A Provence Inspired Dining Nook

Recently we decided to make some room in our apartment to put in a small dining nook. This was the one space where we procrastinated when we moved in as we tried to envision how we could fit one into our apartment that didn’t have a dedicated space for dining.  After some furniture rearranging last weekend though we were able to carve out a small space where we could fit a bistro table and two chairs.

After making space I ordered the two chairs and bistro table on Amazon, but I also knew that I wanted to design the small space so that it seemed like a room all its own.  When I started thinking about how I wanted the dining nook to look I turned to one of my style icons for inspiration for this space, Aerin Lauder. Aerin has a beautifully sophisticated style where she incorporates classic style with modern touches and that is how I wanted to create this space.

I started visiting some of the shops around my apartment for inspiration as well and found this beautiful tablecloth displayed on one of the tables.

I purchased the tablecloth and started looking for some inspiration and I found these pictures from Aerin’s own dining spaces in her homes.

One of my goals was to create a space that I could easily decorate seasonally with tablecloths and seasonal table decor. The tablecloth I purchased evokes a relaxed pace of Provincial elegance with its subdued palette of calm brown, cream and sienna tones. The tablecloth is from the French brand Couleur Nature in the print of Olive Tree.

I wanted the chairs to be a neutral color so that whatever tablecloth I chose for the season it would not clash or be too busy in style.

I also wanted a piece of artwork that hung over the table as well and was looking for something in the tones of dark and moody blues and greens. I also wanted it to be very simple because the goal was to incorporate print with the tablecloth for visual interest, so the artwork should be a compliment to the prints and not overpower them.

I have already had a few meals and even a small afternoon coffee and macarons in the new dining nook and am really appreciating that separate space to enjoy sitting down. I can still see the view out of the large windows which is so lovely, especially during the early morning sunrises.

Aerin Lauder has a beautiful book called Beauty at Home that is full of beautiful ideas and I was inspired to bring some beauty into my own home with a dining nook that was not only functional, but that could be elegantly styled for each and every season.