First impression count as you enter this custom-built Horizon Homes property at Kellyville. The home opens into a stylish entryway, with soaring double height ceilings. It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And that’s literally true with this home. With the kitchen in the centre of the ground floor, this home provides ample formal and informal living spaces on the ground floor. At the rear of the house, a rumpus room, living room and dining room overlooking a large alfresco kitchen and dining area make this house the perfect entertainer. It’s functional, too, with a butler’s pantry, and laundry (with outdoor access) leading off the kitchen. There’s also a mudroom – with bespoke joinery – next to the garage. Upstairs is a mezzanine office area and four bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite with dressing room, ensuite and private balcony. Outdoor areas were important to the owners of this knockdown rebuild. While the house is large at almost 454m2, it fills only half the block. That means there’s a generous backyard. A central courtyard provides further outdoor space. Of course, this courtyard – as well as being a gorgeous focal point – has the added advantage of bringing light into the centre of the house.

Yarrawarrah Private Residence

Michelle Viret Design

The Rosella display home

Alatalo Bros

A generous dining area joining onto kitchen and family room

Hudson River Views

Darci Hether New York

With four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a revamped family room, this gut renovation of this three-story Westchester home is all about thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail. The dining area, with its refined wooden table and comfortable chairs, is perfect for gatherings and entertaining in style. --- Our interior design service area is all of New York City including the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, as well as the Hamptons, Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Rye, Rye City, Edgemont, Harrison, Bronxville, and Greenwich CT. For more about Darci Hether, see here: https://darcihether.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://darcihether.com/portfolio/hudson-river-view-home-renovation-westchester

Beverly Hills Modern

Lori Dennis, ASID, LEED AP

Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Backyard Patio. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier. Floor to ceiling windows and modern sliding glass doors expand the living space to the outdoors.

Warm Modern Dining Room

Wolf Design Studio

Nick Springett Photography

Denver Ranch

D&D Interiors / Mikhail Dantes

Photography by Emily Minton Redfield EMR Photography www.emrphotography.com

High Barnet – redesign of a ground floor

JLV Design Ltd

The room was used as a home office, by opening the kitchen onto it, we've created a warm and inviting space, where the family loves gathering.

Wohnhaus DK

Gramming Rosenmüller Architekten GbR

Fotograf: Martin Kreuzer

Brookmans Park Extension

Sai Interiors

Our Brookmans Park project was a single storey rear extension. The clients wanted to open up the back of the house to create an open plan living space. As it was such a large space we wanted to create something special which felt open but inviting at the same time. We created several zones and added pops of colour in the furniture and accessories. We created a Shoreditch vibe to the space with Crittall doors and a huge central fireplace placed in exposed London brick chimney. We then followed the exposed brick into the glass box zone. We loved the result of this project!

Photo : BCDF Studio

Private Apartment, Project: Ana Vale, AB Projectos, Distributor:Imporchama

Planika Fires

Iliad 6-Light Pendant - Carbide Black and Nickel Finish - Plated Smoke Glass

Troy Lighting

For over 50 years, Troy Lighting has transcended time and redefined handcrafted workmanship with the creation of strikingly eclectic, sophisticated casual lighting fixtures distinguished by their unique human sensibility and characterized by their design and functionality. Features: Suitable for indoor locations only UL certified in compliance with nationally recognized product safety standards Specifications: Included shade measures as 7.87"" High x 7.25"" Diameter Included Canopy measures as 6"" Diameter x 0.75"" Thick 1-6in, 2-12in, 1-18in stem included Requires 6 x 60-Watt E26 Medium Base Incandescent Bulb (not included)

Modern Patriot

Locati Architects

Modern Patriot Residence by Locati Architects, Interior Design by Locati Interiors, Photography by Gibeon Photography

Claro Dining

Collector's Specialty Woods

Custom Fireplace

USi Stone & Tile

Wooden White Marble 6x24 Herringbone

Contemporary Dining Room

Contemporary Dining Room Design Ideas

A contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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!