Acting as a blank canvas, this compact Yaletown condo and its gutsy homeowners welcomed our kaleidoscopic creative vision and gave us free reign to funk up their otherwise drab pad. Colorless Ikea sofas and blank walls were traded for ultra luxe, Palm-Springs-inspired statement pieces. Wallpaper, painted pattern and foil treatments were used to give each of the tight spaces more 'larger-than-life' personality. In a city surrounded yearly with grey, rain-filled clouds and towers of glass, the overarching goal for the home was building upon a foundation of fun! In curating the home's collection of eccentric art and accessories, nothing was off limits. Each piece was handpicked from up-and-coming artists' online shops, local boutiques and galleries. The custom velvet, feather-filled sectional and its many pillows was used to make the space as much for lounging as it is for looking. Since completion, the globe-trotting duo have continued to add to their newly designed abode - both true converts to the notion that sometimes more is definitely more.

Wild Dunes Isle of Palms Home Update

Aiden Fabrics

When our clients come to us with a tight schedule and budget, we know exactly what to do. With a team full of trained Interior Designers like Mary Ann, home projects can move quickly with the perfect selections for your space and style. That’s exactly what happened recently when a remote homeowner from New York contacted Mary Ann and Aiden Fabrics for design help. She purchased a home in Wild Dunes, and within two weeks the plan was finalized with indoor and outdoor furniture, fabrics, rugs, window treatments and wall paint. Mary Ann was able to get everything installed in time for the spring renting season, which is a must in this area. The client’s main goal was to work with durable, washable fabrics, and she also wanted to stay within her budget. Mary Ann chose a sofa with Tempotest outdoor fabric. Her client smartly chose ‘cordless’ woven shades to avoid issues with small children. The end result is a beautiful space for many families to enjoy on the Isle of Palms!

Transitional Dining Room

Inspiration for a transitional dining room in New York with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Oak Street

Michael Abraham Architecture

Interior Design - Elizabeth Krueger Design Photos - Mike Schwartz
Photo of a transitional dining room in Chicago with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Glen Ridge Home

Toledo Geller

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in New York with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Beach Street Residence

TINEKE TRIGGS

Suzanne Scott
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional open plan dining in San Francisco with blue walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Promised Land Farm

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

Wall paint is Sherwin Williams Tidewater, dining chairs and host chairs are Hickory Chair, chandelier is from Canopy Designs, art is Jane Booth. Nancy Nolan

Lake Island

S Gentry Custom Homes

Inspiration for a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Houston with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Greenwich Mid-Century Residence

Douglas Graneto Design

Inspiration for a large transitional separate dining room in New York with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Grand Rapids Remodel

Jean Stoffer Design, Ltd

The Dining Area open to the kitchen/great room. A wall of built-ins house a coffee bar and storage.
Large country dining room in Grand Rapids with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Eat-In Area

Cabinet Studio, Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional open plan dining in Other with green walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Santa Monica - Full Remodel

Future Home Builders, Inc.

Inspiration for a mediterranean dining room in Los Angeles with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Our Work

Century Upholstery

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Orange County with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Kitchens/ Dining Areas

C & P Remodeling, Inc.

General Contractor: C&P Remodeling, Inc. Architect: Robbins Architecture Photographer: Hedrich Blessing
Mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Chicago with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Lakewood Hills

Montgomery Custom Homes

Shoot 2 Sell
Mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Dallas with grey walls and dark hardwood floors.

All That and Then Some - Naperville Kitchen

TKS Design Group

Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW Our clients and their three teenage kids had outgrown the footprint of their existing home and felt they needed some space to spread out. They came in with a couple of sets of drawings from different architects that were not quite what they were looking for, so we set out to really listen and try to provide a design that would meet their objectives given what the space could offer. We started by agreeing that a bump out was the best way to go and then decided on the size and the floor plan locations of the mudroom, powder room and butler pantry which were all part of the project. We also planned for an eat-in banquette that is neatly tucked into the corner and surrounded by windows providing a lovely spot for daily meals. The kitchen itself is L-shaped with the refrigerator and range along one wall, and the new sink along the exterior wall with a large window overlooking the backyard. A large island, with seating for five, houses a prep sink and microwave. A new opening space between the kitchen and dining room includes a butler pantry/bar in one section and a large kitchen pantry in the other. Through the door to the left of the main sink is access to the new mudroom and powder room and existing attached garage. White inset cabinets, quartzite countertops, subway tile and nickel accents provide a traditional feel. The gray island is a needed contrast to the dark wood flooring. Last but not least, professional appliances provide the tools of the trade needed to make this one hardworking kitchen. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Pacific Palisades Rustic Modern

Paul Interiors

Meghan Beierle
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional dining room in Los Angeles with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Sandy Springs Custom Home

Southland Development Services

Mary Powell
Transitional separate dining room in Atlanta with grey walls and dark hardwood floors.

Vermillion Complete Remodel

Sugar Beach Interiors

Photo of a small transitional kitchen/dining combo in Miami with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Eclectic Style

Creative Design Construction, Inc.

Photo of a large traditional separate dining room in New York with blue walls and dark hardwood floors.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Dark Hardwood Floors and Painted Wood Floors

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!