New Construction- The big challenge of this kitchen was the lack of wall cabinet space due to the large number of windows, and the client’s desire to have furniture in the kitchen . The view over a private lake is worth the trade, but finding a place to put dishes and glasses became problematic. The house was designed by Architect, Jack Jenkins and he allowed for a walk in pantry around the corner that accommodates smaller countertop appliances, food and a second refrigerator. Back at the Kitchen, Dishes & glasses were placed in drawers that were customized to accommodate taller tumblers. Base cabinets included rollout drawers to maximize the storage. The bookcase acts as a mini-drop off for keys on the way out the door. A second oven was placed on the island, so the microwave could be placed higher than countertop level on one of the only walls in the kitchen. Wall space was exclusively dedicated to appliances. The furniture pcs in the kitchen was selected and designed into the plan with dish storage in mind, but feels spontaneous in this casual and warm space. Homeowners have grown children, who are often home. Their extended family is very large family. Father’s Day they had a small gathering of 24 people, so the kitchen was the heart of activity. The house has a very restful feel and casually entertain often.Multiple work zones for multiple people. Plenty of space to lay out buffet style meals for large gatherings.Sconces at window, slat board walls, brick tile backsplash, Bathroom Vanity, Mudroom, & Kitchen Space designed by Tara Hutchens CKB, CBD (Designer at Splash Kitchens & Baths) Finishes and Styling by Cathy Winslow (owner of Splash Kitchens & Baths) Photos by Tom Harper.

Whisper Rock Traditional

Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes

Casa Santi

Francesca Anichini Studio

West Pond House

Architecture in Formation

Michelle Rose Photography

Country Club Project Remodel

Great Neighborhood Homes

Dining Room #2

Brian Benda

Casual dining room that connects to open living room and kitchen. Dining room table is from Pottery Barn's Benchwright line. Drapery and roman shades are custom made. Beams in ceiling are rough sawn and stained a custom blend to match other wood tones. Windows and sliding door to covered back porch are from Pella.

Mediterranean Classic

Tommy Chambers Interiors, Inc.

Photography by David Phelps Photography. Hidden behind gates stands this 1935 Mediterranean home in the Hollywood Hills West. The multi-purpose grounds feature an outdoor loggia for entertaining, spa, pool and private terraced gardens with hillside city views. Completely modernized and renovated with special attention to architectural integrity. Carefully selected antiques and custom furnishings set the stage for tasteful casual California living. Interior Designer Tommy Chambers Architect Kevin Oreck Landscape Designer Laurie Lewis Contractor Jeff Vance of IDGroup

New Florida

User

Great room, open space in new Florida home Photographer-Randy Smith

Rustic Modern Carriage Guest House

ACM Design

Tuxedo Park Custom Home Buckhead Atlanta

Mid-Century Remodel on Tabor Hill This sensitively sited house was designed by Robert Coolidge, a renowned architect and grandson of President Calvin Coolidge. The house features a symmetrical gable roof and beautiful floor to ceiling glass facing due south, smartly oriented for passive solar heating. Situated on a steep lot, the house is primarily a single story that steps down to a family room. This lower level opens to a New England exterior. Our goals for this project were to maintain the integrity of the original design while creating more modern spaces. Our design team worked to envision what Coolidge himself might have designed if he'd had access to modern materials and fixtures. With the aim of creating a signature space that ties together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, we designed a variation on the 1950's "floating kitchen." In this inviting assembly, the kitchen is located away from exterior walls, which allows views from the floor-to-ceiling glass to remain uninterrupted by cabinetry. We updated rooms throughout the house; installing modern features that pay homage to the fine, sleek lines of the original design. Finally, we opened the family room to a terrace featuring a fire pit. Since a hallmark of our design is the diminishment of the hard line between interior and exterior, we were especially pleased for the opportunity to update this classic work.

1902 House

wengerkois architecture + design

Margaret Kois Photography

Coastal Contemporary

Joy R. Dabill Interior Design

Ron Rosenzweig

Photo by Tony Mills

French Country Elegance

Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc

Photos by Bob Greenspan

Shy Rabbit Farm

Theresa Fine

Starry Night Farm - Dining Room

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

Photographer: Jim Graham

Carmadillo Kitchen|Dining

Regan Baker Design Inc.

Modern meets beach. A 1920's bungalow home in the heart of downtown Carmel, California undergoes a small renovation that leads to a complete home makeover. New driftwood oak floors, board and batten walls, Ann Sacks tile, modern finishes, and an overall neutral palette creates a true bungalow style home. Photography by Wonderkamera.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Dark Hardwood 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!