Terrell Hills Mid Century Modern Project

One functional challenge was that the home did not have a pantry. MCM closets were historically smaller than the walk-in closets and pantries of today. So, we printed out the home’s floorplan and began sketching ideas. The breakfast area was quite large, and it backed up to the primary bath on one side and it also adjoined the main hallway. We decided to reconfigure the large breakfast area by making part of it into a new walk-in pantry. This gave us the extra space we needed to create a new main hallway, enough space for a spacious walk-in pantry, and finally, we had enough space remaining in the breakfast area to add a cozy built-in walnut dining bench. Above the new dining bench, we designed and incorporated a geometric walnut accent wall to add warmth and texture.

Now and Zen - Dining

Drewett Works

Dramatic in its simplicity, the dining room is separated from the front entry by a transparent water wall visible. Sleek limestone walls and flooring serve as a warm contrast to Douglas fir ceilings. The custom dining table is by Peter Thomas Designs. The multi-tiered glass pendant is from Hinkley Lighting. Project Details // Now and Zen Renovation, Paradise Valley, Arizona Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Brimley Development Interior Designer: Ownby Design Photographer: Dino Tonn Limestone (Demitasse) flooring and walls: Solstice Stone Windows (Arcadia): Elevation Window & Door Table: Peter Thomas Designs Pendants: Hinkley Lighting Faux plants: Botanical Elegance https://www.drewettworks.com/now-and-zen/

California Garden & Kitchen

RICHARD FELIX-ASHMAN DESIGN

Dark and Moody Dining Room

Fiona Bateman Interiors

Our client wanted us to create a cosy and atmospheric dining experience, so we embraced the north facing room and painted it top to bottom in a deep, warm brown from Little Greene. To help lift the room and create a conversation starter, we chose a sketched cloud wallpaper for the ceiling. Full length curtains, recessed into the ceiling help to make the room feel bigger and are up-lit by ground lights that emphasise the folds in the fabric. The sculptural dining table from Emmemobili takes centre stage and is surrounded by comfortable upholstered dining chairs. We chose two fabrics for the dining chairs to add interest. The ochre velvet pairs beautifully with the yellow glass Porta Romana lamps and brushed brass over-sized round mirror.

Traditionl Hand Painted Framed Kitchen

Dining room with blue grass cloth

Papa Nui

Rick Ryniak Architects

Dining - Great Room - Kitchen

California Historic House

erin williamson

Manifold House

Oliver Custom Homes

Dining room with wood ceiling, beige limestone floors, and built-in banquette.

Sophisticated Contemporary California Ranch

JTID Inc.

A closeup of the dining room. Large multi-slide doors open onto the pool area. Motorized solar shades lower at the push of a button on warmer days. The cabinet in the background conceals a television which automatically pops out when desired. To the right, a custom-built cabinet comprises two enclosed storage units and a lit glass shelved display.

Proposed Bungalow Extension

Jade Jefferies

Proposed dining area within a new extension to a 1930's bungalow.

Snowmass Residence

Willis Pember Architects

Vacation Dream Dana Point

k. smith interiors

Beautiful dark wainscot tied into our custom wine cellar, unique wallpaper and a pop of color made this room so special!

Los Gatos Farmhouse

Peter Vincent Architects

Dining space for new build house with three courtyard gardens

Photo by Chris Snook

Hidden Valley Road Remodel

Davis Design

Commercial - Rustic Restaurant Cafe

LNDesigns

Having worked ten years in hospitality, I understand the challenges of restaurant operation and how smart interior design can make a huge difference in overcoming them. This once country cottage café needed a facelift to bring it into the modern day but we honoured its already beautiful features by stripping back the lack lustre walls to expose the original brick work and constructing dark paneling to contrast. The rustic bar was made out of 100 year old floorboards and the shelves and lighting fixtures were created using hand-soldered scaffold pipe for an industrial edge. The old front of house bar was repurposed to make bespoke banquet seating with storage, turning the high traffic hallway area from an avoid zone for couples to an enviable space for groups.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Limestone Floors

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!