Rustic yet refined, this modern country retreat blends old and new in masterful ways, creating a fresh yet timeless experience. The structured, austere exterior gives way to an inviting interior. The palette of subdued greens, sunny yellows, and watery blues draws inspiration from nature. Whether in the upholstery or on the walls, trailing blooms lend a note of softness throughout. The dark teal kitchen receives an injection of light from a thoughtfully-appointed skylight; a dining room with vaulted ceilings and bead board walls add a rustic feel. The wall treatment continues through the main floor to the living room, highlighted by a large and inviting limestone fireplace that gives the relaxed room a note of grandeur. Turquoise subway tiles elevate the laundry room from utilitarian to charming. Flanked by large windows, the home is abound with natural vistas. Antlers, antique framed mirrors and plaid trim accentuates the high ceilings. Hand scraped wood flooring from Schotten & Hansen line the wide corridors and provide the ideal space for lounging.

Lantern House on the River

Cannarsa Structure and Design

Photo of a transitional dining room in Grand Rapids with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, timber and wallpaper.

Spring Lake, NJ

Katie Rosenfeld Design

Inspiration for a beach style dining room in Boston with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and wallpaper.

Edgewater Home | Ashleigh Clark IDG

Caitlin Antje LLC

Design ideas for a transitional separate dining room in Cleveland with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed, decorative wall panelling and wallpaper.

内装リフォームで叶えるサスティナブルな暮らし

Class S interior design（住吉さやか）

Mid-sized scandinavian open plan dining in Tokyo with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, wallpaper and wallpaper.

Tarzana, CA

Jeff Andrews Design

This is an example of a small eclectic dining room in Los Angeles with multi-coloured walls, no fireplace, beige floor, wallpaper and wallpaper.

内装リフォームで叶えるサスティナブルな暮らし

Class S interior design（住吉さやか）

This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian open plan dining in Tokyo with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, wallpaper and wallpaper.

Whimsical Wallpaper All Ceiling Designs 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!