This 5,200-square foot modern farmhouse is located on Manhattan Beach’s Fourth Street, which leads directly to the ocean. A raw stone facade and custom-built Dutch front-door greets guests, and customized millwork can be found throughout the home. The exposed beams, wooden furnishings, rustic-chic lighting, and soothing palette are inspired by Scandinavian farmhouses and breezy coastal living. The home’s understated elegance privileges comfort and vertical space. To this end, the 5-bed, 7-bath (counting halves) home has a 4-stop elevator and a basement theater with tiered seating and 13-foot ceilings. A third story porch is separated from the upstairs living area by a glass wall that disappears as desired, and its stone fireplace ensures that this panoramic ocean view can be enjoyed year-round. This house is full of gorgeous materials, including a kitchen backsplash of Calacatta marble, mined from the Apuan mountains of Italy, and countertops of polished porcelain. The curved antique French limestone fireplace in the living room is a true statement piece, and the basement includes a temperature-controlled glass room-within-a-room for an aesthetic but functional take on wine storage. The takeaway? Efficiency and beauty are two sides of the same coin.

Manhattan Beach Hill Section Home

Siri Berting Photography

Project Rush Haven

Terravista Interior Design Group

The homeowners wanted an updated style for their home that incorporated their existing traditional pieces. We added transitional furnishings with clean lines and a neutral palette to create a fresh and sophisticated traditional design plan.

Biltmore House

Frusterio Design, Inc.

Respect The Tiki

Well Done Building & Design

David Watkins Home Design, LLC

Wasatch Hollows

cityhomeCOLLECTIVE

We love the idea of the bold, modern photograph on the far wall. First thing you see when you enter the house, the goal was to slice right through the Craftsman, with crisp modern color. We also love the pairing of primary colors - red with the client’s own blue Saarinen chairs. We also love the slight irreverence in the exposed wires of the gently industrial light.

Classic Modern - Dry Bar

Mia Rao Design

A niche between the kitchen and dining room was turned into the dry bar. Dressed up with a patterned tile backsplash and soapstone counter, it is the perfect spot to prepare cocktails for guests.

Transitional Dining Room

Summer Dream Home 2017

J & V Painting

Estates at Southgate Showhome

Homes of Distinction, Inc.

• SEE THROUGH FIREPLACE WITH CUSTOM TRIMMED MANTLE AND MARBLE SURROUND • TWO STORY CEILING WITH CUSTOM DESIGNED WINDOW WALLS • CUSTOM TRIMMED ACCENT COLUMNS

Linner Road - 2 Story

Zehnder Homes

Formal dining features wainscoting, wallpaper, unique light fixture, and hardwood floors.

NJ Country House - Modern Farmhouse Dining Room

Curated Nest

Formal dining room: This light-drenched dining room in suburban New Jersery was transformed into a serene and comfortable space, with both luxurious elements and livability for families. Moody grasscloth wallpaper lines the entire room above the wainscoting and two aged brass lantern pendants line up with the tall windows. We added linen drapery for softness with stylish wood cube finials to coordinate with the wood of the farmhouse table and chairs. We chose a distressed wood dining table with a soft texture to will hide blemishes over time, as this is a family-family space. We kept the space neutral in tone to both allow for vibrant tablescapes during large family gatherings, and to let the many textures create visual depth. Photo Credit: Erin Coren, Curated Nest Interiors

Dining Room Design Ideas with Medium Hardwood Floors and Brown Floor

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!