When picturing a breakfast room, images of bright, airy corners, where every effort is made to accentuate sunlight, will likely come to mind. Think sheer curtains, pendant lights, and, of course, a soft, neutral paint to set the base for accents and accessories. I, too, had this vision for a breakfast room until I saw Tommy Hilfiger's former Connecticut estate, and it rewrote my conventions for the better.
The English manor-style estate, created by celebrity-favored designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, dates back to 1932, and a host of period details serve as a constant reminder of its history. Many of the rooms exhibit wood-paneled walls, floors, high ceilings, preserved moldings, and decorative wainscoting that pay homage to its heritage. Its natural coloring also fills the room with a dark, sophisticated ambiance, and things are no different in the breakfast room.
My job involves looking at different celebrity twists on breakfast rooms (or breakfast nooks, in some cases), most of which follow the same design formula to which I first referred. However, Hilfiger, with the help of Bullard, has done things dramatically differently.
While it has to be said that the architectural design features of Hilfiger's home lend themselves to the darker color palette (especially the wooden wall paneling and flooring), the rich, cocooning elements of the space made me rethink a breakfast room's potential.
Darker palettes work beautifully in rooms that are designed for entertainment, especially dining rooms that (I think) should be filled with an array of candles when the sun goes down. So why should the breakfast room be any different? While it's inevitably a place to enjoy sunlight, it's still somewhere that can double as a mini dining room for nights when you may want a more intimate dinner party. The darker hues make it instantly warmer and cozier and will consequently serve as the perfect place to dine long into the PM. In my small London apartment, recreating the aesthetic isn't simple. However, I'm told that there are ways to replicate the ambiance without covering my walls entirely – something to consider if you're also tempted by the look.
'Wall paneling is a classic design detail, truly a low-lift but high-impact update that can bring dimension and texture to any space. However, it isn’t limited only to wood that covers an entire wall; you can also add a beadboard or wainscoting paneling for a timeless historical design touch,' comments Simon Ribchester, the head of design at Beams.
Another thing that strikes me about Hilfiger's breakfast room is the use of patterned textures, which bring an unexpected interruption to the traditional space. From the blue and white gingham chair coverings to the ornate red rug, Bullard has paired two eclectic-style patterns that still feel curated despite being so different. The flower-filled China vase is a subtle reminder that the space is a breakfast room because, of course, no coffee spot is complete without fresh flowers to accompany the first sip of the day. Replicating these accessories is notably more straightforward than the paneling. I've handpicked my favorite Hilfiger-inspired pieces below.
This elegant, sophisticated porcelain vase is fit for all seasons, but beautifully bridges the gap between summer and fall.
This rug brings a touch of traditionalism to any breakfast or dining room. It features a central medallion design in rich red and blue hues across a paler blue background and looks especially great on dark wood.
With a minimalistic yet refined structure, this chair brings out a simplistic style that emphasizes comfort and functionality.
'Unlike modernism’s sleek straight lines, country manor style embraces the curved and soft edges. To achieve this, try incorporating traditional and classic design elements that exude a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication, such as arched windows, vintage decor, and curvaceous furniture,' Ribchester comments when asked about accessories.
If we can take anything from Hilfiger's dark space, it's that conventions are continually evolving, and it begins with the first room of the day.
