How We Turn Ideas Into Reality: A Dining Room Transformation Story

The Dream, The Challenge, The Reality

Every dream home makeover starts with an idea — a Pinterest board saved late at night, a sketch on a napkin, or a conversation over dinner about how “one day” that awkward corner might become something beautiful.

At A&H ONE DESIGNS, our job is to bridge the gap between that “one day” and the day you step into your new space with a smile that says: this is exactly what we wanted.

With this project, we’ve pulled back the curtain on a real transformation — a dining room redesigned to be so much more than a place to eat. It’s now a multifunctional hub for dining, reading, entertaining, working and unwinding — with every shelf, cabinet, and colour chosen with intention.

THE BRIEF: A Place to Work, Gather, Read, and Raise a Glass

Our clients approached us with four wishes:

1. Keep the dining room warm and inviting.

2. Add more storage, but make it beautiful.

3. Make better use of the awkward alcoves on either side of the chimney breast.

4. Create a flexible space that could double up for working from home when needed.

   
   

Simple on paper, but it takes craftsmanship, design know-how, and some practical problem-solving to turn this into a reality.

OUR DESIGN CONCEPT: Modern Meets Cosy with a Touch of Luxe

✔️ The Shelves & Library Nook: To the left of the chimney breast as you walk in, we created custom-built shelving that transforms the corner into a mini library for beloved books and treasured display pieces.

Not only does this add charm for cosy dinner parties — nothing says “warm welcome” like reaching for a good read and a glass of red in the same room — but it’s also a practical bonus if you work from home. The library nook doubles as an inspiring spot to take calls, research ideas, or simply enjoy a quiet moment away from the table.

✔️ The Bar Area: On the right, we fitted stylish shelves for our client's favourite liquor bottles, complete with a robust oak worktop that’s perfect for mixing cocktails — every bottle, shaker and spirit jar has its place. Below, a wine rack and a neat cabinet to the side keep glassware and bar essentials tidy but always within easy reach.

COLOUR & MATERIALS: When Neutrals Meet a Pop of Drama

White walls gave us a neutral base — classic and timeless. But the star of the show? Moroccan blue hues on the accent wall and cabinet doors. This rich tone pairs beautifully with the dark brown oak floor, bringing warmth and depth.

We anchored the dining area with royal blue chairs with gold legs, a light brown wooden table with black metal legs, giving that hint of semi-industrial charm that feels fresh yet inviting.

To tie it all together, golden details — the lamp, cabinet door knobs — sprinkle a touch of warmth and elegance without being OTT. The result? Modern, practical, and full of character.

THE FINAL LOOK: Style Recommendation

Recommended style: Contemporary Modern with Semi-Industrial & Luxe Accents

This design is for those who love clean lines but still want warmth — the industrial undertones of black metal and oak bring edge, while the royal blues and gold keep it sophisticated.

BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY

📸 Swipe to see the dramatic before & after photos.

LESSONS FROM THIS PROJECT: What You Can Learn

✅ Every alcove has hidden potential. Think about that awkward space — with custom carpentry, it can become a feature.

✅ Colour brings confidence. If you’re nervous about bold colours, use them on one feature wall or cabinetry. Pair with neutrals for balance.

✅ Details make the difference. Hardware, lighting, and finishing touches pull everything together.

Client Testimonial:

"I couldn’t be happier with how my dining room turned out! From start to finish, the team truly listened to what I wanted and stayed true to my brief. They took my ideas and brought them to life beautifully, with so much care and attention to detail. It feels like a completely new space, but still so ‘me’. I’ve had so many compliments from friends and family already. Thank you for transforming my vision into reality and for making the whole experience so stress-free. Highly recommended!"— Helia, Herne Hill, South East London

READY TO TURN YOUR IDEAS INTO REALITY?

We believe every home deserves to tell its own story. If you’ve been dreaming about your “one day,” we’d love to hear about it — and help you bring it to life with our bespoke carpentry, renovation, and interior design services.

Book a no-obligation design chat today — and let’s sketch your vision into reality.