Large open-concept dining room featuring a black and gold chandelier, wood dining table, mid-century dining chairs, hardwood flooring, black windows, and shiplap walls.

Basement Envy Anyone?

Innovative Design Build

This full basement renovation included adding a mudroom area, media room, a bedroom, a full bathroom, a game room, a kitchen, a gym and a beautiful custom wine cellar. Our clients are a family that is growing, and with a new baby, they wanted a comfortable place for family to stay when they visited, as well as space to spend time themselves. They also wanted an area that was easy to access from the pool for entertaining, grabbing snacks and using a new full pool bath.We never treat a basement as a second-class area of the house. Wood beams, customized details, moldings, built-ins, beadboard and wainscoting give the lower level main-floor style. There’s just as much custom millwork as you’d see in the formal spaces upstairs. We’re especially proud of the wine cellar, the media built-ins, the customized details on the island, the custom cubbies in the mudroom and the relaxing flow throughout the entire space.

Low Country

Color Fresh Home Designs

Farmhouse on the Lake

SKD Architects

Saari & Forrai Photography MSI Custom Homes, LLC

Salten Point- Dining

LDa Architecture & Interiors

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: Kennerknecht Design Group Builder: JJ Delaney, Inc. Landscape Architect: Horiuchi Solien Landscape Architects Photographer: Sean Litchfield Photography

ビンテージスタイルハウス

ホロスホーム

Atlantic Ave Sullivans Island

Showhomes Charleston

Private Waterfront Residence on the Chester River

Purple Cherry Architects

The guest suite of the home features a darling breakfast nook adjacent to the bedroom.

Davisville

CO Interiors

How to elevate a dining room beyond just the use of a table and chairs? Creating a feature wall with millwork, lighting and accessories is a great way to add not only functionality but character to the space. The existing window was the central focus that dictated this symmetrical design. We introduced a long bench under the window which is flanked by floor to ceiling built-in bookcases. To visually connect the bookcases, we introduced horizontal bead board that was painted in the same colour as the bookcases. Adding sconces offers the flexibility in establishing ambient lighting based on the desired mood. If budget doesn't permit all these additional features, then investing in an amazing chandelier will definitely set the tone for your space. This dark sculptural ribbon chandelier is the perfect piece of organic composition in juxtaposition to the linear lines of the space.

Spacecrafting Photography

Braeside Residence

Synthesis Design Inc.

The top floor was designed to provide a large, open concept space for our clients to have family and friends gather. The large kitchen features an island with a waterfall edge, a hidden pantry concealed in millwork, and long windows allowing for natural light to pour in. The central 3-sided fireplace creates a sense of entry while also providing privacy from the front door in the living spaces.

Cottage dining area with shiplap, antique furniture, and a built-in with a light blue accent color.

Andover Model Home

AR Homes | Nashville

This Dining Room features a dramatic ceiling with accent lighting

Coastal Farmhouse

C&C Designs LLC

Comedor | Pared de piedra natural | CASA DEL RÍO

JORNET | Arquitectos

NOËL 2020

RénoDéco etc.

designer Lyne Brunet

Transitional Home with Ocean Views

Asher Slaunwhite + Partners

Lakeside Cottage #1

Cannarsa Structure and Design

Grey Dining Room Design Ideas with Planked Wall Panelling

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!