Adding custom storage was a big part of the renovation of this 1950s home, including creating spaces to show off some quirky vintage accessories such as transistor radios, old cameras, homemade treasures and travel souvenirs (such as these little wooden camels from Morocco and London Black Cab).

Darlinghurst Terrace

Emma Blomfield

Custom made banquette dining bench in jaguar navy spot print.

dining project

Inventory Interior

Winborn Whole Home Remodel

Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling

Breakfast Nook

CS Thomas Construction

Breakfast nook with reclaimed mixed hardwood floors.

Santa Barbara Style

White Sands Coastal Development

We remodeled this 5,400-square foot, 3-story home on ’s Second Street to give it a more current feel, with cleaner lines and textures. The result is more and less Old World Europe, which is exactly what we were going for. We worked with much of the client’s existing furniture, which has a southern flavor, compliments of its former South Carolina home. This was an additional challenge, because we had to integrate a variety of influences in an intentional and cohesive way. We painted nearly every surface white in the 5-bed, 6-bath home, and added light-colored window treatments, which brightened and opened the space. Additionally, we replaced all the light fixtures for a more integrated aesthetic. Well-selected accessories help pull the space together, infusing a consistent sense of peace and comfort.

'Big Bang' White Oak Extendable Butterfly Leaf Dining Table

Casa Dega Design

The Big Bang dining table is based on our classic Vega table, but with a surprising new twist. Big Bang is extendable to accommodate more guests, with center storage for two fold-out butterfly table leaves, tucked out of sight. Collapsed, Big Bang measures 50”x50” to accommodate daily life in our client’s small dining nook, but expands to either 72” or 94” when needed. Big Bang was originally commissioned in white oak, but is available in all of our solid wood materials. Several coats of hand-applied clear finish accentuate Big Bangs natural wood surface & add a layer of extra protection. The Big Bang is a physical theory that describes how the universe… and this table, expanded. Material: White Oak Collapsed Dimensions: 50”L x 50”W x 30”H Extendable Dimensions: (1) 72" or (2) 94" Tabletop thickness: 1.5” Finish: Natural clear coat Build & Interior design by SD Design Studio, Furnishings by Casa Fox Studio, captured by Nader Essa Photography.

Historic Tudor Cottage Remodel

KGA Studio Architects, PC

The tea room windows served as the inspiration for the black steel windows throughout the home, and are the only original windows remaining.

Lillian

Kelly Martin Interiors

A custom built-in banquette in the dining room off the kitchen. We had a custom farm table made to fit the long length of the space.

Tonal Single Family Home

Cathie Hong Interiors

This single family home had been recently flipped with builder-grade materials. We touched each and every room of the house to give it a custom designer touch, thoughtfully marrying our soft minimalist design aesthetic with the graphic designer homeowner’s own design sensibilities. One of the most notable transformations in the home was opening up the galley kitchen to create an open concept great room with large skylight to give the illusion of a larger communal space.

Transitional Dining Room

Kitchen and Dining Interior Design and Remodel

DARCO Design Construction

Rio Grande Airbnb

MA Interiors

This second home was remodeled for an Airbnb. It has an open space floor plan that allows all visitors to interact in a comfortable way.

Logan Square: Dickens

Lugbill Designs

14x26 Summit Series ADU Airbnb

Studio Shed - Live Large. Build Small.

Harvard Street Condo

Sarah Merrigan Design

Coastal transitional dining space with built-in bench

The Dunes

Renovation Angel Interior Design Noosa

Built in banquette seating in open style dining. Featuring beautiful pendant light and seat upholstery with decorative scatter cushions.

Dining Room Design Ideas

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!