
Croxted Road - DulwichScandinavian Dining Room, London
Photo: Chris Snook © 2014 Houzz
What Houzz contributors are saying:

…or follow a themeA wall of nature-inspired artworks – butterflies, fish, birds – softens this dining area, along with the pink rug, fabric bench cushion and low pendants. Note also how using black accents, such as the chairs, grounds rather than darkens the space, helping it to seem cosier and warmer, ready for some winter hygge.Read more about the Nordic concept of hygge

Add some edgeIntroducing pale greys and pistachio greens will help to prevent an overload of sweet shades in spaces where balance is important. This eclectic dining area has an abundance of pastel colours, but also incorporates grey, black and biscuit tones in the cushions to help tone it down, while the robust plastic chairs add a masculine edge.

Rose pinkIt’s been in fashion for a while – think of all those yummy pink woollen coats last winter – and now dusty, rosy pink is creeping into our homes, with Rose Quartz one of Pantone’s colours of 2016. More subtle and less shouty than hot pink and less fleshy than salmon, dusty pink has a neutral tone that’s incredibly versatile. Use it to sweeten up rooms and add an indulgent feel. Here, touches of dusty rose in the rug, cushions, lampshade and artworks create a warm, vintage vibe.

Breakfast at a banquetteRe-create those Alpine ski lodge breakfasts with super-sociable banquette seating. It’s such a great use of space and perfect both for family life and when overnight guests stay. Load up on ham, cheese, yogurt and muesli, and you’re good to go.

Family 40sBy your 40s, your home may have become a busy, shared space, with children now stamping their mark on it. Family photographs and children’s paintings now hang alongside your favourite artworks and you need a sofa and dining space that are big enough to seat a crowd. Your style can still shine through, but your home probably has a more communal feel, reflecting everyone’s interests to some degree.