STYLE ROOM – August 2012

by Vanessa Helmick

“Good design withstands a family’s changes and growth. One of the strongest emerging design trends is a flexible and beautiful alternative to “formal” dining rooms. Dining rooms often celebrate people even more than food. Entertaining guests, building relationships, and children’s activities often spontaneously occur at the dining table. I enjoy designing spaces that are approachable, practical, and elegant. This space combines a repetition of shape, line, and texture. The dramatic dining table has a hammered zinc top that can withstand generations of use. The distressed but modern dining chairs echo the shape of the dining table for a dramatic effect. The weathered sideboard and wood- toned chandelier possess an organic elegance. The soft Ikat patterned rug sets the tone for a welcoming color palette. Calming, organic colors include weathered ivory, gray-blues, and soft greens. Coastal colors are timeless in Maine and influence all design styles. Our unique seascapes vary in color depending on seasons and sunlight. The color narratives that evolve naturally draw people from across the country and inspire a vibrant art scene. I chose a modern, original oil painting from local artist Ellen Thayer depicting the water surrounding Burnt Island. The carved sideboard echoes the organic lines of the water. The paint is a zero-VOC option by Benjamin Moore and one of the many ways I incorporate healthy, nontoxic options into interior design.”

1. Simplicity Chandelier | Currey & Company | curreyandcompany.com

2. Ellen Thayer’s Reflection, Burnt Island, oil on canvas, 24″ x 36″ | Maine Island Treasures | maineislandtreasures.com

3. Nature no-VOC paint in Spring Has Sprung by Benjamin Moore | benjaminmoore.com

4. Aged French oak flooring | Exquisite Surfaces | xsurfaces.com

5. Ikat tufted wool rug | Bradford’s Rug Gallery | bradfordsruggallery.com

6. X-base dining table with vintage hammered zinc top | Noir Furniturela | noirfurniturela.com

7. Michael Heiko’s Bug Light in Snow | VoxPhotographs | voxphotographs.com

8. Petra vases | Cyan Design | cyandesign.biz

9. Belgian Linen Drapery | Restoration Hardware | restorationhardware.com

10. Comles sideboard | Noir Furniturela | noirfurniturela.com

11. Alexa dining chair in gray cerused oak | Bungalow 5 Furniture | bungalow5.com

Fiore Interiors | 207-318-0795 | fioreinteriors.com