Set a Tropical Tabletop

Southern Living, Aug 2004 by Hamilton, Majella Chube

This couple offers guests an island dining experience too stimulating to resist.

Go ahead. Imagine yourself here, your mind miles away from life's daily hustle and bustle, about to enjoy a casual meal with friends in breezy tropical surroundings. Now consider creating this scene in your own dining room to enjoy year-round.

Mémé and Bert Wilson did just that, and they say their dining space is one of the most popular spots in the house. Its decorative details refresh the senses and offer a chance to linger awhile.

Survey Your Scene

The room's interiors are a natural extension of the home's exterior design. A two story wall of windows and doors surrounding the combination dining-and-living space gives the effect of a glassed-in porch. "By linking the interior and exterior spaces, they become a single volume," says New Orleans architect Errol Barron.

Because the modern architectural surroundings convey an open and airy feel, Mémé and Bert felt the furnishings and accent pieces should follow suit. "Errol's design gave us the opportunity to experiment with other creative styles and influences," Même explains. "I wanted a West Indies style. Bert is a San Diego fanatic. I don't know how we managed to mesh the two, but it works well."

Serene Spot

In the Wilsons' dining space, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, interior designer Marcia Artigues suggested furnishings grouped to support the island theme. At center stage is a glass-topped steel table with Colonial chairs that are slipcovered in ivory burlap. The vignette of diverse materials conveys contrasting texture and casual comfort. Warm wood tones complement greenery and tropical plant cuttings.

Because family and friends tend to cluster in appealing places, this dining space captures immediate attention and begs for closer exploration.

MAJELLA CHUBE HAMILTON

Page 176: Architecture by Errol Barren, Barron/Toups Architects, New Orleans, (504) 581-7845; interior design by Marcia Artigues, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, (228) 467-1541.