Chi Fang, Photographer

Elegant Hidden Hills Estate

Grace Home Furnishings

Photo by Everett Fenton Gidley

Media Bungalow

Deborah Bettcher - Decorating Den Interiors

This fresh dining room incorporates Scandinavian and Mid Century Modern styles to create a unique Nordic Chic vibe. The custom dining table was made by local craftsmen. The airy dining chairs are actually designed for outdoor use, so they will hold up to this family's busy lifestyle. The organic pattern on the area rug reflects the graceful lines of the evergreens in their front yard. Likewise, the faux bois chandelier lends an artful sculptural element to the space.

An entrepreneur moves his office out of his house as his business grows. He needs to completely start over with his furnishings in his…rental! A devoted single father, an incredible businessman in the sports industry, and a man who wants his space to support him and reflect his tastes, even if he doesn’t own the house. This is the Modern Man’s Game.

Mequon Lower Level Refresh

Brakefield Design Collective

Upper East Side Pied-à-Terre

Shelley Morris Interiors

Essbereich nach dem Home Staging

Wohnjuwel - Home Staging

Philipp Kirschner

Marlborough Street Residence 2

Elms Interior Design

Photography by Michael J. Lee

Whole House Contemporary Renovation | Black Wood Tile Planks

WREEDONE ("re-done")

Large format steel doors and screen

Perla Windows Ltd

David Butler

UPPER WEST SIDE BROWNSTONE

kimberly peck architect

When the developer found this brownstone on the Upper Westside he immediately researched and found its potential for expansion. We were hired to maximize the existing brownstone and turn it from its current existence as 5 individual apartments into a large luxury single family home. The existing building was extended 16 feet into the rear yard and a new sixth story was added along with an occupied roof. The project was not a complete gut renovation, the character of the parlor floor was maintained, along with the original front facade, windows, shutters, and fireplaces throughout. A new solid oak stair was built from the garden floor to the roof in conjunction with a small supplemental passenger elevator directly adjacent to the staircase. The new brick rear facade features oversized windows; one special aspect of which is the folding window wall at the ground level that can be completely opened to the garden. The goal to keep the original character of the brownstone yet to update it with modern touches can be seen throughout the house. The large kitchen has Italian lacquer cabinetry with walnut and glass accents, white quartz counters and backsplash and a Calcutta gold arabesque mosaic accent wall. On the parlor floor a custom wetbar, large closet and powder room are housed in a new floor to ceiling wood paneled core. The master bathroom contains a large freestanding tub, a glass enclosed white marbled steam shower, and grey wood vanities accented by a white marble floral mosaic. The new forth floor front room is highlighted by a unique sloped skylight that offers wide skyline views. The house is topped off with a glass stair enclosure that contains an integrated window seat offering views of the roof and an intimate space to relax in the sun.

Dining Room

Jessica Turf Design

Westhampton Beach Playhouse

Chango

Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Custom Millwork Design, Furniture Design, Art Curation, & AV Design by Chango & Co. Photography by Sean Litchfield See the feature in Domino Magazine

Presidential Estates

WECSELMAN DESIGN

Deborah Wecselman Design, Inc

Casa Corbino

Merzbau Design Collective

A view of the vaulted ceiling and full-height bookcase in the dining room/library. Wall paint color: "Evening Sky," Benjamin Moore. Photo Atelier Wong.

A Small Green Home

User

This tiny dining area would only have had seating for two if it included a standard table and allowed enough space in the dining area for people to walk back and forth from the living room to the kitchen. Using a custom triangular table with matching benches created seating for four and preserved enough space for the pass through. The room also features non-toxic, no-VOC paint, and the leather is Greenguard certified for low toxic emissions. Photo by Robin Stancliff

Windows & Doors

Lindus Construction/Midwest LeafGuard

Pella ProLine Double Hung Windows Photo Provided Courtesy of Pella Windows

Venice Canals

Katie Leede & Company Studio

We recovered Christian Liagre directors chairs in cowhide to add fashionista fun to this chic, casual dining area.

Downtown Boho Glam

Whimsily

Lionheart Pictures

Contemporary Separate 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!