First things first: we had to rename a piece of furniture. Our giant 70″ dining table finally arrived, and calling it “Woody” just didn’t fit. It’s clearly not a he—its graceful lines and curvy silhouette felt decidedly feminine. We settled on Stella for her name because she’s a stellar addition to our future dining room. It felt right to give the table a lady’s name, especially since we already have Ed (the bed) and Karl (the sectional). A female counterpart seemed like a nice balance.
Update: lots of readers asked about the paint swatches visible in the background. Those are from an older project; we mentioned them in a previous post about going gray, so they’re not new paint samples for this room.
The table’s top is carved with a varied texture that we love. The hand-carved look is rugged enough to disguise the inevitable dings and dents that come from everyday life with kids—or from the occasional clumsy moment involving flying salad tongs—but it isn’t so rough that you can’t set a glass down without it wobbling. The surface reads as gentle waves: tactile, attractive, and practical. It’s made of durable, sustainable sheesham wood, which feels solid and timeless.
Another detail we really appreciate is the base. Instead of having four separate legs or a tall pedestal, the design feels less obtrusive, which will make seating more comfortable. Once we add eight apple-green upholstered chairs around it, no one should have to straddle a leg while they eat. That practical consideration matters when you want everyone to relax and linger over dinner.
Stella immediately created the casual, inviting atmosphere we envisioned for the dining room. We centered her in front of the large picture window, which allows room on the opposite side to form a defined entryway so guests don’t feel like they’re walking straight into the dining set. Later, when we open a six-foot passage between the kitchen and dining area—aligned with that window—and hang a chandelier or pendant above the table, the whole space should feel balanced and intentional.
The rich wood tone gives Stella a classic, slightly luxurious feel without being stuffy. We intentionally wanted a wood-toned table instead of a painted one so it can acquire character over the years; wipeable chairs, colorful art, and curtains can provide the visual pops. I keep picturing apple-green leather or faux-leather Parsons chairs paired with the table—something vibrant and modern against the warm wood. I’ve mentioned those chairs more than a few times because the combination feels fresh: part casual, part library-esque, and very family-friendly since upholstered chairs are more comfortable for long meals and craft sessions alike.
Realistically, this room will serve many purposes. Beyond dinners, it will be a big surface for kids’ crafts, homework, and projects. That flexibility is part of the appeal: a handsome table that can stand up to daily life while still looking inviting when family and friends gather. For now, Stella is holding court in the center of the room until we sort out where other pieces will go—like the slipper chairs that used to be in the living room—and until we finally sell the white slipcovered sofa that’s been lingering in the background.
Feel free to come up with a caption for the slightly awkward arrangement that’s happening right now. My own attempt was embarrassingly bad, so I’ll leave the creative captioning to better minds. Suffice it to say we’ll tidy the furniture mix soon, and when the room is settled Stella will be the star. She’s hefty and substantial—so much so that it took two strong movers about half an hour to position the chunky wood top in place. But she’s steady, confident, and exactly what the space needed.
Psst—our babyproofing efforts are underway on another blog. We’re learning as we go, and we welcome any tips from experienced parents. At the moment we’re taking small, sensible steps to make the house safe while keeping it livable and comfortable.