Photo : Romain Ricard
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional open plan dining in Paris with green walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace, beige floor and decorative wall panelling.

Media Bungalow

Deborah Bettcher - Decorating Den Interiors

This fresh dining room incorporates Scandinavian and Mid Century Modern styles to create a unique Nordic Chic vibe. The custom dining table was made by local craftsmen. The airy dining chairs are actually designed for outdoor use, so they will hold up to this family's busy lifestyle. The organic pattern on the area rug reflects the graceful lines of the evergreens in their front yard. Likewise, the faux bois chandelier lends an artful sculptural element to the space.

Mount Baker Historic Craftsman

Board & Vellum

Photography by Miranda Estes
Photo of a mid-sized arts and crafts separate dining room in Seattle with green walls, medium hardwood floors, wallpaper, decorative wall panelling, coffered and brown floor.

New Farmhouse - Dining Room

DeBaker Design Group, Ltd.

Beautiful Dining Room with wainscot paneling, dry bar, and larder with pocketing doors.
Inspiration for a large country separate dining room in Chicago with green walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Fox Run Estates: 15307 Timmons Way

Bentley Construction LLC

This is an example of a transitional separate dining room in Louisville with green walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed and decorative wall panelling.

Country Retreat

M-Squared Contracting Inc.

Rustic yet refined, this modern country retreat blends old and new in masterful ways, creating a fresh yet timeless experience. The structured, austere exterior gives way to an inviting interior. The palette of subdued greens, sunny yellows, and watery blues draws inspiration from nature. Whether in the upholstery or on the walls, trailing blooms lend a note of softness throughout. The dark teal kitchen receives an injection of light from a thoughtfully-appointed skylight; a dining room with vaulted ceilings and bead board walls add a rustic feel. The wall treatment continues through the main floor to the living room, highlighted by a large and inviting limestone fireplace that gives the relaxed room a note of grandeur. Turquoise subway tiles elevate the laundry room from utilitarian to charming. Flanked by large windows, the home is abound with natural vistas. Antlers, antique framed mirrors and plaid trim accentuates the high ceilings. Hand scraped wood flooring from Schotten & Hansen line the wide corridors and provide the ideal space for lounging.

Lupton Drive

Julian Design

Large traditional separate dining room in Dallas with green walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

KK50

Brusa Nerini Architetti

This is an example of a large open plan dining in Bologna with green walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, exposed beam and decorative wall panelling.

Exhale

Lee Waters Design

Photo of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Richmond with green walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Dining Rooms

Sidney Sharkey Design, LLC

This dining room design features deep teal walls and white wainscoting below, creating a rich and dramatic contrast. The dark wood pedestal dining table is complemented by a combination of four wooden slatted side chairs and upholstered armchairs. The armchairs feature natural linen on the backs and brown leather seats, offering both comfort and style. A teal, charcoal, and caramel colored ikat area rug adds pattern and interest to the space. White linen drapes with inset embroidered trim are hung over natural woven shades, providing privacy while still allowing natural light to filter into the room. Together, these elements create a welcoming and stylish dining room design that is perfect for hosting large gatherings and intimate dinners alike.

Traditional Dining Room

Inspiration for an expansive traditional dining room in Seattle with green walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and decorative wall panelling.

1940s Georgian, Dining Room

Dalgliesh Gilpin Paxton - DGP - Architects

Traditional dining room in Other with green walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

New Farmhouse - Dining Room

DeBaker Design Group, Ltd.

Beautiful Dining Room with wainscot paneling, dry bar, and larder with pocketing doors.
Large country separate dining room in Chicago with green walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Bayeau Road

Jennifer Husch Design LLC

Design ideas for a traditional dining room in New York with green walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and decorative wall panelling.

Seattle Frink House

Sheila Mayden Interiors

Formal dining room with Garden-inspired decor
Expansive traditional dining room with green walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and decorative wall panelling.

Timeless Conservatory Park

Watson & Co

Inspiration for a traditional separate dining room in Denver with green walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, recessed and decorative wall panelling.

Balmoral Ave

Jessica Blue Interiors LLC

This is an example of a small eclectic dining room in Chicago with green walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor and decorative wall panelling.

Wadsworth Formal Dining Room

3SI Design

BEFORE PHOTO
This is an example of a mid-sized kitchen/dining combo in DC Metro with green walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace, beige floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Transform New House to Home

Lisa Stewart Design

Moving into a new home? Where do your furnishings look and fit the best? Where and what should you purchase new? Downsizing can be even more difficult. How do you get all your cherished belongings to fit? What do you keep and what to you pass onto a new home? I'm here to help. This home was smaller and the homeowners asked me to help make it feel like home and make everything work. Mission accomplished!

South Pawleys Custom Home

CRG Companies

Formal dining room off the kitchen and foyer
Large traditional open plan dining in Other with green walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed and decorative wall panelling.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Green Walls and Decorative Wall Panelling

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!