Glenview Renovations - Breakfast with a View

Catherine Schager Designs

Photo Credit: Mike Kaskel, Kaskel Photo

Allen Parkway renovation

Poggenpohl Houston

Joseph Nance Photography

Ptarmigan Ranch Log Home

Mountain Log Homes of CO, Inc.

Living Room & Spaces

Timber Wolff Designs Inc.

Kitchen Remodels

Mackey Builders, Inc.

Tuscany

Kitchen Fantastic SJ

Le Selva Rustic Beach Residence

Mimi Snowden Design

Bronte House 01

User

Photo Credit: ArchiShot

Casual By The Lake

Splash Kitchens & Baths LLC

New Construction- The big challenge of this kitchen was the lack of wall cabinet space due to the large number of windows, and the client’s desire to have furniture in the kitchen . The view over a private lake is worth the trade, but finding a place to put dishes and glasses became problematic. The house was designed by Architect, Jack Jenkins and he allowed for a walk in pantry around the corner that accommodates smaller countertop appliances, food and a second refrigerator. Back at the Kitchen, Dishes & glasses were placed in drawers that were customized to accommodate taller tumblers. Base cabinets included rollout drawers to maximize the storage. The bookcase acts as a mini-drop off for keys on the way out the door. A second oven was placed on the island, so the microwave could be placed higher than countertop level on one of the only walls in the kitchen. Wall space was exclusively dedicated to appliances. The furniture pcs in the kitchen was selected and designed into the plan with dish storage in mind, but feels spontaneous in this casual and warm space. Homeowners have grown children, who are often home. Their extended family is very large family. Father’s Day they had a small gathering of 24 people, so the kitchen was the heart of activity. The house has a very restful feel and casually entertain often.Multiple work zones for multiple people. Plenty of space to lay out buffet style meals for large gatherings.Sconces at window, slat board walls, brick tile backsplash, Bathroom Vanity, Mudroom, & Kitchen Space designed by Tara Hutchens CKB, CBD (Designer at Splash Kitchens & Baths) Finishes and Styling by Cathy Winslow (owner of Splash Kitchens & Baths) Photos by Tom Harper.

Buckhead Client's Ski Retreat - Dining Room

New Mood Design LLC

Level Three: A custom-designed chandelier with ocher-colored onyx pendants suits the dining room furnishings and space layout. Matching onyx sconces grace the window-wall behind the table. Access to the outdoor deck and BBQ area (to the left of the fireplace column) is conveniently located near the dining and kitchen areas. Photograph © Darren Edwards, San Diego

Park Slope Brownstone

Ben Herzog

The rear wall openings were enlarged, bricks were patched in and repaired at chimney. Photography by Marco Valencia.

Urban Townhome Breakfast Room

LORRAINE G VALE, Allied ASID

This lovely breakfast room, overlooking the garden, is an inviting place to start your day lingering over Sunday morning coffee. I had the walls painted in a soft coral, contrasting with various wood tones in the armoire, table and shades. It is all tied together by keeping the chair covers and rug light in color. The crystal chandelier is an unexpected element in a breakfast room, yet, your not compelled to pull out the china and silver.

Traditional Dining Room

An open plan within a traditional framework was the Owner’s goal - for ease of entertaining, for working at home, or for just hanging out as a family. We pushed out to the side, eliminating a useless appendage, to expand the dining room and to create a new family room. Large openings connect rooms as well as the garden, while allowing spacial definition. Additional renovations included updating the kitchen and master bath, as well as creating a formal office paneled in stained cherry wood. Photographs © Stacy Zarin-Goldberg

Niagara Kitchen

MAC Renovations LTD.

Stunning Nassau County Redesign

Jacqueline Rose Interiors, LLC

Wildwood Home Remodel

Liston Design Build

A Queen's Sanctuary

Coyle Carpet One Floor & Home

8" White Oak Hardwood Floors from Anderson Tuftex: Kensington Queen's Gate

Kitchen/Dining Combo Design Ideas with Brown 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!