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.

Flinders Flair

Let's Talk Kitchens & Interiors

A contemporary holiday home located on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula featuring rammed earth walls, timber lined ceilings and flagstone floors. This home incorporates strong, natural elements and the joinery throughout features custom, stained oak timber cabinetry and natural limestone benchtops. With a nod to the mid century modern era and a balance of natural, warm elements this home displays a uniquely Australian design style. This home is a cocoon like sanctuary for rejuvenation and relaxation with all the modern conveniences one could wish for thoughtfully integrated.

Country Home, Gloucestershire

Justin Van Breda London

Photo of a country dining room in Gloucestershire with beige walls, multi-coloured floor and exposed beam.

Bayshores

GONTERMAN CUSTOM HOMES

Inspiration for a beach style dining room in Orange County with beige walls.

Navy and White Dining Room

Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

Tim Gibbons
Photo of a mid-sized beach style dining room in Tampa with beige walls and travertine floors.

Dining Room, Surrey

Chello Interior Design

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Sussex with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, beige floor and wallpaper.

Organic Modern, Cordillera Ranch

NR Interiors

We fully furnished this open concept Dining Room with an asymmetrical wood and iron base table by Taracea at its center. It is surrounded by comfortable and care-free stain resistant fabric seat dining chairs. Above the table is a custom onyx chandelier commissioned by the architect Lake Flato. We helped find the original fine artwork for our client to complete this modern space and add the bold colors this homeowner was seeking as the pop to this neutral toned room. This large original art is created by Tess Muth, San Antonio, TX.

Transitional Dining Room

Laura Lee Home

This modestly sized dining room is open to the entry foyer and great room. The solid grey stained oak table has a curvaceous base. Upholstered dining chairs have easy care performance fabric and contrasting host chairs in teal velvet. Bold abstracted artwork mimics the pattern in the drapery fabric.

Rustic Remodel

New Rosslyn Construction

Photo of a small country kitchen/dining combo in Atlanta with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and no fireplace.

Laurelhurst Tudor

Ore Studios

Photo of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Seattle with beige walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and beige floor.

French Country Magnified

MDC Cabinetry & More

Photo of a traditional open plan dining in DC Metro with beige walls and a standard fireplace.

Briar Hill

Laratta Homes Ltd

Dining Room
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Calgary with beige walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Hong Kong Dining Room

Antonio Martins Interior Design

Jaime Ardiles
Inspiration for an expansive traditional open plan dining in Hong Kong with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Built-in, Rockville Centre 1404

Aladdin Remodelers

Reflex Photo
Mid-sized transitional separate dining room in New York with beige walls and no fireplace.

Jamaica Pond

Elms Interior Design

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional dining room in Boston with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

Dining Room

User

Photo Credit: Mark Ehlen
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Country French Estate

JMA INTERIOR DESIGN

Photography By Ron Rosenzweig
Inspiration for a mid-sized separate dining room in Miami with beige walls, no fireplace and brown floor.

Seeley Dining Room

Michael Abrams Interiors

This is an example of a traditional dining room in Chicago with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Dining room overview

Inara Home Imagery

Design ideas for a large traditional separate dining room in Berkshire with beige walls and medium hardwood floors.

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!