The 20-Something Flexible Dining Space

Lilly Bunn - House Beautiful

Yesterday I posted on the wonderful Manhattan apartment of a twenty-something year old. I love the entire apartment, but was especially inspired by the dining nook. They used a Kartell acrylic gaming table with folding bamboo chairs. For the occasional dinner party for four, extra stored folding bamboo chairs or the Chinese Chippendale chairs from the living room area can be pulled up.

When my twenty-something daughter Kate got her first and current apartment in a stunning historic pre WWII building in DC, we fell in love with its lovely separate dining room with 9 foot ceilings, huge windows, and black and white tile floor overlooking one of the prettiest streets in Georgetown. The truth is, most young singles do not cook or entertain frequently, and it is rarely use.

Kate is looking for her next apartment, and realizes that a separate dining room is not an essential. This dining area above has great ideas to borrow. We both love the idea of a dining nook in the living room that is multi-functional as a work space or for dining or drinks. I also love the reverse spin of the acrylic table as opposed to acrylic ghost chairs used with bamboo and Chinese Chippendale chairs.

Twenty-Something Chinoiserie

I wanted to make sure none of you missed this wonderful apartment in the latest issue of House Beautiful. The work of interior designer Lilly Bunn, this Manhattan apartment was done for a twenty-something client. Filled with names like Bungalow 5, Phillip Jeffries, Arteriors, Jonathan Adler, Quadrille, and Madeline Weinrib, it was not done on the average twenty-something's apartment budget, but it does give great ideas on filling a first place with classic pieces including Chinoiserie that will likely be around for a long time. There are also has some great tips here and an interview with Lilly Bunn here on decorating your first serious place.