Color, texture and interesting shapes can transform even the most inconvenient corner. With tall columns and a limestone fireplace, the breakfast room in Dee and Tommy Hilfiger's Palm Beach home was a real showstopper. They needed a solution that would create living space without obscuring the home's unique elements. A jewel box breakfast nook was the perfect solution.
Working with bold interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the couple transformed Coral House into the elegant home you see today. The home was built in 1972 by John Volk, a Big Five architect responsible for creating the Palm Beach style and giving it its bright, Mediterranean charm.
First, the arrangement of tables and chairs in the Hilfigers' house is a master class in zoning a room. Lena Gierasinska, interior design expert at Barker and Stonehouse, explains: “For those who have multifunctional living spaces with a dining area, I would suggest creating different zones within them.”
You can try using a rug and furniture like Tommy did, or opt for a more noticeable barrier to create a similar effect with a more “closed” floor plan. Lena advises: “Open shelving can act as a divider or privacy screen, clearly separating living and dining areas and providing the opportunity to display your favorite pieces while adding visual interest.”
Recreate Tommy and Dee's look at home
Recreating the style of Dee and Tommy's home is all about striking a balance between bold and understated elements. Bright art prints like these Andy Warhol posters from Etsy paired with white walls and neutral-toned furniture are the perfect starting point. Here are our editors' tips.
Flowers by Andy Warhol poster
This pink, yellow, green and red floral pop art will fit well into the design or color scheme of any room. With an integrated frame, it looks high quality at an affordable price.
Penn Bluestone Pedestal Dining Table
This beautiful pedestal table resembles Knoll Saarinen's iconic piece in a dark, moody design. Like the black dining table in Tommy's living room, it's the perfect choice for attracting attention.
Natural Jute Lattice Diamond Indoor Carpet
From its diamond grid pattern to its hi-low design and tasteful beige jute finish, this rug is a subtle eye-catcher. It can add structural elegance to any room and since it is made of jute, it promises durability in high traffic areas.
Dee and Tommy's star-shaped black lacquer dining table contains another lesson in anchoring the dining area with furniture. Lena advises: “The dining table will be the focal point, so I recommend choosing a statement piece – be it a unique dining table made from recycled wood or a piece with a sculptural silhouette.”
Additionally, the couple uses a statement rug to unify the different elements of the room. To recreate the look, Lena suggests, “Ground the room with a bold patterned rug to add texture and warmth to the feet and add color to the room.”
After all, Tommy and Dee Hilfiger's dining area works so well because of their clever, understated use of color. They use art and textiles to warm up an otherwise very neutral space.
Lena says, “It's important to add color to any room, but especially the room where you host guests, because you want that room to feel inviting and welcoming.” Experiment with your color palette, add contrasting colors to your walls, and layer individual pieces in different hues and textures to find your own signature style.”
Ultimately, this beautiful Palm Beach space shows that through clever layout and careful use of color, each room is a usable, beautifully designed element of the home. Now all you need is stunning, maximalist tableware to complete the look.