Bringing a Fresh Springtime Take on Old World Style to Your Table

With springtime lunches and brunches upon us, now is the time to dress up your dining room with a fresh take on Old World opulence. For inspiration, tour the high-style historic interiors of the 1901 Stimson-Green Mansion (1204 Minor Ave., Seattle; 206.624.9449; stimsongreen.com). This popular wedding and event venue, also home to the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, features an English Tudor exterior and romantic rooms decorated in a variety of period design styles, from Renaissance to Gothic to Moorish. Its lovely Neoclassical parlor is a marvelous setting for a grand spring gathering.

To create a similarly majestic dining effect at your manse, start with Barbara Barry’s simple, yet sophisticated, oval dining table paired with charming caned side chairs from the Althorp Collection (Masins; Seattle, Bellevue; 206.622.5606; masins.com) and exquisite tableware from Hermès (The Shops at The Bravern, 11111 NE Eighth St., Bellevue; 425.467.0500; hermes.com), including Mosaique china, Iskender crystal and Consulat flatware. Add some artful touches with Jay Strongwater’s Old World–style enameled objets d’art (Neiman Marcus, The Bravern; 425.452.3300; neimanmarcus.com), which are like jewelry for the home, and a signature piece from Dixie Stark Home (616 S Lucile St., Seattle; 206.762.4747; dixiestarkhome.com), such as a pair of posh porcelain bird figurines. Complete the look with extraordinary fabrics and wall coverings from Scalamandré (to-the-trade-only, Polly McArthur & Associates; 607 S Fidalgo St., Seattle; 206.768.1964; pollymcarthur.com), renowned for its authentic historic patterns. Finally, add truly fresh floral sprays to your elegant new dining room from Chases Downtown Florist (1201 Third Ave., Seattle; 206.625.9500; chasesdt@hotmail.com).

With a bit of classic luxury, you’ll soon be entertaining in grand springtime style. 

John Stevens (john@stevenswilliams.com) specializes in classic interior design.

Product credits: Dining furniture from Masins. China, crystal and flatware from Hermès. Porcelain bird figurines from Dixie Stark Home. Napkins/rings from Neiman Marcus. Florals by Chase's Downtown Florist. Enameled salt-and-pepper shakers by Jay Strongwater. Detail of floral fabrics and wallpapers from Scalamandré.