Gwyneth Paltrow's moody dining room is a masterclass in subtle avant-garde design

Pretty much everything about Gwyneth Paltrow is undeniably chic. Her effortlessly modern (but classic) dining room is just further proof.

The actress and Goop founder's dining room is grounded in dream-like, woodland MJ Atelier Wallpaper paired with dramatic, sculptural furnishings. Timeless details like the brushed stone fireplace and wainscotted ceilings add a historic feel to the contemporary space. 

Interior designers are obsessed with Gwyneth's modern dining room look. Homes & Gardens asked two of our favorites to help break us down each element of what comes together to create this stunning space.

First, experts laud the use of dining room wallpaper in Gwyneth's home. Kathy Kuo, acclaimed NYC-based interior designer and founder of Kathy Kuo Home, states: 'I love how the wallpaper in this space feels equal parts traditional and avant-garde. There's just something about the cool blue colors and the organic print that juxtaposes so nicely with the toile-inspired, very traditional-French-country motif.'

Kathy Kuo

Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry. 

'In Gwyneth Paltrow’s dining room, the wallpaper features a mural-style design with a landscape of trees and mist, rendered in muted tones of blue and grey,' adds Nicholas Kaiko, the founder of Kaiko Design Interiors.

'This choice creates a serene and spacious atmosphere, which is well-suited to a dining area where calmness can enhance the dining experience. The wallpaper design complements the furniture by serving as a soft backdrop to the bold, modern shapes of the dining chairs and table.'

Nicholas Kaiko

Nicholas Kaiko, founder of Kaiko Design Interiors, is a highly sought-after interior designer based in Sydney, Australia. With over a decade of experience in the interior design industry, Nic has honed his skills as an interior architect and decorator, working on luxury hotels and high-end residential projects both locally and internationally.

Secondly, experts say that Gwyneth's contemporary, sculptural dining room furniture meshes perfectly with the classic wallpaper, creating its striking effect. 

'The chairs have a sleek, black finish that provides a striking contrast to the gentle tones of the wallpaper, making them stand out as statement pieces in the space,' Nicholas states.

'The organic, tree-like form of the ceiling light fixture echoes the natural elements of the wallpaper, creating a harmonious blend between the decor and the functional aspects of the room. This fixture adds a sculptural quality to the space, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary design elements.'

He continues, 'The white dining table acts as a central anchor in the space, with its substantial form and clean color balancing the room's visual elements. Overall, the dining room exudes a sense of modern elegance with thoughtful nods to nature and classic design, creating a space that is both stylish and inviting.'

Kathy adds: 'The fact that Gwyneth has paired the somewhat traditional wallpaper with distinctly modern furniture pieces, light fixtures, and decorative accents makes this dining room really unique and aesthetically adventurous.'

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With all of the elements broken down, it's a quick jump to create a dining room just as beautiful as Gwyneth's. Instead of picking one, dare to be both classic and avant-garde.