Below Buchanan is a basement renovation that feels as light and welcoming as one of our outdoor living spaces. The project is full of unique details, custom woodworking, built-in storage, and gorgeous fixtures. Custom carpentry is everywhere, from the built-in storage cabinets and molding to the private booth, the bar cabinetry, and the fireplace lounge. Creating this bright, airy atmosphere was no small challenge, considering the lack of natural light and spatial restrictions. A color pallet of white opened up the space with wood, leather, and brass accents bringing warmth and balance. The finished basement features three primary spaces: the bar and lounge, a home gym, and a bathroom, as well as additional storage space. As seen in the before image, a double row of support pillars runs through the center of the space dictating the long, narrow design of the bar and lounge. Building a custom dining area with booth seating was a clever way to save space. The booth is built into the dividing wall, nestled between the support beams. The same is true for the built-in storage cabinet. It utilizes a space between the support pillars that would otherwise have been wasted. The small details are as significant as the larger ones in this design. The built-in storage and bar cabinetry are all finished with brass handle pulls, to match the light fixtures, faucets, and bar shelving. White marble counters for the bar, bathroom, and dining table bring a hint of Hollywood glamour. White brick appears in the fireplace and back bar. To keep the space feeling as lofty as possible, the exposed ceilings are painted black with segments of drop ceilings accented by a wide wood molding, a nod to the appearance of exposed beams. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen right down from the cable railing on the staircase to the wood paneling behind the booth, and wrapping the bar.

Appartement Michel Ange 140m2 à Paris 16 ème

Isabelle Le Trung studio

Snowbunny

Zone 4 Architects, LLC

The elegant simplicity of creating design elements from structural steel add a functional element of design interest to the room. Clerestory windows help to add natural light without opening the room to the autocourt and street. Large lift and slide doors open to an outdoor living area, creating true indoor-outdoor living space. A wood ceiling adds character without competing with other design elements and art.

Formal Dining Room used in a Contemporary manner

TOC design & construction inc.

This small, but casual space was once the living room, but the flow did not make sense. Prior to the remodel, the old dining room was tucked away in a corner of the house. Guest never felt comfortable in this space. After rethinking the design and removing un necessary wall, an open concept was created between the kitchen and the dining room, only problem was that an open concept usually means contemporary, modern style. My clients love to entertain formal affairs, so it was up to me to create a formal dining room in a contemporary environment. The process was easy, by adding a header to the opening this allowed me to shape the room in a formal rectangular manner and installing contemporary crown moldings, using a symmetrical formal formula, I added wood tiles to ceiling and an over sized lighting fixture, (believe it or not I found this light fixture where they specialize in pool tables) Because of the space constraint I could not find that perfect dining room table, so back to the drawing board to design one custom made, I wanted the feel of old world charm but the lightness of clean contemporary lines. I found a product that inspired me – Bamboo plywood from Smith and Fongs Plyboo, The natural and warmth of this Leed product was the perfect attraction to this room and by creating a 3 inch thickness to the surface I was able to take a rustic material and transform it into a contemporary art piece, I even asked my mill-worker to use the balance and make a lazy-susan for the center piece of the table, this make entertaining a breeze, - no more “ can you pass the salt please” Built-ins on either side of the gas fireplace blending in with the light colors of the walls where added for extra storage and objet d’art pieces, that the home owners collected through their travels. Simple, comfortable low back leather chairs where placed. This room represents dining at its finest without feeling stuffy, yet by adding Chrystal glass wear, porcelain place setting and silk linens this room can easily entertain guests wearing evening gowns and tuxedos. Photo by: Drew Hadley

Vail Village Penthouse Condo

Studio 80 Interior Design

ADELAIDE MANSIONS

Square One Design Workshop Ltd

Oak, Corian & Blanco Eclipsia Quartzite

Rénovation Appartement Haussmannien Paris V

Isabelle Le Rest Intérieurs

Hauts-de-Seine

SMIRNOVA INTERIORS

Bespoke Kitchen & Dining Room, Islington

Tim Moss

Palo Alto

Fannie Allen Design

Modern "klismos" dining chairs from Donghia, with blue leather seats, around rosewood dining table on hammered metal pedestal base. Custom lacquered peacock blue sideboard holds table linens. Polished metal bar stools with faux shagreen blue leather seats and backs. Chandelier casts soft "donut" shadows when illuminated. Antique convex mirror.

Summer Hill Residence

Tonka Andjelkovic Design

Maree Homer Photography

Three-Courts Residence

Allison Burke Interior Design

The dining room serves as a transition space between the entry and kitchen/living areas. The hidden transom window above the art wall accentuates the clients' personal photography collection, while the transom window in the foreground adds light to the central living area. Contemporary rugs were sourced from Oriental Rug Gallery in Austin, TX to add a soft texture over the walnut floors. The existing mid-century brick walls were painted a warm white to tone down the variety of materials found in the space. An open-grain cypress is used on the ceiling. The ivory Linda Chairs from Bontempi also complement the wood tones used in the space, and the translucent glass and leather Bubble Chandelier by Pelle adds light while maintaining the open feeling of the room. Interior by Allison Burke Interior Design Architecture by A Parallel Paul Finkel Photography

View to a copper clad fireplace from breakfast room surrounded by windows

Janet Brooks Design

Wood plank ceilings carry from the inside of this home through the glass walls to the exterior overhangs, making the spaces feel like they have no boundaries. Forever views compete with the art collection inside this home, and colors are vibrant.

Franklin Street Duplex

D'Arcy Leck Photography

Interior architectural photography of urban, modern residential duplex interior showing kitchen, pantry, dining room, and living room on main floor. Photography by D'Arcy Leck Photography

House K

F3 Studio

Martina Gemmola [Photography]; Ruth Welsby [Styling]

House of Rock

Minhnuyet Hardy Interiors

Mali Azima

Modern Desert 136

Soloway Designs Inc | Architecture + Interiors AIA

Appartement Prive Paris 07 Duroc

Latbats

Contemporary Dining Room Design Ideas with a Standard Fireplace

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!