They say the magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave and even better to come back and that is exactly what this family wanted to create when they purchased their Bondi home and prepared to renovate. Like Marilyn Monroe, this 1920’s Californian-style bungalow was born with the bone structure to be a great beauty. From the outset, it was important the design reflect their personal journey as individuals along with celebrating their journey as a family. Using a limited colour palette of white walls and black floors, a minimalist canvas was created to tell their story. Sentimental accents captured from holiday photographs, cherished books, artwork and various pieces collected over the years from their travels added the layers and dimension to the home. Architrave sides in the hallway and cutout reveals were painted in high-gloss black adding contrast and depth to the space. Bathroom renovations followed the black a white theme incorporating black marble with white vein accents and exotic greenery was used throughout the home – both inside and out, adding a lushness reminiscent of time spent in the tropics. Like this family, this home has grown with a 3rd stage now in production - watch this space for more... Martine Payne & Deen Hameed

Wohnhaus D.

Trieschmann GmbH

Eine außergewöhnliche und stylische Art einen Essplatz zu beleuchten: Die einzeln ausrichtbaren Stäbe dieser Leuchte bringen das Licht jederzeit genau dorthin, wo es gebraucht wird. Die peled soffitto von Viabizzuno ist ein absolutes Design-Highlight made in Italy. Interior Design: Barbara Middel, Stuttgart

cynthia van elk

•the windows were enlarged to capture the nearly 360º views of the gardens and water feature, just beyond Interior features: • the kitchen/sunroom dining area were reconfigured. A wall was removed between the sunroom and kitchen to create a more open floor plan. The space now consists of a living room/kitchen/dining/sitting area. The dining table was custom designed to fit the space. A custom made light was designed into the large island to avoid overhead lighting and to add a convenient electrical outlet • a new wall was designed into the kitchen cabinetry to accommodate a second sink, open shelves to display barware and to create a divide between the kitchen and the terrace entry • the kitchen was cavernous. Adding the new wall and a fabric paneled drop ceiling created a more comfortable, welcoming space with much better acoustics

Dining space and kitchen looking towards garden. Photograph © Tim Crocker

36Th Street

South Bay Green

We have many wall paper options. This wall paper is a grasscloth from Innovations

French inspired dining area

Betsy Lyon Interiors

This beautiful Broyhill dining table sits on a black wool carpet in the dining room, with framed original covers of the French magazine L'Illustration, printed in 1886. Grey and white patterned upholstery on the chairs brings the table set up to date and adds a modern flair.

Anchorage

Katharine Jessica Interior Design, LLC

Kimberly Muto

South Crown Street

User

Dining room with large chunky table. Original flagstone flooring restored. New cast iron radiator, and bookshelves in alcoves. Copyright Nigel Rigden

Gilded Townhouse

Duchess Den Interiors

Landhausküche Eiche

Welter & Welter GmbH

Stunning Wood and Ceramic Kitchen

Haus of Design

Check out this stunning Haus of Design Bax Kuchen Installed within the North East of England. Using wood and ceramic elements to radiate texture and light, this space truly was transformed into the customers dream kitchen

Indian Moon

Parker Homes

Commercial Design: CH Distillery and Bar

StableRocket, Inc.

The hanging lights stretch from both ends of the bar, providing ample light. The countertop is glass, adding more modern influences to the industrial of the concrete pillars and visible machinery behind the windows.

Barn Remodel

Kimball Modern Design + Interiors

Photography by Andrew Pogue

Raptor House

Kansas City Brick Company

House of Light: Chevy Chase, Maryland Home inspired by Hugh Newell Jacobsen

Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.

Featured in Home & Design Magazine, this Chevy Chase home was inspired by Hugh Newell Jacobsen and built/designed by Anthony Wilder's team of architects and designers.

Uptown Downtown

Robert Paige Cabinetry LLC

Brighton Kitchen

American Homestead Kitchens Ltd

Darren Simcox, Kitchen Designer

Kitchen/Dining Combo Design Ideas with Black 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!