Architects Zoe Chan and Merlin Eayrs on Creating a Captivating Dining Area

The dining area is a very personal space, where you can be surrounded by objects and trinkets you’ve picked up throughout your life while you enjoy the ritual of eating. You’re very much slowing down, connecting with friends, maybe lighting a candle.

Layered lighting is also very important—it shouldn't feel like there is one specific light source coming from above. You can use table lamps and floor lamps to provide warm, ambient light. Rather than going out and buying a classic that everyone knows, we quite like, say, finding an old brass light and giving it a new life.