A whimsical English garden was the foundation and driving force for the design inspiration. A lingering garden mural wraps all the walls floor to ceiling, while a union jack wood detail adorns the existing tray ceiling, as a nod to the client’s English roots. Custom heritage blue base cabinets and antiqued white glass front uppers create a beautifully balanced built-in buffet that stretches the east wall providing display and storage for the client's extensive inherited China collection.

Perched on a hilltop high in the Myacama mountains is a vineyard property that exists off-the-grid. This peaceful parcel is home to Cornell Vineyards, a winery known for robust cabernets and a casual ‘back to the land’ sensibility. We were tasked with designing a simple refresh of two existing buildings that dually function as a weekend house for the proprietor’s family and a platform to entertain winery guests. We had fun incorporating our client’s Asian art and antiques that are highlighted in both living areas. Paired with a mix of neutral textures and tones we set out to create a casual California style reflective of its surrounding landscape and the winery brand.

European Industrial Drama

Haus Interior Design

Bell Street

Well Appointed Kitchens, Baths & Designs

Maison de Vacance

Last Design

Maison de Vacance dans les Landes

Two sisters

Cellar Ridge Construction

Entertaining Barn

Ailtire Studio llc

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.

Ocala, FL Home With Pecky Cypress and Midnight Heart Cypress

Goodwin Heart Pine Company

Painted Brick and Board and Batten Modern Farmhouse

Wyrick Residential Design

West Seattle Mid-Century

Board & Vellum

Photos by Tina Witherspoon.

Mountain Retreat

The Varda Group

Residential project at Yellowstone Club, Big Sky, MT

House In A Garden

Studio Lotus

With all living spaces arranged along a central spine, the built mass of the house is characterized by timber-shuttered concrete walls folding inwards to create multiple niches and courts in the built envelope. Added on to this are layers of the owners’ collection of found antiques and artifacts from his stints of travel. The central spine manifests itself as the internal corridor which connects all living spaces sequentially; the façade modulates itself in accordance with the function of the interior spaces – changing from a cantilevered overhang that forms the entrance forecourt, to the conservatory structure that frames the dining room from the South-East side, and leading to the kitchen on the extreme North-West which opens out to the deck and swimming pool. A series of portals along the spine highlights the sequential nature of the living spaces, with varying degrees of privacy accorded to each zone: public spaces, for instance, open directly into the forecourt, whereas the relatively private family zone, adjoining the kitchen, has been placed towards the back of the house. In addition to the tree in the forecourt, the Sembhal tree along the South-Western site periphery and the tree towards the North determine the spatial layout of the residence, with multiple balconies and windows opening out to glorious views of their dense canopies.

American Spirit

Faure Halvorsen Architects

Casa Cortina 4

Outline Studio 74

Загородный дом в Подмосковье

Салахова Дина

Интерьер деревянного дома.

Alex Loft

Дом с потайной лестницей

goro_da

Penthouse Industrial Loft

JAB Design Group

Open Dining area as seen from the foyer. Custom artisan dining table with custom Grey velvet low back chairs. Driftwood floors and wood adorned ceiling.

Dining Room Design Ideas with 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!