Every item in this spectacular, yet "human" dining room was custom made. Our clients' house was "difficult" -- a smallish dining room, for one. -- but full of promise. They wanted a snap of color and comfortable seating that met their individual requirements within a very small package.

The chairs, designed by us, mimic an 18th Century chair we found in Europe and "re-sized" for comfort. We kept the rough distressed finish of the original, adding a twist: copper colored upholstery fabric that shimmers under candlelight. The curtains are a sophisticated aubergine iridescent silk, drawing from the colors of an important early 17th Century painting. Full panels fall dramatically from a thin metal rod tucked close to the ceiling, to softly puddle on original hardwood floors. Our custom demi-lune, created by a master woodworker in a rich French walnut, completes the space.

Understated elegance speaks volumes about the personal style of the owners and their rich life style.