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.

Vero Beach Coastal Makeover

RCL Development

Dining Room

Chambers Interiors & Associates, Inc.

Almost everything in this dining room follows a neutral palette, from the English firework chairs to the feather crystal chandelier and the photograph in between the sconces. Fresh flowers in the antique porcelain vases add a pop of color. The table also has a washed finish and stained top, which gives it a sleek look. Photo by Michael Hunter.

Marlborough Street

Annie Hall Interiors

Michael Lee

New York Apartment - Dining Area

Vila Stocco Interiors

A compact space made to feel huge. By reconfiguring the layout of the apartment and removing anold dressing room which was of no need to our clients, we managed to give space to a small dining area that sits six.

Dining Room with Faux Finished Walls and Reclaimed Wood Ceiling

CPJ Custom Homes, LLC

Nathan Leduc Photography

Fair View

User

Green and Botanical Themes

Bella Life Style

This dining room is as wondrous as a rainforest and encourages presence with the deep green colour. The modern styling is uncluttered and the achromatic scheme with pattern provides subtle interest. Photo credit: Bloglovin.com

Greenspring Valley Makeover

Penza Bailey Architects

Former clients of Penza Bailey Architects purchased this property in Greenspring Valley because of the expansive views of the adjacent rolling hills, which were protected by an environmental trust. They asked PBA to design an attached garage with a studio above, a new entrance vestibule and entry foyer, and a new sunroom in the rear of the property to take advantage of the commanding views. The entire house was extensively renovated, and landscape improvements included a new front courtyard and guest parking, replacing the original paved driveway. In addition to the 2 story garage enlargement, PBA designed a tall entrance providing a stronger sense of identity and welcome, along with a 1 1/2 story gallery, allowing light to graciously fill the interior space. These additions served to break up the original rambling roofline, resulting in a thoughtfully balanced structure nestled comfortably into the property. Anne Gummerson Photography

Classic Georgian Home

Gordon Gibson Construction

Erhard Pfeiffer

Comfortable dining area with window seat

Warren - Traditional Infill

Visbeen Architects

Building a new home in an old neighborhood can present many challenges for an architect. The Warren is a beautiful example of an exterior, which blends with the surrounding structures, while the floor plan takes advantage of the available space. A traditional façade, combining brick, shakes, and wood trim enables the design to fit well in any early 20th century borough. Copper accents and antique-inspired lanterns solidify the home’s vintage appeal. Despite the exterior throwback, the interior of the home offers the latest in amenities and layout. Spacious dining, kitchen and hearth areas open to a comfortable back patio on the main level, while the upstairs offers a luxurious master suite and three guests bedrooms.

Eclectic Modern Tudor Dining Room

LDa Architecture & Interiors

Photography: Eric Roth Photography

Salem Townhouse Dining Room

Rehabitat

New Farmhouse - Dining Room

DeBaker Design Group, Ltd.

Beautiful Dining Room with wainscot paneling, dry bar, and larder with pocketing doors.

Kim Nichols

Country French inspired breakfast room.

New Farmhouse - Dining Room

DeBaker Design Group, Ltd.

Beautiful Dining Room with wainscot paneling, dry bar, and larder with pocketing doors.

Horseshoe Beach Project

M&P Design Group

Colonial Farmhouse

Murphy & Co. Design

Photo by Karen Melvin

Dining Room Design Ideas with Green Walls and 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!