First impression count as you enter this custom-built Horizon Homes property at Kellyville. The home opens into a stylish entryway, with soaring double height ceilings. It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And that’s literally true with this home. With the kitchen in the centre of the ground floor, this home provides ample formal and informal living spaces on the ground floor. At the rear of the house, a rumpus room, living room and dining room overlooking a large alfresco kitchen and dining area make this house the perfect entertainer. It’s functional, too, with a butler’s pantry, and laundry (with outdoor access) leading off the kitchen. There’s also a mudroom – with bespoke joinery – next to the garage. Upstairs is a mezzanine office area and four bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite with dressing room, ensuite and private balcony. Outdoor areas were important to the owners of this knockdown rebuild. While the house is large at almost 454m2, it fills only half the block. That means there’s a generous backyard. A central courtyard provides further outdoor space. Of course, this courtyard – as well as being a gorgeous focal point – has the added advantage of bringing light into the centre of the house.

Flinders Flair

Let's Talk Kitchens & Interiors

A contemporary holiday home located on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula featuring rammed earth walls, timber lined ceilings and flagstone floors. This home incorporates strong, natural elements and the joinery throughout features custom, stained oak timber cabinetry and natural limestone benchtops. With a nod to the mid century modern era and a balance of natural, warm elements this home displays a uniquely Australian design style. This home is a cocoon like sanctuary for rejuvenation and relaxation with all the modern conveniences one could wish for thoughtfully integrated.

Elizabeth St, Five Dock

Hatch Constructions Group

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Sydney with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Quindalup Residence

Retreat Design

Photo of a contemporary open plan dining in Perth with beige walls, concrete floors and grey floor.

19th Century Farmhouse Renovation; updated photos by Mick Hales

Kate Johns Designs

Close up of breakfast nook with built in seating and table. Bookshelves above and more industrial lighting.
Inspiration for a country dining room in Boston with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and beige walls.

Life On Longview

Delphinium Design

Beautiful dining room and sunroom in Charlotte, NC complete with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, large, black dining room chandelier, wood dining table and fabric and wood dining room chairs, roman shades and custom window treatments.

Navy and White Dining Room

Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

Tim Gibbons
Photo of a mid-sized beach style dining room in Tampa with beige walls and travertine floors.

Purple Accent Design

Freestyle Interiors

Photo of a large contemporary dining room in Miami with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Crisp Architects

Rob Karosis, Photographer
Design ideas for a traditional dining room in New York with green walls, carpet and a standard fireplace.

Chattanooga Home Updated

The Green Room Interiors

This dining room update was part of an ongoing project with the main goal of updating the 1990's spaces while creating a comfortable, sophisticated design aesthetic. New pieces were incorporated with existing family heirlooms.

Colonial

Anthology Creative Studio

Inspiration for a large transitional dining room in New York with beige walls, medium hardwood floors and beige floor.

Hardwood Floors & More, Inc.

Hardwood Floors & More

Heart Pine flooring and lighting by Hardwood Floors & More, Inc.
Inspiration for a large traditional separate dining room in Atlanta with beige walls and medium hardwood floors.

Dining Room

User

Photo Credit: Mark Ehlen
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Hampstead Family Home

Claudia Dorsch Interior Design Ltd

Mid-sized eclectic dining room in London with beige walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Refreshing Beach Style Full House Remodel in Redmond

Shepel Homes - Kitchen and Bath

White and green never looked so good. This beautifully decorated dining room has just the right amount of cheer for your breakfast, lunch, or dinner parties. The neutral colors make the space light and fresh, while the muted green makes every meal with friends and family more invigorating. The cabinets on the side with a beautiful butcher block countertop adds functionality to the room while also complementing the hardwood floors.

Organic Modern, Cordillera Ranch

NR Interiors

We fully furnished this open concept Dining Room with an asymmetrical wood and iron base table by Taracea at its center. It is surrounded by comfortable and care-free stain resistant fabric seat dining chairs. Above the table is a custom onyx chandelier commissioned by the architect Lake Flato. We helped find the original fine artwork for our client to complete this modern space and add the bold colors this homeowner was seeking as the pop to this neutral toned room. This large original art is created by Tess Muth, San Antonio, TX.

In Keeping With Tradition

Meadowlark Design+Build

This great room was designed so everyone can be together for both day-to-day living and when entertaining. This custom home was designed and built by Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photography by Joshua Caldwell.

Custom Home Bar, Custom Built in China Cabinet

Otero Signature Homes

Inspiration for a large open plan dining in Cleveland with beige walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

N Edgewood St Kitchen

Jordan Design-Build Group

We removed a wall between the old kitchen and an adjacent and underutilized sunroom. By expanding the kitchen and opening it up to the dining room, we improved circulation and made this house a more welcoming place to to entertain friends and family. Photos: Jenn Verrier Photography

Farmhouse Dining Room

Design ideas for a country open plan dining in Tampa with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Beige Walls and Green 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!