Designer Rochelle Cote shares the inspiration for her modern masterpiece, on display at this week’s Dinner by Design Calgary event.

For the second year in a row, Rochelle Cote (who made the shortlist for WL‘s 2016 Robert Ledingham Memorial Award) has joined the roster of designers who will be creating jaw-dropping tablescapes at Calgary’s Dinner by Design. And this year, she’s taking an entirely different approach from the rustic old-world look that sat diners in 2016. Instead, she’ll be showcasing a contemporary, clean-line dining room in tandem with Calgary artist Lynette Melnyk, whose abstract black, white and gold canvases are echoed throughout Cote’s dining scene.”Our concept is called ‘The Gallery’ and our thought was that we’re mixing fine art with fine dining,” says Cote. “I felt like  artwork in particular fit really well with our style of dining table—and she’s local so that’s why I chose some of her work to highlight.” The star of Cote’s setting is a Statuario Silestone tabletop by Cosentino Quartz with a polished chrome base, set in the centre of a 12-by-12-foot space. “I’m taking this opportunity this year to definitely show that we can do a broad range of styles,” says Cote.Dinner by Design opens tonight with Cocktail Art, a soiree that allows guests the opportunity to sample craft cocktails and canapés as they explore the stunning tablescapes—other participating designers include LeAnne Bunell Interiors, Nyla Free Designs, Vincent Flasch Interior Design and SmithErickson Designs. On Friday, June 2, the venue will be open to art and design students seeking inspiration before the evening’s multi-course Gala Dinner (wine pairings included!), prepared by Charbar chefs Connie DeSousa and John Jackson. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Alberta College of Art and Design and modern art museum, Contemporary Calgary.

Dinner by Design Calgary

Where: Chinese Cultural Centre, 197 1 St. SW, CalgaryWhen: June 1st and 2ndTickets: $75 and $300

Christine Beyleveldt

Christine Beyleveldt