The public area is split into 4 overlapping spaces, centrally separated by the kitchen. Here is a view of the dining hall.

Black Barn: Coastal ecohome

Ralph Kent / architect

The Black Barn is located between Milford-on-Sea and Barton-on-Sea in Hampshire. It is surrounded by open countryside and benefits from a spring-fed pond and views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. The combination of super-insulation and extensive on-site renewables and a large vegetable garden makes this a quasi off-grid house. Consent for this replacement dwelling on this sensitive site was obtained in 2021 by working closely with Jerry Davies Planning Consultancy. The rural setting was the driver for the ‘agricultural vernacular’ architectural forms. The barn volumes are clad in highly durable black corrugated Eternit fibre-cement panels, the colour referencing the history of the previous house on this site. Prior to World War II the previous house had been painted white, which made it a distinctive navigational landmark for the Luftwaffe. The house was painted black during the war and became known as “Black Cottage”. The south-east facing roof to the house is fitted with 44No. 335-watt Vridian Clearline Fusion in-roof solar panels with integrated VELUX roof lights. This 14.7kWp array provides the electricity for the ground source heat pump, day-to-day usage and electric vehicle charging with the surplus being stored in a 13.5kW Tesla Powerwall 2 home battery. The garage building has a further 16No. panels providing an additional 5.3kWp output. As a replacement dwelling in the green belt the gross internal area of the new house was limited to a maximum of 130% of the area of the original two-storey house. Ancillary guest accommodation is provided by virtue of Section 13 of the 1968 Caravan Act which allows for a mobile home of a maximum length of 20 metres, maximum width of 6.8 metres and maximum internal height of 3.05 metres (the annexe does not benefit from a vaulted ceiling in the way that the main house does). The garage building was granted consent as an outbuilding as part of the planning application and provides storage for equipment to tend to the 5.5 acre (2.26ha) site, part of which has been seeded to become a wildflower meadow. The front of the house is arranged as a vegetable garden / potager.

Dining Nook

Fuse Design+Build

Champaign Addition Dining Room & Kitchen

Darcy Bean Custom Construction Inc.

Kolbe Ultra Series 4-panel gliding windows with retractable screens combined with custom transom windows brings an abundance of floor-to-ceiling natural light and incredible views into the space.

Crane's Nest

Crane Builders LLC

Urban Elegance Revived: Three-Story Townhome Transformation in Urbana, MD

The Homeowners Helper LLC

This transformative project, tailored to the desires of a distinguished homeowner, included the meticulous rejuvenation of three full bathrooms and one-half bathroom, with a special nod to the homeowner's preference for copper accents. The main bathroom underwent a lavish spa renovation, featuring marble floors, a curbless shower, and a freestanding soaking tub—a true sanctuary. The entire kitchen was revitalized, with existing cabinets repurposed, painted, and transformed into soft-close cabinets. Consistency reigned supreme as fixtures in the kitchen, all bathrooms, and doors were thoughtfully updated. The entire home received a fresh coat of paint, and shadow boxes added to the formal dining room brought a touch of architectural distinction. Exterior enhancements included railing replacements and a resurfaced deck, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. We replaced carpeting and introduced plantation shutters in key areas, enhancing both comfort and sophistication. Notably, structural repairs to the stairs were expertly handled, rendering them virtually unnoticeable. A project that marries modern functionality with timeless style, this townhome now stands as a testament to the art of transformative living.

Urban Elegance Revived: Three-Story Townhome Transformation in Urbana, MD

The Homeowners Helper LLC

Beige Dining Room Design Ideas with Wood Walls

A dining room can be used for casual dining, integrated into an open plan and connected to the living and kitchen areas; or as a formal space reserved solely for entertaining. While it may not be used frequently, it is a great focal point in the home, and requires little furnishings. Here's what you need to consider before you start planning a new dining room...

How will you use your dining room?

First, consider how frequently you will use the space. If you plan on using your dining room on a daily basis, a casual dining set-up with sturdy, long-lasting furniture is best. As for where you position it – well, any unused space in the home can be converted into a casual dining space, whether it be at the end of a kitchen island, or at the bottom of the stairs. A formal dining room, on the other hand, is more suited to a dedicated space, which is more common in heritage homes where space originally wasn’t at a premium. Perhaps you want your dining room to multi-task and accommodate everyday meals, homework sessions and grown-up dinner parties… If that’s the case, furniture is key. Look for versatile dining tables in either Australian or New Zealand hardwood or weathered timber for a more rustic look. These won’t show up sticky fingerprints as much and can be dressed up for guests.

What size and shape should your dining table be?

Your dining table should be able to seat all family members with some room for additional guests – each person should have at least 60 centimetres of space at the table. The right size, however, also depends on how much room you have. A general rule of thumb is to leave no less than 1 metre from the dining table to the wall or any additional furniture, so people have enough room to comfortably move around the space. Rectangular dining tables are versatile and can work in a variety of settings, while oval dining tables are more traditional and can turn any meal into an occasion. If you have a tight space to work in, a round dining table is best, and also a great option if you want to encourage conversation. A square dining table can be a dramatic addition to a dining room, but only if you have the space. It allows everyone at the table to see each other, but the bigger the table, the harder it will be able to hold a conversation with someone at the other end.

What type of dining chairs should you choose?

Once you’ve decided on a dining table, look for dining chairs that share a common design element. If your dining table legs are curved, for example, try to match them with dining chairs that have a similar curve, either in the legs or back. Next, consider the dimensions of the chair. The height of your dining chairs should allow at least 30 centimetres between the top of the seat and the top of the table. And to keep your tush happy, avoid dining chairs narrower than 45 centimetres.

How can you decorate your dining room?

Dining rooms are relatively minimal spaces, but that makes them a great place to splash a little colour through artwork, especially if yours is a formal dining room. If your dining room is lacking warmth, consider painting the walls a deep shade of red or blue, or go contemporary with black or grey. A cosy rug will make the space feel more intimate, while a sideboard or cabinet of curiosities will further personalise the space. Often overlooked, dining room lighting can also drastically alter the mood of a room, creating drama, spurring romance or encouraging conversation. Opt for soft lighting in the dining area with dimmer switches, and choose oversized pendants in large, open spaces or to make the dining area more of a focal point. Finally, add some table settings, such as a lace tablecloth for a whimsy feel, or a more basic table runner for a chic look. If you need some help designing your dining room, consider checking the Houzz directory of interior designers, home stylists, cabinet makers and more!