Sewickley-based interior designer Melissa Ewen comes on strong for green at the table. “It’s incredibly versatile,” she asserts. “On a table, it is a beautiful backdrop for food. Verdant, herbaceous elements feel especially alive against it, and it gives life to simpler, less vibrant dishes. Beyond that, in interior design, green feels grounding and natural—it brings an ease that invites people to linger.” As we contemplated her table setting, we exhaled with both relaxation and pleasure. We think she’s right.
Interior Designer Melissa Ewen Encourages You to Add Color to Your Table Seeting
A dash of gold is another of her trademark choices. “Gold-rimmed glassware has been around since the Romans. I’m mad for the warmth and sense of history a gold edge brings to a table. I’m always looking for pieces that I can mix and match,” comments Ewen. “I found the gold-rimmed glasses in the photo on a trip to Prague. Vintage finds add character and patina. I think about the stories of previous owners and the lives a piece has lived and love that my own story is now a part of that.”
Does this sense of hidden narrative make a difference when Ewen and her guests sit down to dinner? “When I set a table, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for my guests, because the table is the result of years of collecting what I love. Collecting slowly allows you to build layers of meaning, not just style. Over time, you begin to know your pieces well enough to use them creatively and intentionally—pulling out just the right plate or glass because its story will resonate with a friend.”
A Design Lesson To-Go
Dive into the world of antique shops, thrift depots, and online forums like Etsy and eBay. Vintage treasures will expand your visual world broadly and deeply.
Story by Keith Recker
Styling by Danny Mankin
Photography by Laura Petrilla
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