- Dining Photos
Dining Room Design Ideas
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!
Whether you want inspiration for planning a dining room renovation or are building a designer dining room from scratch, Houzz has 633,766 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Colourcube Interiors and actLAB. Look through dining room photos in different colours and styles and when you find a dining room design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful dining room ideas photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.
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- Tatami (53)
John Downes
Probably not very tiny, has that feel I’d be looking for - teaniwa_tutara
Interiors By Colourcube Interiors
Photography by Gathering Light
Dining table that is connected to breakfast bar. (And comfy fabric dining chairs) - felicefairlane
Dining Room at the Alpha Collection Essa home at the Arcadia Estate, Officer Victoria.
dining table colour
general colours and decor style - hamish_cottle
Gorgeous dining room, bespoke dining table with solid timber top and aged brass base, upholstered dining chairs and customised bubble light pendant. The darker wallpaper gives a cosy intimate feel and the high end finishes ensure a luxurious room for fabulous dinner parties. Designed by Jodie Carter Design
Photos by Savills Real Estate, Double Bay
INTERIOR ARCHITECTS: MAArchitects in collaboration with Neometro
PHOTOGRAPHER: Derek Swalwell
White walls and ceilings in contrast to rest of finished - katrankels
May Photography
This is would go with the kitchen - lisa_scott94
Interior - Living Room and Dining
Beach House at Avoca Beach by Architecture Saville Isaacs
Project Summary
Architecture Saville Isaacs
https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/
The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner.
The interpretation of experiencing life at the beach in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms.
Architecture Saville Isaacs
https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/
A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off a circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach.
The interiors reinforce architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum. There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun.
Project Description
Architecture Saville Isaacs
https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/
The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner.
The house is designed to maximise the spectacular Avoca beachfront location with a variety of indoor and outdoor rooms in which to experience different aspects of beachside living.
Client brief: home to accommodate a small family yet expandable to accommodate multiple guest configurations, varying levels of privacy, scale and interaction.
A home which responds to its environment both functionally and aesthetically, with a preference for raw, natural and robust materials. Maximise connection – visual and physical – to beach.
The response was a series of operable spaces relating in succession, maintaining focus/connection, to the beach.
The public spaces have been designed as series of indoor/outdoor pavilions. Courtyards treated as outdoor rooms, creating ambiguity and blurring the distinction between inside and out.
A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach.
Verandah is final transition space to beach: enclosable in winter; completely open in summer.
This project seeks to demonstrates that focusing on the interrelationship with the surrounding environment, the volumetric quality and light enhanced sculpted open spaces, as well as the tactile quality of the materials, there is no need to showcase expensive finishes and create aesthetic gymnastics. The design avoids fashion and instead works with the timeless elements of materiality, space, volume and light, seeking to achieve a sense of calm, peace and tranquillity.
Architecture Saville Isaacs
https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/
Focus is on the tactile quality of the materials: a consistent palette of concrete, raw recycled grey ironbark, steel and natural stone. Materials selections are raw, robust, low maintenance and recyclable.
Light, natural and artificial, is used to sculpt the space and accentuate textural qualities of materials.
Passive climatic design strategies (orientation, winter solar penetration, screening/shading, thermal mass and cross ventilation) result in stable indoor temperatures, requiring minimal use of heating and cooling.
Architecture Saville Isaacs
https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/
Accommodation is naturally ventilated by eastern sea breezes, but sheltered from harsh afternoon winds.
Both bore and rainwater are harvested for reuse.
Low VOC and non-toxic materials and finishes, hydronic floor heating and ventilation ensure a healthy indoor environment.
Project was the outcome of extensive collaboration with client, specialist consultants (including coastal erosion) and the builder.
The interpretation of experiencing life by the sea in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of the pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms.
The interior design has been an extension of the architectural intent, reinforcing architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum capacity.
There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun.
Architecture Saville Isaacs
https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/
https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/