Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Backyard Patio. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier. Floor to ceiling windows and modern sliding glass doors expand the living space to the outdoors.

Aqua Verde Residence

Clark Richardson Architects

The living room flows directly into the dining room. A change in ceiling and wall finish provides a textural and color transition. The fireplace, clad in black Venetian Plaster, marks a central focus and a visual axis.

Laura Burton Interiors

WOHNUNG IM HUNSRÜCK

BRÜNING INTERIORS

Über dem Essbereich kreisen die unvergleichlichen Occhio Mito Leuchten. Diese geben dem Raum einen leichten, poetischen Charakter. Der Jalis Stuhl von COR macht jeden Esstisch zum beliebten Mittelpunkt - hier ganz besonders in Verbindung mit dem Esstisch Soma von Kettnaker.

Mid-Century Modern Highland Park West Home

Mosier Luxury Homes

The Bedford House

Lori Dennis, Inc.

Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Outdoor Patio. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier.

Arcadia Lights

AFT Construction

Elemental House

Elizabeth Herrmann architecture + design

The Bedford House

Lori Dennis Interior Design

Beverly Hills Modern

Lori Dennis, ASID, LEED AP

Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Entryway. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier.

Montana Dog House

Heather Scott Home & Design

八幡の家

しなのいえ工房

Auger Architectural Gem

Penny Lane Home Builders, LLC

This gem of a home was designed by homeowner/architect Eric Vollmer. It is nestled in a traditional neighborhood with a deep yard and views to the east and west. Strategic window placement captures light and frames views while providing privacy from the next door neighbors. The second floor maximizes the volumes created by the roofline in vaulted spaces and loft areas. Four skylights illuminate the ‘Nordic Modern’ finishes and bring daylight deep into the house and the stairwell with interior openings that frame connections between the spaces. The skylights are also operable with remote controls and blinds to control heat, light and air supply. Unique details abound! Metal details in the railings and door jambs, a paneled door flush in a paneled wall, flared openings. Floating shelves and flush transitions. The main bathroom has a ‘wet room’ with the tub tucked under a skylight enclosed with the shower. This is a Structural Insulated Panel home with closed cell foam insulation in the roof cavity. The on-demand water heater does double duty providing hot water as well as heat to the home via a high velocity duct and HRV system.

Lake Lure Renovation

Allard + Roberts Interior Design, Inc

Custom Kitchen and Dining Room featuring white oak cabinetry and beams, LED lighting, a custom dining table, steel hood, a frame TV, and outdoor rated chairs.

Farmhouse Dining Room

Colette Interiors

A rustic dining experience along side an original to the home brick gas fireplace. Custom upholstered chairs, trestle table, and brand new white oak, wide plank flooring.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Light Hardwood Floors and Wood

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!