Audrey Hepburn was never bound to a single set of restrictive style rules, and the dining room in her Swiss home followed this tradition.
The actress's eclectic space spanned decades. It featured a 17th-Century wooden trestle table, 18th-Century silver candlesticks, and a 19th-Century print from Samuel William Fores' "Stable Scenes" series, all contained in one 1970s room in her 'La Paisible' estate in Tolochenaz, Switzerland.
Rather than residing within a single era, Audrey's collage-like space combined pieces from different years into a single brown and white dining room idea. Each furnishing is carefully hand-picked to seamlessly fold into this pared-back scheme.
The elegant modern dining chairs and carved wooden sideboard are the perfect example, which perfectly complement the shimmering table. Audrey's lacquered dining table is similar to this 17th-century French Oak style from 1stDibs, but this Marcon Dining Table from Wayfair is an easy pick for recreating the look in a modern home.
The overall effect of Audrey's eclectic dining room is simple but impactful, and it's the perfect inspiration as the dining room makes a comeback for 2026. Homes & Gardens spoke with interior designers to get to the bottom of why Audrey's simple design works so well. Let's take a look.
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Audrey Hepburn's dining room features a stunning combination of antique and modern furnishings. Here are our editors' top furnishing picks for recreating her look with a 2026 spin.
These mid-century modern chairs have a woven base and a wooden back, like Audrey Hepburn's. Their wishbone style adds some extra curve to bring the look into the modern day.
This pretty sideboard has a stylish and unique shape. I love the intricate design and dark wood, which feel simultaneously modern and retro, and would fit well into an eclectic dining room. It has more cabinets than Audrey's, offering modern functionality.
Audrey keeps silver plated candlesticks on her sideboard for a complete look. These ultra-affordable ones from Amazon have a beautiful pattern that is not soon forgotten.
Nothing adds a heritage feel to a room like silver, and these pretty vases are the perfect pick for elevating your flowers. They can be positioned on the dining table for parties, or to the side for a more everyday look.
Audrey Hepburn distinguishes her art from the white walls with a simple black picture frame, and the look is exceedingly easy to recreate. This affordable and stylish pick will elevate any dining room.
Simple, chic, and of beautiful quality, these West Elm drapes will add an organic modern feel to any space. They pair gorgeously with other natural hues.
According to experts, much of what makes Audrey Hepburn's seemingly simple space so stunning is her choice of a timeless color palette. Interior expert, Lena Gierasinska, explains: 'Rich brown tones in the dining room are a timeless choice, bringing depth and warmth to the space. These earthy hues, ranging from deep mahogany to warm chestnut, create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere that encourages relaxation and conversation.'
Audrey's dining room combines a variety of textures from the lacquered table to the panelled walls to the tan carpet, and those hoping to recreate her look by decorating with brown should aim to do the same.
Lena advises: 'Brown tones pair beautifully with a variety of textures – think polished marble and buttery soft leather– adding a sense of sophistication without feeling too formal. What's more, these shades are incredibly versatile, working well within both traditional and contemporary settings. They exude a sense of grounded elegance, making them an ideal choice for a dining room where family and guests can feel truly at ease.'
The best spaces are simple, but with an underlying story to guide them. Audrey Hepburn's dining room in Tolochenaz is the perfect inspiration.
