Welcome to West Town

Flat Pack Kitchen Design

West Seattle Ranch Retreat

Blue Sound Construction, Inc.

We updated this light, airy ranch-style home to better reflect the serene outdoor beauty without. All new windows, fir beam wrap, new surfaces. Remodeled by Blue Sound Construction, Interior Design by KP Spaces, new layout, Design by Brian David Roberts, Photography by Miranda Estes.

Cleveland Park, DC, home

Susan Nelson Interiors

Original mantel accented with new tile from Architectural Ceramics. Client's dining table and chairs, which are reupholstered with Manuel Canovas fabrics. Drapery by Manuel Canovas. Chandelier from Michael-Cleary at the Washington Design Center. Rug from Galleria at the Washington Design Center. Photo by Erik Kvalsvik

De Beauvoir, Hackney - Full house renovation

Emilie Fournet Interiors

The Breakfast Room leading onto the kitchen through pockets doors using reclaimed Victorian pine doors. A dining area on one side and a seating area around the wood burner create a very cosy atmosphere.

De Beauvoir, Hackney - Full house renovation

Emilie Fournet Interiors

Teton House

cityhomeCOLLECTIVE

My Houzz: A Deconstructed Saltbox in the Hamptons

Rikki Snyder

Prospect Lefferts Garden House

JMorris Design

Even Family Dining Rooms can have glamorous and comfortable. Chic and elegant light pendant over a rich resin dining top make for a perfect pair. A vinyl go is my goto under dining table secret to cleanable and cozy.

Chez moi, Fontagard

Adrien Granchere

Éclectique Salle à Manger

Parisian salon

Jane Ellison

A custom-cut piece of glass tops a Saarinen tulip table base framed by a curvaceous silk-velvet settee and a wood bench stands in place of a conventional dining set in the dining area. “I didn’t want the clutter of a lot of chairs” Jane says. “It would have interfered with the calm of the room.” Timber bamboo, lustrous overscale Vietnamese pottery, a trio of sparkling Thai mirrors, and nearly a dozen candles interspersed with smooth dark stones enhance the dining area’s grown-up appeal.

Langton Kitchen Extension

Nicky Percival Limited

Bespoke dining table with lantern roof over with large pendant light

Hills Drive

Duet Design Group

As this home was the second we designed for this young couple, we were able to reuse the previously custom designed fireplace from their first home. The partial glass wall gives the space a more intimate feel even though it's open to the main area of the house. Photo by Emily Minton Redfield

Joseph Eastburn Photography

Living Areas

Fry Classic Construction, llc

Photo Credit: Jean Allsop

Eclectic with a Mid-Century Modern Flair

You-Neek Designs

cucine

rovegnodesign

ambiente di cucina molto funzionale e pratico dall'arredo moderno molto ricercato e non convenzionale. esprime in pieno la personalità di chi ci abita. gianluca grassano

My: Houzz: Urban Renewal in Franklinton, OH

Adrienne DeRosa

Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2015 Houzz Although the original plan was to refurbish the existing mantelpieces in the living and dining rooms, the Williamsons opted for a complete change of perspective. “One thing led to another, and they came out,” Catherine explains. “First, we removed them to check if the pest problem that had hit the rest of the house had hit the mantels, and it did.” After removing the original pieces, the couple fell in love with the brick arches underneath. Flexing their skills as DIYers, the couple designed and built a floating mantel to highlight the fireplace. Its modern lines play against rich grain and warm tones to embody the marriage of Bryan and Catherine’s diverse styles. “Our style is unique because we tend to mix elements of different design styles,” Catherine says. “We love mixing old and new, masculine and feminine, and so on…. He tends to gravitate toward contemporary, sleek designs, where I gravitate toward more eclectic, feminine elements.” Instructions for creating a mantlepice like this one can be found on the Williamson's blog: www.beginninginthemiddle.net/2014/12/30/i-just-want-brick/

Eclectic Dining Room Design Ideas

A eclectic 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 eclectic 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 eclectic 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 eclectic 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!