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.

QLD, Quail Constructions

Housing Industry Association - HIA

This stunning home embellishes modern country living. The surrounding farmland and valley views are exquisitely framed throughout by clever design features and a vast array of materials including expanses of glass, stone and steel structures. Upon entry, you are greeted by a series of feature ponds which flow through to the rear lap pool, alluring you into the homes charm and tranquillity.

View From The Seat

Atlas Architects

Behind the rolling hills of Arthurs Seat sits “The Farm”, a coastal getaway and future permanent residence for our clients. The modest three bedroom brick home will be renovated and a substantial extension added. The footprint of the extension re-aligns to face the beautiful landscape of the western valley and dam. The new living and dining rooms open onto an entertaining terrace. The distinct roof form of valleys and ridges relate in level to the existing roof for continuation of scale. The new roof cantilevers beyond the extension walls creating emphasis and direction towards the natural views.

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.

West Pond House

Architecture in Formation

Michelle Rose Photography
Large transitional separate dining room in New York with black walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Portfolio

JONATHAN CALVERT | Interiors Photographer

Lighting by: Lighting Unlimited
Contemporary separate dining room in Houston with black walls and dark hardwood floors.

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.

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

THE ABBINGTON

GUNTER CUSTOM HOMES & DESIGN

Photo of a traditional separate dining room in Raleigh with black walls and dark hardwood floors.

NW Idea House 2023

Space Lab Design Services LLC

Contemporary dining room in Seattle with black walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Buckinghamshire Renovation

Decorbuddi

Photo of a traditional dining room in London with green walls and beige floor.

Deliciously Moody - Dining Room

House of L

Mid-sized transitional open plan dining in Cleveland with black walls and light hardwood floors.

Modern Northwoods Residence Great Room & Balcony

Amy Carman Design

A wall of steel and glass allows panoramic views of the lake at our Modern Northwoods Cabin project.
Design ideas for a large contemporary dining room in Other with black walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, vaulted and panelled walls.

Libertyville Custom Farmhouse Dining Room Breakfast Bar

Great Rooms Building Group

Large country separate dining room in Chicago with green walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Modern English Country Style

Nathan Taylor for Obelisk Home

Photo of a mid-sized traditional dining room in Other with green walls and dark hardwood floors.

Aménagement et décoration d'un séjour

Sophie Anschutz Deco

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room in Strasbourg with green walls, no fireplace and beige floor.

Modern Dining Room with Black Built-In Bookshelves

Sea Island Builders LLC

Dark stained built-in bookcase highlights owner's large collection of books and treasures from trips abroad. Margaret Wright Photography
This is an example of a contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Charleston with black walls and light hardwood floors.

Georgian Family House

Imperfect Interiors

Chris Snook
Photo of a traditional dining room in London with a stone fireplace surround, black walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Louisa's Co-Op

Residents Understood

This is an example of a transitional separate dining room in DC Metro with green walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Black 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!