Previously unused corner of long family room gets functional update with game table for poker/ bridge/ cocktails; abstract art complements the walls for a minimalist high style vibe.

2 Family-Summit Residence

walkTHIShouse

Dutch and Dutchess

Jennifer Strickler Design LLC

Carmel Valley Cottage

Sarahliz Lawson Design

Carmel Valley Cottage in Carmel, CA Photography: David Duncan Livingston

Coastal Transitional

White Sands Coastal Development

Our clients built their Manhattan dream house years ago, but a couple of decades in, the yellow and green palette seemed stale. We brightened the home with new paint and countertops, white oak flooring and updated carpet, custom fixtures and furniture, and new finishes, window treatments, and accessories. For enhanced functionality, we added built-in storage throughout, reupholstered existing furniture and the breakfast nook in performance fabric, and created a custom dining table that seats a dozen. To keep the dining room coastal and informal, we paired plush head chairs with rattan-backed side chairs and accented with sea-foam and sandy-hued floor and window coverings. The addition of a murphy bed, as well as shelving and file storage, made the office more suited to their growing family’s needs. In the second office, a standing desk, as well as a customized craft desk with built-ins for specific supplies, transformed the area into a completely personalized and effective space. New furniture and a ceiling-length fireplace facade of soft ivory and gray stone transformed the family room into a cozy and welcoming retreat. The overall effect is a home that feels spacious, beachy, and comfortable.

Banister Court Renovation

BGI Design

Nautical Navy

Timber Trails Development Company

Maplewood Classic Colonial

Danielle Rose Design Co.

We renovated and updated this classic colonial home to feel timeless, curated, sun-filled, and tranquil. We used a dreamy color story of grays, creams, blues, and blacks throughout the space to tie each room together. We also used a mixture of metals and natural materials throughout the design to add eclectic elements to the design and make the whole home feel thoughtful, layered and connected. In the entryway, we wanted to create a serious 'wow' moment. We wanted this space to feel open, airy, and super functional. We used the wood and marble console table to create a beautiful moment when you walk in the door, that can be utilized as a 'catch-all' by the whole family — you can't beat that stunning staircase backdrop! The dining room is one of my favorite spaces in the whole home. I love the way the cased opening frames the room from the entry — It is a serious showstopper! I also love how the light floods into this room and makes the white linen drapes look so dreamy! We used a large farmhouse-style, wood table as the focal point in the room and a beautiful brass lantern chandelier above. The table is over 8' long and feels substantial in the room. We used gray linen host chairs at the head of the table to contrast the warm brown tones in the table and bistro chairs.

Martha's Vineyard Summer Home

Thom Lindsley LLC

Equestrian Estate

Timber Trails Development Company

Portfolio

Barrett Oswald Designs LLC

Dogwood Remodel

Rose Rock Properties

Great room with beams

Greenwich Village Classic

Flatiron 27

Raquel Langworthy

Transitional Dining Room

Chatham Hideaway

Philbrook Construction Services Group, Inc.

Abby Grattan - Grattan Imaging

Transitional Farmhouse

Schwarz Lewis Design Group, Inc.

Breakfast room

Rumson Road Renovation

Salt Design Co

Sugar Pine Residence

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

The shaker-style detailing continues into the breakfast nook area, and the panels seamlessly disguise the storage drawer built into this custom banquette. Photography by Ryan Garvin

Baltic

Ally Whalen Design

Tiffany Ringwald

Transitional White Dining Room Design Ideas

A transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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!