Although she's known across Canada as an interior designer, Kimberley Seldon calls herself a frustrated architect. Eight years ago, she bought a two-acre property in Creemore, Ont., a community committed to environmental sustainability, in order to build and design her dream home in the country. Her favourite room in the 6,400-square-foot house she shares with her husband, two children and a bossy pug named Delaney is her dining room. She loves it for the wall of windows overlooking two ponds, which are picturesque and provide the energy for the house's radiant heating system. "It goes back to why we built the house in the first place," says the owner of Kimberley Seldon Design Group in Toronto. "We entertain frequently in the country, as often as we can. This is the room we spend the most time in."
The barrel lids
"I love to buy art when I'm travelling. A friend took me to a great store in Calgary, where I saw these oil-barrel lids. I knew they would make a grand statement on this large wall."
The dining set
"I love my walnut table and chairs, which we had custom made for the room. They are knockouts, but also functional. Having two square tables, versus one large rectangular one, gives us a huge amount of flexibility. Each table is 48 inches by 48 inches and can seat up to eight people. At smaller parties, we can dine at an individual table or pull them together for a larger gathering. Being sandwiched between the two fireplaces makes it especially cozy in winter."
The overhead lighting
"My absolute favourite element is the pendant lighting. I was driving past Klaus by Nienkamper on King Street East in Toronto one morning and saw the light fixtures in the window. They are part of the Beat series by Tom Dixon. I phoned from the car and bought them on the spot. They give the doubleheight space a more human scale and add drama to the setting. The hand-beaten brass lining gives off a flattering glow. It's like dining by candlelight. Everyone looks stunning."
The print
"I love this print from Art Interiors. It's from a series of photographs of books and paper. They are quietly sophisticated, but dramatic enough to command attention."
The coffee table
"The coffee table is also one of my favourite pieces in the house. I purchased it at Avenue Road in Toronto and then replaced the existing top with a half-inch-thick back-painted glass top for a punch of colour. The colour is Benjamin Moore Split Pea (2146-30)."
The sofa
"Just try getting a 14-foot Creative Custom sofa into the back of a van: It's impossible! Our moving truck couldn't make it down the hill to our house on delivery day. Four men had to carry the living room sofa down the hill and into the house. But in the end it was worth it. It's a great addition to the room."
The carpet
"Buying carpets is like buying artwork. I don't think a room is complete without the right carpet. I rely on Modern Weave for items like this one. I love the colours."