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.

Salem Townhouse Dining Room

Rehabitat

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

Eclectic Dining Room

Photo of an eclectic dining room in New York with green walls and medium hardwood floors.

Dining Table with Mismatched Chairs

Adam Zollinger Interiors

My client had forever dreamed of having a dining room where none of the dining chairs matched. She had collected art and beautiful accessories during her world travels, and I chose colors in those pieces to select the chair upholstery. There are 3 different fabrics used amongst 6 completely different Theodore Alexander dining chairs. The result is eclectic and stunning!

The Peacock Project

Catherine Rose Design & CO.

When old meets new! Our clients wanted to utilize the table from their previous home so we sourced a new sideboard and statement chairs. This glamorous space shows off this family's personality and their love for peacocks!

Cremorne Residence

Jodie Carter Design

Dining room featuring built in cabinetry in Dulux Snowy Mountains Quarter and VJ panelling in Dulux Kimberley Tree
Photo of a mid-sized beach style open plan dining in Sydney with green walls, light hardwood floors and panelled walls.

55FO

Agence d'Architecture Nicolas Rossignol - AANR

Design ideas for a contemporary open plan dining in Paris with green walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Palmetto Bluff - Classic Colonial

Hendel Homes

This is an example of a traditional dining room in Minneapolis with green walls and light hardwood floors.

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.

All'Arco

Simone Furiosi

Photo of a contemporary dining room in Milan with green walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Wasatch Hollows

cityhomeCOLLECTIVE

We love the idea of the bold, modern photograph on the far wall. First thing you see when you enter the house, the goal was to slice right through the Craftsman, with crisp modern color. We also love the pairing of primary colors - red with the client’s own blue Saarinen chairs. We also love the slight irreverence in the exposed wires of the gently industrial light.

Biltmore House

Frusterio Design, Inc.

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

Jasmine Street Residence Project

Truss Interiors & Renovations

This bright dining room features a monumental wooden dining table with green leather dining chairs with black legs. The wall is covered in green grass cloth wallpaper. Close up photographs of wood sections create a dramatic artistic focal point on the dining area wall. Wooden accents throughout.

The Cabin + The Snug

Heidi Caillier Design

Haris Kenjar
Photo of a country separate dining room in Seattle with green walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Modern Farmhouse

Insidesign

Insidesign 5933-D Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Design ideas for a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Atlanta with green walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Washington Crossing Farmhouse

Kaminski + Pew

Dining room with board and batten millwork, bluestone flooring, and exposed original brick. Photo by Kyle Born.
This is an example of a mid-sized country separate dining room in Philadelphia with green walls, slate floors and grey floor.

Mid-Century Interior Remodel in El Segundo, CA.

Custom Design & Construction

Our homeowners approached us for design help shortly after purchasing a fixer upper. They wanted to redesign the home into an open concept plan. Their goal was something that would serve multiple functions: allow them to entertain small groups while accommodating their two small children not only now but into the future as they grow up and have social lives of their own. They wanted the kitchen opened up to the living room to create a Great Room. The living room was also in need of an update including the bulky, existing brick fireplace. They were interested in an aesthetic that would have a mid-century flair with a modern layout. We added built-in cabinetry on either side of the fireplace mimicking the wood and stain color true to the era. The adjacent Family Room, needed minor updates to carry the mid-century flavor throughout.

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.

Gallery

HomePort Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized tropical separate dining room in Orange County with green walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Battery Wharf

Casabella Interiors

Kyle Caldwell
Photo of a small traditional separate dining room in Boston with green walls, medium hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Dining Room Design Ideas with 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!