional needs…we built one! This client was open to the idea of a custom shelf, so we explored possibilities. We partnered with two local artisans to plan, design, and build a custom metal and glass shelving unit. It was fun (and complex)!
The benefit? This would max out the storage space in the room, create a cocktail-mixing station, display their barware neatly, and even display some treasures (more on that below).
#2 Unique Element: Narrative Design
We told their story.
As part of our discovery process, we talk about the things you love. This couple went to Japan to celebrate their honeymoon, and it’s a special place for them. We decided to weave this influence into their design. We asked the client if they wanted to lean fully into an all out Japanese-inspired aesthetic or if they wanted a little nod. They chose the latter, and we set to work! It started with a hunt in the attic to find the box of treasures and keepsakes.
We found….
a sake set, small framed art, and tea bowls they brought back with them from their travels
art through a local vendor that has the feel of an angler fishing off a dramatic coastline
(faux) greenery in the form of a Japanese Maple
When distributed through the room, these pieces bring an authentic global touch to the space and remind this sweet couple of a bucket list trip!
This project was designed for a future full of friends, family, tradition, and special moments. The clients were so happy with how it turned out. They remarked that it’s the nicest room in their house.
I especially love to hear how spaces we alter transform the way clients live. A few months after this project wrapped, I got a text that said:
“Feel the need to tell you my toddler and I just played Uno in the dining room!”
Yesssss.
Do you have a space in your home that needs to be less of a dumping ground (a common dining room fatality!) and more of a unique space that you can use, enjoy, and that REALLY works for how you live? Be sure to reach out, I'd love to talk with you about it.
