Design ideas for a traditional dining room in Seattle with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and coffered.

This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in Calgary with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and wallpaper.

This custom built 2-story French Country style home is a beautiful retreat in the South Tampa area. The exterior of the home was designed to strike a subtle balance of stucco and stone, brought together by a neutral color palette with contrasting rust-colored garage doors and shutters. To further emphasize the European influence on the design, unique elements like the curved roof above the main entry and the castle tower that houses the octagonal shaped master walk-in shower jutting out from the main structure. Additionally, the entire exterior form of the home is lined with authentic gas-lit sconces. The rear of the home features a putting green, pool deck, outdoor kitchen with retractable screen, and rain chains to speak to the country aesthetic of the home. Inside, you are met with a two-story living room with full length retractable sliding glass doors that open to the outdoor kitchen and pool deck. A large salt aquarium built into the millwork panel system visually connects the media room and living room. The media room is highlighted by the large stone wall feature, and includes a full wet bar with a unique farmhouse style bar sink and custom rustic barn door in the French Country style. The country theme continues in the kitchen with another larger farmhouse sink, cabinet detailing, and concealed exhaust hood. This is complemented by painted coffered ceilings with multi-level detailed crown wood trim. The rustic subway tile backsplash is accented with subtle gray tile, turned at a 45 degree angle to create interest. Large candle-style fixtures connect the exterior sconces to the interior details. A concealed pantry is accessed through hidden panels that match the cabinetry. The home also features a large master suite with a raised plank wood ceiling feature, and additional spacious guest suites. Each bathroom in the home has its own character, while still communicating with the overall style of the home.

Formal style dining room off the kitchen and butlers pantry. A large bay window and contemporary chandelier finish it off!
This is an example of a large arts and crafts separate dining room in DC Metro with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Transitional dining room in Other with medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and coffered.

Crystal Cabinetry Nautical Blue painted, Inset design cabinetry. White painted inside of the cabinets to showcase the china. Gold finished hardware from Emtec.

Traditional formal dining, moldings, fireplace, marble surround gas fireplace, dark hardwood floors
This is an example of a large traditional open plan dining in San Francisco with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and coffered.

The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but the dining room is where the family gathers to enjoy special occasions, create and pass on traditions, and savour each other’s company free from distractions. The family behind this particular dining room enjoys doing just that. When they are not traveling the world, Matthew and Anna (names changed) love to cook meals at home with their teenage daughter, entertain family and friends, and live amongst their cherished travel souvenirs and heirlooms. Their dining room, however, was far from the perfect backdrop for these experiences. Before: Dining Room: When Matthew and Anna contacted us, they imagined a space that would comfortably seat 8 to 10 people and incorporate their beautiful inherited dining table and sideboard in a fresh, modern way. Above all, they wanted a dining room that they would feel proud to share. They worked with us to design, lightly renovate, and furnish their dining room and adjacent living space. Now, the room is nothing short of inviting and elevated. Classic Yet Contemporary Dining Room: Viewed from the living area, the dining room is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Matthew and Anna wanted dark blue for the walls, and we couldn’t have been happier to find the perfect shade for them. By leaning darker, this rich blue creates the perception of depth, making the room feel enticing, comfortable and secluded. The previous built-ins were underwhelming and lacked function, so we designed wider, taller, double sided cabinets that integrated the existing bulk-head, and then accessorized the shelves with the family’s travel finds, books, and decor. Topping these units with brass art lights not only blends contemporary and traditional styles, it also draws attention to the dining table’s modern show-stopping chandelier. You can’t miss it. Inside the dining room, the effect is equally impressive: enveloping yet spacious, warm yet cool, classic yet contemporary. We incorporated their heirloom pieces seamlessly into the design thanks to the 1:2 ratio. For every traditional piece, we introduced two more modern or contemporary pieces — clean lines, subtle curves, and lustrous brass hardware. The result is a collected yet updated look. In any room with dark walls, lighting is of the utmost importance. We placed a mirror adjacent to the window to reflect natural light throughout the room, and we kept the trim and ceiling white for brightness. To provide maximum versatility, we provided multiple light sources that can be adjusted to create different levels of light to suit any mood or occasion. These include: pot lights and a chandelier on dimmers, a sculptural trilight lamp on the sideboard, and art lights on the bookcases and above important art pieces. The built-ins have another surprise waiting inside this special dining room: Double-sided built-ins: dining room shelving and living room shelving. Rather than keep them white like we did in the living room, we painted the back wall of the book cases the same dark blue as the walls in the rest of the room. This reduces the contrast with the surrounding walls and emphasizes the white outline of the cabinets. We also love the dark blue walls’ role as a beautiful backdrop for this family’s treasures. The brass accessories and hand-painted vases and bowls feel like part of the experience. Of course, what is beauty without function? It may not look like it, but the base storage is only accessible from the dining room side. The units include deep cabinets for storing serving ware, as well as another delightful surprise: silverware drawers lined in luxurious navy velvet! Lastly, we designed this beautiful nook for their heirloom sideboard. From afar, the wall looks as if it has texture and perhaps a touch of shine. Up close, you will notice that it is actually navy blue wallpaper with tiny golden dots. This unique touch accentuates the brass in the room touches throughout the space.. The room feels curated, contemporary, and full of character. Words of Praise: Anna and Matthew were thrilled with their new dining room and with the design process itself, which is always the highest compliment. They said: “Working with Lori and her team at Simply Home Decorating was a great experience. The design they came up with was both beautiful and practical for our family. Renovations can be stressful but working with Simply Home made the process much more pleasant. “Simply Home's project management and their longstanding relationships with reliable trades meant we could relax, knowing that everything was taken care of. If an issue arose, the entire Simply Home team was quick to address it. They were excellent at communicating with us—we never felt like we didn't know what was going on. We would highly recommend working with Simply Home Decorating.” Thank you, Matthew and Anna! We are honoured to have been part of your journey and wish your family many happy memories in these new spaces. Now, is it your turn? Are you ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home? If so, contact us here to start the conversation or download my guide Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Your Home below to learn more about what we can do for you.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Troy Thies, Photography | Swan Architecture, Architect | Great Neighborhood Homes, Builder Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For info about our work: design@oharainteriors.com

Saari & Forrai Photography MSI Custom Homes, LLC
Large country dining room in Minneapolis with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, coffered and planked wall panelling.

Mid-sized contemporary dining room in Chicago with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and coffered.

Dining area to the great room, designed with the focus on the short term rental users wanting to stay in a Texas Farmhouse style.
This is an example of a large kitchen/dining combo in Austin with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor, coffered and panelled walls.

Photo of a contemporary dining room in Orange County with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, coffered and timber.

We love this 2 tone cabinet setup that features a tall wine cabinet. This area makes it simple to serve meals during the holidays.
Design ideas for a large arts and crafts kitchen/dining combo in Chicago with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and coffered.

Existing beam detail at the great room’s double-height vaulted ceiling is now a highlighted feature made to frame the large picture windows that draw the lake views in. The second-floor balcony enjoys the same views. A two-sided fireplace joins to the sunroom. The open design flows to the dining room, which is defined by the ladder ceiling beams and prominent light fixture. A walk-in wine room was added for easy hospitality with a refined display. Kitchen updates support entertaining with professional appliances, an oversized island and custom cabinetry for ample storage. Lighting design creates dramatic highlights while providing needed task lighting. A secondary sink looking onto the lake creates a composed and efficient preparation zone.

Design ideas for an expansive beach style open plan dining in New York with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and coffered.

This is an example of a mid-sized beach style open plan dining in Miami with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and panelled walls.

Another view I've not shared before of our extension project in Maida Vale, West London. I think this shot truly reveals the glass 'skylight' ceiling which gives the dining area such a wonderful 'outdoor-in' experience. The brief for the family home was to design a rear extension with an open-plan kitchen and dining area. The bespoke banquette seating with a soft grey fabric offers plenty of room for the family and provides useful storage under the seats. And the sliding glass doors by @maxlightltd open out onto the garden.

The client wanted to change the color scheme and punch up the style with accessories such as curtains, rugs, and flowers. The couple had the entire downstairs painted and installed new light fixtures throughout.