Spyder Dining Table Cattelan Italia Dining

An innovative and contemporary furniture piece, Ikon Designer Dining Table sets new standards for the urban living space. Designed by Philip Jackson for Cattelan Italia and manufactured in Italy, the stunning Ikon Dining Table is available as a fixed or an extension (Ikon Drive) version offering limitless functional and stylistic possibilities.

May River (1294) Model in Blufton SC

User

Arthur Rutenberg Homes
Photo of a large transitional open plan dining in Charleston with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

St. Paul Custom Home

ADŌR Homes

SpaceCrafting Real Estate Photography
This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in Minneapolis with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Ferndale

Studio M Interiors

Scott Amundson Photography
This is an example of a transitional separate dining room in Minneapolis with dark hardwood floors, grey walls and no fireplace.

Hermitage

Legacy Custom Homes

Legacy Custom Homes, Inc Toblesky-Green Architects Kelly Nutt Designs
Photo of a large traditional open plan dining in Orange County with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Knightsbridge Penthouse

Tollgard Design Group

Kitchen by Eggersmann Design
Contemporary kitchen/dining combo in London with grey walls and dark hardwood floors.

"chrys"

New Old, LLC

Cal Mitchner Photography
Inspiration for a traditional separate dining room in Charlotte with grey walls and medium hardwood floors.

A Cooks Kitchen in Belfair Plantation

Arlene Williams

Design ideas for a transitional dining room in Other with grey walls and medium hardwood floors.

Parade of Homes House

Robin Bond Interiors

This contemporary blue, silver, and natural dining room feels light and airy with custom drapery panels, silver accessories, and beautiful contemporary lighting. We love how the accent wall and blue ceiling addsa drama to this elegant room. Photo by Johnny Stevens

Updated Traditional

Brock Design Group

Brock Design Group created this clean traditional look with warm paint tones and a combination of both painted and stained wood work. The aesthetic is pure with a warm and welcoming feeling. Photo credit: Blackstone Edge Studios

Pent House

GARY FINLEY

Country dining room in Orange County with brown walls.

Rutland Square

Fabrizio Construction llc

A repurposed skylight sets the stage for the new kitchen eating area. Complete reconstruction of the entire space including a new gas fireplace with antique salvaged mantle, custom coffered ceiling and built ins flanking fireplace

Contemporary Dining Room

Design ideas for a contemporary dining room in Other with grey walls.

Traditional New Construction

Morgante Wilson Architects

Werner Straube Photography
Inspiration for a traditional dining room in Chicago with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround and a standard fireplace.

Desert Contemporary

User

Terry Mahanna, Photographer
This is an example of a contemporary dining room in Las Vegas with grey walls.

Bayshores Drive

Brandon Architects, Inc.

Architect: Brandon Architects Inc. Contractor/Interior Designer: Patterson Construction, Newport Beach, CA. Photos by: Jeri Keogel
Design ideas for a beach style dining room in Orange County with grey walls, medium hardwood floors and beige floor.

Bridge Street Residence Breakfast Nook

O’Hara Interiors

Interior Design by Martha O'Hara Interiors Photography by Susan Gilmore This eclectic dining area pulls together warm and cool tones that make this space feel fresh, fabulous & fun! The custom hickory flooring adds a unique touch with the gray wash finish. Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | Susan Gilmore, Photography

A. Rejeanne Interiors Portfolio

A. Rejeanne Interiors

Central Park West, Manhattan
Traditional dining room in Boston with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and beige floor.

Menlo Park Ranch Addition/Remodel

Studio S Squared Architecture, Inc.

Design ideas for a traditional dining room in San Francisco with brown walls and dark hardwood floors.

Sunset View - Cottage With Room To Grow

Visbeen Architects

Packed with cottage attributes, Sunset View features an open floor plan without sacrificing intimate spaces. Detailed design elements and updated amenities add both warmth and character to this multi-seasonal, multi-level Shingle-style-inspired home. Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins throughout add a sense of Old World craftsmanship. Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and a curved booth that seats up to eight at a time. When space is needed for a larger crowd, furniture in the sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs. On the other side of the fireplace, expansive lake views are the highlight of the hearth room, which features drop down steps for even more beautiful vistas. An unusual stair tower connects the home’s five levels. While spacious, each room was designed for maximum living in minimum space. In the lower level, a guest suite adds additional accommodations for friends or family. On the first level, a home office/study near the main living areas keeps family members close but also allows for privacy. The second floor features a spacious master suite, a children’s suite and a whimsical playroom area. Two bedrooms open to a shared bath. Vanities on either side can be closed off by a pocket door, which allows for privacy as the child grows. A third bedroom includes a built-in bed and walk-in closet. A second-floor den can be used as a master suite retreat or an upstairs family room. The rear entrance features abundant closets, a laundry room, home management area, lockers and a full bath. The easily accessible entrance allows people to come in from the lake without making a mess in the rest of the home. Because this three-garage lakefront home has no basement, a recreation room has been added into the attic level, which could also function as an additional guest room.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Brown Walls and Grey 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!