Whether in his restaurants or in his own home, interior designer Pat Kuleto loves to create spaces that invite people to come and enjoy a meal. This home's dining room doesn't do this so interior designer Mary MacElree uses Kuleto's philosophy to turn it into a space in which anyone would want to linger:- This dining room doesn't know what it wants to be--a conference room or an Asian-themed space. It's light, open and airy but the furniture isn't working so everything is moved out. MacElree decides to make it warm, inviting and great for dinner parties.
- The plain white walls are transformed with color and texture. To accomplish this, paint extender is added to thin the paint. Then a rag is dipped in the mixture and also a bucket of water to thin it even further. The color is applied in varied circular motions, which instantly creates depth.
- The biggest piece of furniture in the room was also the biggest problem. The conference table didn't work here because it belongs in an office so an eight-foot wooden table that evokes Kuleto's sensibility takes its place. Matching chairs are both stylish and easy to sit on.
- A new armoire and the windowsill are filled with blue and white dinnerware plus favorite accessories that were hiding in the closet. The original hutch fits in with the Pat Kuleto style and is also filled with blue and white pieces.
- MacElree creates art by hanging a rug on the wall for additional texture--another Kuleto signature element. The rug also absorbs sound and it's a visual enhancement since there are no curtains on the windows to obstruct the wonderful outdoor view.
- While many people save china and glassware for special occasions, Pat Kuleto believes that every meal is special and we should treat ourselves everyday by using "the good stuff." In that spirit, the table is set with silver that belongs to the homeowner and inexpensive dinnerware that mimics Kuleto's antique dishes.
Rio Grande dining chairs and Rio Grande armoire (Pier 1 Imports)
floor lamp (Xcessories, Inc. by Design)
assorted baskets (Domicile)
rugs and dough bowl (J.M. Sorkin)
blue glasses, wine glasses, pale yellow napkins, plastic blue plates (Pottery Barn)
candles and silverware (Linens 'n Things)
Highgrove dishes (dinner and salad plates, cups and saucers) (Williams-Sonoma)
blue dishes, carafes, decanter (Consignment Galleries)
paint (Duron Paints and Wallcoverings: 5292M - Cobblestone, 4620W - Ivory )
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