We renovated and updated this classic colonial home to feel timeless, curated, sun-filled, and tranquil. We used a dreamy color story of grays, creams, blues, and blacks throughout the space to tie each room together. We also used a mixture of metals and natural materials throughout the design to add eclectic elements to the design and make the whole home feel thoughtful, layered and connected. In the entryway, we wanted to create a serious 'wow' moment. We wanted this space to feel open, airy, and super functional. We used the wood and marble console table to create a beautiful moment when you walk in the door, that can be utilized as a 'catch-all' by the whole family — you can't beat that stunning staircase backdrop! The dining room is one of my favorite spaces in the whole home. I love the way the cased opening frames the room from the entry — It is a serious showstopper! I also love how the light floods into this room and makes the white linen drapes look so dreamy! We used a large farmhouse-style, wood table as the focal point in the room and a beautiful brass lantern chandelier above. The table is over 8' long and feels substantial in the room. We used gray linen host chairs at the head of the table to contrast the warm brown tones in the table and bistro chairs.

Low-Profile "Coffered" Ceiling

Martin & Calloway LLC

This project added a ton of character to our clients’ dining room. The low-profile ‘coffered’ look with a bordering crown molding gave this gorgeous room the perfect crowning touch!

Saline Creek Road

Kurtz Construction, Inc.

Photo of a country open plan dining in Austin with brown walls, grey floor, vaulted, wood and wood walls.

Norton Commons: 8903 Featherbell Blvd

Bentley Construction LLC

Photo of a traditional separate dining room in Louisville with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and panelled walls.

Terra Largo - Corina Model Dining Room

Masterpiece Design Group

This dining room is the perfect combination of organic vibes and modern vibes combined. The warm wood floors, raw brick ceiling, and exposed beams are just a few things we love about this space.

Cedar Island Residence

Scott Edwards Architecture

This is an example of a midcentury open plan dining in Portland with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and wood.

Statement Custom Home

Will Steed Homes, Inc.

Large country open plan dining in Dallas with white walls, brown floor, wood and brick walls.

Sophisticated Glamour

RLH Studio

Spacecrafting Photography
This is an example of an expansive traditional open plan dining in Minneapolis with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

The English Cottage

Dyna Builders

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

Elbow Valley Estate

Brenda Motter Interiors LTD

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

Beach Park Drive Residence

design styles architecture

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.

Mid-Century Modern Highland Park West Home

Mosier Luxury Homes

Design ideas for a large midcentury open plan dining in Austin with light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and wood.

Sublime Sanctuary - Dining Room

Drewett Works

Designed for intimate gatherings, this charming oval-shaped dining room offers European appeal with its white-painted brick veneer walls and exquisite ceiling treatment. Visible through the window at left is a well-stocked wine room. Project Details // Sublime Sanctuary Upper Canyon, Silverleaf Golf Club Scottsdale, Arizona Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: American First Builders Interior Designer: Michele Lundstedt Landscape architecture: Greey | Pickett Photography: Werner Segarra https://www.drewettworks.com/sublime-sanctuary/

St. Joseph Beach Residence

Accoya Wood

This is an example of a contemporary open plan dining in Chicago with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and wood.

Organic Modern, Cordillera Ranch

NR Interiors

We furnished this open concept Breakfast Nook with built-in cushioned bench with round stools to prop up feet and accommodate extra guests at the end of the table. The pair of leather chairs across from the wall of windows at the Quartzite top table provide a comfortable easy-care leather seat facing the serene view. Above the table is a custom light commissioned by the architect Lake Flato.

LONE PEAK

I C O N INTERIORS + RANCH + BUILD

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and wood.

Greenwich St. - Luxury New Build Home in Falls Church, VA

Leigh Newport Staged by Design®

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.

English Cottage

Amanda George Interior Design

A whimsical English garden was the foundation and driving force for the design inspiration. A lingering garden mural wraps all the walls floor to ceiling, while a union jack wood detail adorns the existing tray ceiling, as a nod to the client’s English roots. Custom heritage blue base cabinets and antiqued white glass front uppers create a beautifully balanced built-in buffet that stretches the east wall providing display and storage for the client's extensive inherited China collection.

Project Shades of Grey

Urbaine Home

Photo of a large contemporary separate dining room in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam, vaulted and wood.

Mountain Retreat

The Varda Group

Residential project at Yellowstone Club, Big Sky, MT
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor and wood.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Coffered and Wood

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!