Studio Uno is an unexpected sanctuary for our client Naomi, a full-time carer and mother. Lying behind an established Brunswick terrace, it takes the shape of a meticulously designed Dependent Persons Unit. Naomi lives with her adult daughter, who has very high support needs. The nature of their circumstances means that living together under one roof isn’t always feasible. Naomi needed a certified DPU that met a simple brief: a dismantlable but quality retreat with warm, robust materials and a calming ambience. We’ve packed as much enduring quality and thoughtful design as possible into a compact footprint. Carefully engineered, the dwelling’s lightweight structure and internal linings enable it to be readily disassembled, transported and rebuilt elsewhere. It replaces the fence at the site’s rear, with its upper mass leaning into one corner to minimise impact on the neighbours’ skyscape. Inside, blackbutt timber and hoop pine plywood dominate the palette to create a warm, low-contrast and relaxing environment. The ground floor features dual sliding doors connecting to the courtyard and laneway, with a versatile living area between for retreat, Naomi’s art practice and above all, peacefulness. Lining the wall is a simple kitchenette, cabinetry, and a clever door concealing the bathroom. A staircase leads to the loft bedroom above, made deliberately cosy and secluded by the dwelling’s tapered form. It’s punctured only by a small window to the lane and a skylight above, offering light and ventilation without compromising privacy.

Bangalow renovation

Aako construction Byron Bay

Tropical dining room with beige walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Fountainhead

andrewclemo

See More https://www.andrewclemo.com/projects/fountainhead

Park House

Align Concepts Pty Ltd

Photo of a transitional open plan dining in Melbourne with beige walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Sophisticated Dining Room with Painted Built-ins and Wallpapered Ceiling

Paper Moon Painting

A "modern luxe" dining room with Phillip Jeffries wallpaper on the ceiling, and built-in cabinets painted in Sherwin Williams "Anonymous". Cyndi Hopkins design, Matthew Niemann photo

Before and After Coastal Project

DLT Interiors-Debbie Travin

After shot of the eat in area/kitchen. A eat in area space overlooking the bay. DLT Interiors created a clean, white and open transitional/coastal design for this eat in area .

Marin Custom Home

Kelly Hohla Interiors

Photography by John Merkl
This is an example of a large transitional dining room in San Francisco with carpet, multi-coloured floor, beige walls and no fireplace.

42nd Street Avalon

arQitecture

Todd Tully Danner, AIA
Design ideas for a large beach style open plan dining in Philadelphia with beige walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Posh Westlake Bachelor's Pad

BGI Design

The breakfast area focal point is seen from the front door and is captured by a beautiful slab of quartzite hung on the wall as art. The sideboard underneath the slab is intricately designed with inlaid mother of pearl and, when opened, lights up to highlight bottles inside. We used the existing table and moved the neutral upholstered chairs from the dining area. The previously built-in bench area used for reading, is now finished off with custom cushions and large throw pillows for a comfortable rest area. The dining area is now complete with colorful dining chairs that transition nicely into the large living area. Because our client loved pattern, we decided to use chairs that had a fun but unusual circle pattern on the back panel and play up the color with a fun striped fabric. The table is adorned with a silk floral arrangement and bright green circle hurricanes. Michael Hunter Photography

Hingham Shipyard Home

Casabella Interiors

Dan Cutrona
Photo of a mid-sized beach style dining room in Boston with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Cozy Coastal Beach House

Bliss Home & Design

Faith Elder
Inspiration for a beach style dining room in Orange County with beige walls, light hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Farmhouse

Pacific Peninsula Group

Bernard Andre
This is an example of a country dining room in San Francisco with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Magnolia: Mid-Century Modern

ROM architecture studio

Architect: Carol Sundstrom, AIA Accessibility Consultant: Karen Braitmayer, FAIA Interior Designer: Lucy Johnson Interiors Contractor: Phoenix Construction Cabinetry: Contour Woodworks Custom Sink: Kollmar Sheet Metal Photography: © Kathryn Barnard

KitchenLab

KitchenLab Interiors

Design ideas for a shabby-chic style dining room in Chicago with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and a stone fireplace surround.

Urban Calm

Darci Hether New York

A serene, custom-designed NYC apartment for empty nesters, featuring bespoke millwork, smart storage, and refined finishes—offering elevated city living with warmth, style, and ease. Refined and relaxed, the open-concept dining area features a sculptural Lindsey Adelman chandelier, a warm walnut table, and natural light, offering the perfect balance of elegance and ease.

Annington Road, East Finchley

Ahrberg Jackson Design

This is an example of a transitional dining room in London with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Barnsbury Townhouse

Rees Architects

This is an example of a victorian dining room in London with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Trevaylor Cottage

Lydia Allen Interiors

Small eclectic dining room in Cornwall with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor and exposed beam.

Shibusa Abode

Canvasinc Architecture Interiors

The living and dining area boasts rafters finished with veneer, imparting the illusion of joists supporting the house's roof. A six-seater dining table, adorned with arched paneling, graces the dining area. The living room's main wall showcases textured paint, while a Lego-style artwork adds a touch of creativity. The centerpiece of the living and dining area is the TV wall, exhibiting veneer paneling on the lower half and a handmade Scandinavian rustic groove pattern. A subtle niche in the wall serves as a planter, enhancing the natural aesthetic.

AVENUE FOCH - Paris 16ème

Hava CASTRO

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room in Paris with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Beige Walls

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!