A 1910 Atlanta Mansion Makes a Compelling Case for Formal Dining’s Big Return
The further we delve into the 21st century, the more distance we put between our homes and traditionally formal rooms of yore. Take the formal dining room, for example. Yes, they still exist, but when was the last time you walked into a new-build and discovered a separate room dedicated to formal dining? For us, it’s been a while.
Designers with an affinity for architectural elements that elicit a sense of nostalgia are all over bringing the formal dining room back, though, and one such designer is Atlanta resident Doug Weiss. His, which resides behind a set of pocket doors in his historic Druid Hills home, is one of the best we’ve seen. Consider this his personal plea to not only bring back the beloved formal dining room but to use it regularly.
These days, the kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home because it’s the room where all the action happens: It’s where the home’s residents eat, cook, hang out, and relax. Back in 1910 when this home was built, though, the original family spent most of their time here in the formal dining room.
“The original owners didn’t live in the kitchen. They entertained a lot, and they lived a lot of their lives in here,” Weiss notes. “Although we don’t live as formally today as they did when this mansion was built, I like to kind of play with that formality a little bit, but also make it eased and relaxed.”
It Doesn’t Have to Feel Stuffy
One of the reasons the idea of a formal dining room can feel a bit off-putting is the stuffiness factor. More often than not, the formal dining room is not the biggest space in the home, and squeezing a dinner party into a small room is not the move. However, id you take a page out of Weiss’ book, opt for a set of pocket doors so that the room is never really closed off, making it feel infinitely bigger. Plus, go for an extendable table.
“This is actually a period William IV mahogany table that I was lucky enough to find,” he says. “It expands to seat 12 people very comfortably, and we’ve got large chairs that are very, very comfortable.” Oh, that’s another thing: You need comfy chairs.
Give Your Favorite Antiques a Place to Shine
Weiss’ collection of antiques is very much on display in this room: From the William IV-era mahogany table to the Scottish sideboard from more than 100 years ago, there are plenty of beautiful pieces from the past to admire. Here’s the thing, though: A room filled with only antiques can look dated. The key is to mix your antiques with newer objects. “I pair everything with these modern lucite lamps with the gilded shade,” Weiss explains. “That mix of antique, beautiful antique and modern art and funky lamps is just kind of interesting.”
Give Yourself an Excuse to Tablescape
We’ll admit: Tablescaping is not easy, especially if you like to go big, but all you really need is a full dinnerware set, and you’re good to go. “I love china, and I’ve got lots of different sets and I like to set things up differently. So right now we’ve got a combination of a lot of things,” says Weiss. “But the china and the silver and the crystal, it’s all mixed.” For instance, he goes on, “I’ve got Baccarat, Riedel, and modern glass.”
Encourage the Desire to Linger
The one indicator of a successful dinner party is how long your guests remain seated after the dessert is served. Ideally, they’re staying awhile because they’re so physically comfortable at your table. Weiss accomplished the goal of comfort with sumptuous upholstery. He says, “You’re just embraced by fabric everywhere, and I love fabric.”
In fact, as much as he values style, and he does, even Weiss will admit that comfort is at the root of his entire house, saying, “What makes a house a home to me is comfort. You want to feel at home yourself and people that you’re inviting in. You want to feel comfortable.”