Amber Lewis Dining Room Design: Creating a Calming & Stylish Space
Amber Lewis, the renowned interior designer and founder of Amber Interiors, is celebrated for her signature style: a relaxed, sophisticated aesthetic that blends California casual with timeless elegance. Her dining room designs are no exception, often showcasing a harmonious mix of textures, natural materials, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This article dives deep into the key elements that define an "Amber Lewis dining room," providing inspiration and practical tips for recreating this coveted look in your own home.
The Amber Lewis Aesthetic: Key Elements
Before we delve into specific design choices, let's understand the core principles that underpin Amber Lewis's signature style, which are easily adaptable to dining room design:
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Natural Materials: Think warm woods like oak and walnut, rattan, linen, and stone. These materials create a grounding, organic feel and contribute to a sense of calm. Avoid overly polished or shiny surfaces; embrace natural textures and imperfections.
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Neutral Color Palette: While pops of color can certainly be incorporated, the foundation of an Amber Lewis space typically revolves around a neutral palette. Think creamy whites, soft beige, warm grays, and earthy browns. These shades create a serene backdrop that allows other elements to shine.
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Layered Textures: This is crucial. Mixing different textures adds depth and visual interest. Pair a linen tablecloth with a woven placemat, a chunky knit throw draped over a chair, and perhaps a sheepskin rug under the dining table.
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Warm Lighting: Avoid harsh overhead lighting. Instead, opt for a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Think table lamps, pendant lights with warm-toned bulbs, and even candles to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
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Curated Collections: Amber Lewis often incorporates personal collections – vintage finds, family heirlooms, and art pieces – to add character and personality. These items tell a story and make the space feel lived-in and unique.
Key Design Elements in an Amber Lewis Dining Room
Now, let's examine specific design elements frequently found in Amber Lewis's dining room projects:
The Dining Table:
The centerpiece of any dining room, the table often features a natural wood finish – a substantial, rectangular table in oak or walnut is a classic choice. Consider a table with a slightly distressed finish for a more relaxed, lived-in feel.
Dining Chairs:
Chairs often showcase a mix of materials and styles. You might see a combination of upholstered chairs (perhaps in linen or a textured fabric) and wooden chairs for a balanced look. Consider incorporating a bench at one end of the table for a more casual and inviting feel.
Lighting:
As mentioned earlier, lighting is key. A statement pendant light above the table is a must-have, often in a natural material like rattan or woven wood. Supplement this with table lamps for a softer, more intimate glow.
Decorative Elements:
Amber Lewis often uses natural elements such as plants, dried flowers, and branches to add organic touches. A simple centerpiece arrangement, perhaps featuring a mix of textures and colors, can complete the look. Don't forget artwork; choose pieces that reflect your personal style and add warmth.
Creating Your Own Amber Lewis-Inspired Dining Room
To achieve this look in your own home:
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Start with a neutral base: Paint your walls a soft, neutral color.
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Choose natural materials: Select furniture and accessories made from natural materials like wood, rattan, and linen.
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Layer textures: Mix and match different textures to add depth and visual interest.
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Incorporate warm lighting: Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.
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Add personal touches: Incorporate your own collections and artwork to create a space that reflects your personality.
By following these tips and drawing inspiration from Amber Lewis's work, you can create a stunning dining room that is both stylish and inviting. Remember, the key is to embrace natural materials, a calming color palette, and layered textures to achieve that signature Amber Lewis aesthetic. The result will be a space that feels relaxed, sophisticated, and effortlessly chic—a place where you'll love to gather with family and friends.