First impression count as you enter this custom-built Horizon Homes property at Kellyville. The home opens into a stylish entryway, with soaring double height ceilings. It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And that’s literally true with this home. With the kitchen in the centre of the ground floor, this home provides ample formal and informal living spaces on the ground floor. At the rear of the house, a rumpus room, living room and dining room overlooking a large alfresco kitchen and dining area make this house the perfect entertainer. It’s functional, too, with a butler’s pantry, and laundry (with outdoor access) leading off the kitchen. There’s also a mudroom – with bespoke joinery – next to the garage. Upstairs is a mezzanine office area and four bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite with dressing room, ensuite and private balcony. Outdoor areas were important to the owners of this knockdown rebuild. While the house is large at almost 454m2, it fills only half the block. That means there’s a generous backyard. A central courtyard provides further outdoor space. Of course, this courtyard – as well as being a gorgeous focal point – has the added advantage of bringing light into the centre of the house.

Modern Blueberry Farm and House

Flavin Architects

Flavin Architects collaborated with Ben Wood Studio Shanghai on the design of this modern house overlooking a blueberry farm. A contemporary design that looks at home in a traditional New England landscape, this house features many environmentally sustainable features including passive solar heat and native landscaping. The house is clad in stucco and natural wood in clear and stained finishes and also features a double height dining room with a double-sided fireplace. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Dining Room

SINGLEPOINT DESIGN BUILD INC.

Another shot of the Dining Room.

Sewall's Point Waterfront Home

Francesca Morgan Interiors

2012 VHBA - Winter Wonderland of Homes

Bradd W. Syring LLC - Custom Homes

Long Beach Midcentury Modern

Soko Design

Caisson Studios– Interior Designer Los Angeles

Caisson Studios

A Little More Room

Krieger + Associates Architects, Inc.

This is part of the flexible open-plan area, flowing seamlessly between the kitchen, living room, and dining room. There is enough room here to host 24 people for dinner, and an intimate enough space for just two. Photography courtesy of Jeffrey Totaro.

White-Cream Kitchen Remodel with Shiplap & Rustic Beams

The Cleary Company

Existing tumbled limestone tiles were removed from the fireplace & hearth and replaced with new taupe colored brick-like 2x8 ceramic tile. A new reclaimed rustic beam installed for mantle. To add even more architectural detail to the fireplace painted shiplap boards were installed over existing drywall. Marshall Skinner, Marshall Evan Photography

Mid Century / Scandanavian Townhouse

Sarah Goesling - Goesling Group

Bohemian Elegance Kitchen Remodel

Hope Pinc Design

Phillips Creek Ranch | Shaddock Homes

Shaddock Homes

Shaddock Homes | Frisco, TX | Phillips Creek Ranch

Upscale Down-sizing: Feeling at home in a retirement community

JCR Design Group

Brookfield, Vanderbilt C

Jagoe Homes Inc.

Breakfast area looking into family room.

Gustavson Dundes Architecture & Design, LLP

View of family room from the kitchen. This space is part of the new addition to the rear of the home.

The Melrose House

Phelps Investments

KingsHaven Chancellor Globe, Large

KingsHaven

North Shore Tranquility

Cummings Architecture + Interiors

Eric Roth Photography

Pelham Renovation

Karen Houghton Interiors

Update of existing home in Pelham.

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

Dining Room Design Ideas with Dark Hardwood Floors and a Tile Fireplace Surround

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!