Architectural Photography - Port Douglas

Our Toorak project is a unified vision, the result of seamless collaboration between clients and designers. Moving away from their previous traditional style home, the homeowners desired a more contemporary look with unexpected pieces. Massimo Interiors offered a spacious feel suitable for hosting large gatherings of family and friends, where the comfortable space allows children to play and people to sit, eat and move around. Care was taken when selecting durable fabrics in order to establish a child-friendly yet sophisticated space. The European oak floorboards offset the predominantly monochromatic colour scheme, creating a light and elegant interior, complemented with the occasional classic piece. The main living area features an extra large floor rug that unifies separate seating areas for different activities. To create balance and drama, Massimo Interiors arranged two large sofas facing each other, separated by two luxurious ottomans. Near the fireplace lies a second seating area designed for reading or relaxing by the warm glow of the fire. The rich layering of different materials such as polished timber, stainless steel, marble, glass, and velvet provided contrast with the pared-back kitchen and dining areas. Accent colour, such as the aubergine fabric of the cut-velvet Louis XV French Bergere lounge chair, complements the colours of the Australian artworks, echoed in the choice of scatter cushions. The dining room boasts two oversized pendant light fittings link to the pattern on the living room ottomans. To add a touch of old-world charm, a striking portrait completes the clean and crisp space. In the master bedroom, a palette of pale gold, burnt orange, turquoise and green inspires the scatter cushions, tying the room together. Hand-blown amber glass table lamps with linen shades, establish an intimate, warm appeal. Every detail, every object and every decoration – from the fabric to the wall colour to the artworks has been curated in details.

Elsternwick Residence

Studio Esar

This stunning four-bedroom home effortlessly oozes fun and functionality with a transformation that honours colour, character and coming together. Enlisted to convert this modern Victorian into a home that marries heritage and hosting, architectural themes of period detailing and fluting feature throughout. Embarking on a colour journey of furniture, art selection, decor and soft furnishings, the finished product is a medley that accents the architectural backdrop of black and white with a line up of local furniture artisans, artists and international furniture designers that fills the home with a sense of flow and collaboration.

Northgate Residence

Room By Room

Living Room Void

Killara House

Nathan Gornall Design

This fresh extension to the heritage listed Killara House by Nathan Gornall Design offers a light-filled, contemporary new dining room and open plan kitchen for the family who own the property. Against a fairly neutral backdrop these bold colours in the rug, furniture and art have room to create impact without overpowering.

Mosman Village House

Annie Bowen Design

Stepping off the plane and through the door of their new home, the clients are embraced by serene spaces with pops of colour.

View From The Seat

Atlas Architects

Behind the rolling hills of Arthurs Seat sits “The Farm”, a coastal getaway and future permanent residence for our clients. The modest three bedroom brick home will be renovated and a substantial extension added. The footprint of the extension re-aligns to face the beautiful landscape of the western valley and dam. The new living and dining rooms open onto an entertaining terrace. The distinct roof form of valleys and ridges relate in level to the existing roof for continuation of scale. The new roof cantilevers beyond the extension walls creating emphasis and direction towards the natural views.

Custom design and build

Horizon Homes

First impression count as you enter this custom-built Horizon Homes property at Kellyville. The home opens into a stylish entryway, with soaring double height ceilings. It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And that’s literally true with this home. With the kitchen in the centre of the ground floor, this home provides ample formal and informal living spaces on the ground floor. At the rear of the house, a rumpus room, living room and dining room overlooking a large alfresco kitchen and dining area make this house the perfect entertainer. It’s functional, too, with a butler’s pantry, and laundry (with outdoor access) leading off the kitchen. There’s also a mudroom – with bespoke joinery – next to the garage. Upstairs is a mezzanine office area and four bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite with dressing room, ensuite and private balcony. Outdoor areas were important to the owners of this knockdown rebuild. While the house is large at almost 454m2, it fills only half the block. That means there’s a generous backyard. A central courtyard provides further outdoor space. Of course, this courtyard – as well as being a gorgeous focal point – has the added advantage of bringing light into the centre of the house.

Bay Pearl

Kirsten Johnstone Architecture

East Melbourne - Apartment

Logie Interiors

The Rosella display home

Alatalo Bros

A generous dining area joining onto kitchen and family room

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

dining room

View to double-height dining room

New build

schemes & spaces

Clean and contemporary dining area with feature pendants

Kitchen/Dining

Drift Interiors

Bayside residence

Gary Hamer Interior Design

I worked alongside Base Architecture on this contemporary new home in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Manly for a young family. I assisted with the selection of finishes, colours and materials such as kitchen design, flooring and tiles. I also furnished the home in a contemporary and relaxed style. The clients incorporated some of their mid century modern pieces. The result was a home with casual elegance that is unpretentious, comfortable and inviting.

Large Dining Room Design Ideas

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!