Custom Niche Modern Lighting over bespoke dining table with steel windows and doors. Photo by Jeff Herr Photography.

Christopher Lee Foto

Peter Murdock

Open concept Dining Room

Tying in black and white and playing on colours gives this space personality. We tied in the fringe pillows with fringe light fixtures. The velvet chairs and sectional makes the space feel rich and inviting.

1st Street

Bromik Design & Build

Set in a downtown Kirkland neighborhood, the 1st Street project captures the best of suburban living. The open floor plan brings kitchen, dining, and living space within reach, and rich wood beams, shiplap, and stone accents add timeless texture with a modern twist. Four bedrooms and a sprawling daylight basement create distinct spaces for family life, and the finished covered patio invites residents to breathe in the best of Pacific Northwest summers.

Central city Bungalow

Four Walls Architecture

The dining table sits facing the back lawn, but also connects to the kitchen. A high window lets south light into the room, but keeps the space private from the neighbour.

Modern Colonial Complete Remodel

Anthony James Master Builders, LLC

Robin Bailey

Saussaye

ARCHIPELLES

Crédits photo: Alexis Paoli

Upper East Side Penthouse

Lisa Weiss Interiors

Adam Macchia

Carroll Gardens Landmarked Brownstone

Ben Herzog

Kuhlman Road

Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects

The heart of the house is a double-height great room encompassing family living, dining and kitchen. Featuring floor-to-ceiling glass pivot doors and expansive glazing, the dining room at this modern home is airy and light. © Matthew Millman

Modern Farmhouse- Herriman

Simons Design Studio

Interior Designer: Simons Design Studio Builder: Magleby Construction Photography: Allison Niccum

Holland Park

Rubrics Architects

This family house is a Grade II listed building in Holland Park, London W11 required a full house renovation to suit more contemporary living. With the building being listed and protected by Historic England, the most challenging design consideration was integrating the new with the existing features. The clients holds a large diverse artwork collection which has been collected over many years. We strived to create spaces and palettes that would ‘stage’ the artwork, rather than the architecture becoming too dominant. To achieve this, the design had to be minimal and sympathetic, whilst respecting the character and features of the property. The main aspect of the project was to ‘open up’ the raised ground floor and provide access to the rear garden, by linking the kitchen and dining areas. A clear sightline was achieved from the front part of the raised ground floor through to the back of the garden. This design approach allowed more generous space and daylight into the rooms as well as creating a visual connection to the rear garden. Kitchen and furniture units were designed using a shaker style with deep colours on top of herringbone wooden flooring to fit in with the traditional architectural elements such as the skirting and architraves. The drawing room and study are presented on the first floor, which acted as the main gallery space of the house. Restoration of the fireplaces, cornicing and other original features were carried out, with a simple backdrop of new materials chosen, in order to provide a subtle backdrop to showcase the art on the wall. Photos by Matt Clayton

Spoleto Project

Houck Construction Inc.

San Carlos

North Bay Construction, LLC

Gerda Terrace Custom

M. Lahr Homes

Dining Room Design Ideas with White Walls

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!