Our Coastal Dining Room: A Space Curated for Gathering
By: Karina Matalon, Casa Tropikana
Our dining room is anchored by a round glass-top table with a teakwood base and upholstered armchairs on casters. They’re comfortable enough for long dinners but practical too—we can easily roll them into the living room for extra seating when guests are over. This flexibility makes the space not only beautiful but also functional for the way our family and friends gather.
Pictured: Patti Premium 100% Belgian Flax Linen Curtain Pleated in Off White B312
Balanced Contrast
The black textured sideboard adds a bold counterpoint to the light and airy palette, grounding the room with contrast. It doubles as storage for entertaining pieces like placemats, glassware, and serving platters and as a display space for bar items and textured white table lamps.
Above the table, I placed a white-washed woven rope chandelier that adds coastal texture. It was installed with a smart-dimmable Lutron switch to set just the right mood during dinner parties. A tall black-framed mirror reflects light and ties back to the sideboard, but it also cleverly disguises an electrical panel in a way that feels intentional and refined.
Personal Touches & Texture
When it comes to setting the table, I like to keep things fresh by alternating between two looks: a black dinnerware set with white linen napkins and a white dinnerware set with blue-and-white patterned napkins. Both pair perfectly with my thin marble napkin rings and oversized glassware. Banana leaves displayed in a clear glass vase add a fresh, tropical, and organic touch to the center of the table. Copper salt and pepper mills engraved with our anniversary date alongside a hammered silver pitcher from our wedding introduce a mix of warm and cool metals, bringing even more contrast and personal touches to the setting.
Soft Elegance by TWOPAGES
The TWOPAGES off-white linen curtains with a triple French pleated header complete the room beautifully. Their texture and colour soften and warm the cool space while the pleats give structure and elegance. They filter light beautifully without blocking the view. Pulled back, they reveal the outdoor living area and drawn, they add warmth and coziness without ever feeling heavy.
This dining room is meant to feel lived in—comfortable enough for everyday casual family meals but also refined enough for entertaining. The mix of practical details, layered textures, and thoughtful accents makes it a space that works for our young family and particularly, for me, as someone who loves to host and cook.
Leave a comment