After the second fallout of the Delta Variant amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in mid 2021, our team working from home, and our client in quarantine, SDA Architects conceived Japandi Home. The initial brief for the renovation of this pool house was for its interior to have an "immediate sense of serenity" that roused the feeling of being peaceful. Influenced by loneliness and angst during quarantine, SDA Architects explored themes of escapism and empathy which led to a “Japandi” style concept design – the nexus between “Scandinavian functionality” and “Japanese rustic minimalism” to invoke feelings of “art, nature and simplicity.” This merging of styles forms the perfect amalgamation of both function and form, centred on clean lines, bright spaces and light colours. Grounded by its emotional weight, poetic lyricism, and relaxed atmosphere; Japandi Home aesthetics focus on simplicity, natural elements, and comfort; minimalism that is both aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional. Japandi Home places special emphasis on sustainability through use of raw furnishings and a rejection of the one-time-use culture we have embraced for numerous decades. A plethora of natural materials, muted colours, clean lines and minimal, yet-well-curated furnishings have been employed to showcase beautiful craftsmanship – quality handmade pieces over quantitative throwaway items. A neutral colour palette compliments the soft and hard furnishings within, allowing the timeless pieces to breath and speak for themselves. These calming, tranquil and peaceful colours have been chosen so when accent colours are incorporated, they are done so in a meaningful yet subtle way. Japandi home isn’t sparse – it’s intentional. The integrated storage throughout – from the kitchen, to dining buffet, linen cupboard, window seat, entertainment unit, bed ensemble and walk-in wardrobe are key to reducing clutter and maintaining the zen-like sense of calm created by these clean lines and open spaces. The Scandinavian concept of “hygge” refers to the idea that ones home is your cosy sanctuary. Similarly, this ideology has been fused with the Japanese notion of “wabi-sabi”; the idea that there is beauty in imperfection. Hence, the marriage of these design styles is both founded on minimalism and comfort; easy-going yet sophisticated. Conversely, whilst Japanese styles can be considered “sleek” and Scandinavian, “rustic”, the richness of the Japanese neutral colour palette aids in preventing the stark, crisp palette of Scandinavian styles from feeling cold and clinical. Japandi Home’s introspective essence can ultimately be considered quite timely for the pandemic and was the quintessential lockdown project our team needed.

Traditionl Hand Painted Framed Kitchen

Tulip

Photo of a large traditional open plan dining in Surrey with limestone floors, grey floor and exposed beam.

Silverleaf Lot 3715

Sonora West Development, Inc.

Photo of a large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Phoenix with grey walls, porcelain floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

Intarsie

Fabi Architekten BDA part gmbb

H.Stolz
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Munich with white walls, linoleum floors and grey floor.

Beach Drive Modern, Camano Island WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

View to breakfast nook from dining area.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary dining room in Seattle with beige walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

Federal Style Addition Renovation

New Leaf Collaborative Architecture & Design

Photo of a mid-sized traditional dining room in DC Metro with beige walls, ceramic floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

Dining Room

Harriet Hughes Interior Design

Photo of a mid-sized transitional dining room in London with grey walls, carpet, no fireplace and grey floor.

Lexington Country Signature Series - 980 Monterey Model

Landon Homes

This is an example of a mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Dallas with beige walls, ceramic floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

High Tech Modern

Avalon Architectural, Inc.

An open floor plan includes a contemporary kitchen and a dining room with stunning views of the Newport Beach Back Bay.
Large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Orange County with grey walls and grey floor.

Cosmopolitan Condo

Black Lacquer Design

Mary Costa
Inspiration for a small contemporary dining room in Los Angeles with white walls and grey floor.

Cooks Hill

Zugai Strudwick Architects

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Newcastle - Maitland with brown walls, concrete floors, grey floor, exposed beam and decorative wall panelling.

Modern Furniture Collections

AllaModa Furniture

This is an example of a large traditional open plan dining in Los Angeles with grey walls, porcelain floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

Modern Flair

Infinity Custom Designs

Robert Madrid Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern separate dining room in Miami with marble floors, beige walls and grey floor.

Vivienda Unifamiliar

ORIZAOLA arquitectura técnica

Vivienda unifamilar aislada con especial cuidado del interiorismo: acabados, mobiliario, iluminación y decoración. Diseñada para vivirla y para disfrutar de las excelentes vistas hacia la costa Mediterránea.

Emerald & Copper Craftsman

Mom's Design Build

The banquette dining area is a more casual space for eating. The kitchen has tons of storage with the custom green cabinetry wall including many smart storage solutions.

Interior Design - Modernist Family Home

My-Studio Ltd

Modernist dining area
This is an example of an expansive modern open plan dining with white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

Cottage

Agence NovaOm Architecture d'intérieur

This is an example of an expansive transitional open plan dining in Paris with beige walls, laminate floors and grey floor.

Juno Beach, Private Residence

Blue Ladder Studio

compact dining room designed to me light and airy with glass floating top and sculptural table base. sea grass wallcovering for focal accent wall
This is an example of a small beach style kitchen/dining combo in Miami with green walls, porcelain floors and grey floor.

Chez Amélie et Anthony

SD DESIGN

Lorsque Amelie et Anthony ont eu le projet de surélever leur maison pour créer un espace nuit qui sera destiné à leurs deux filles , ils ont fait immédiatement appel à l’agence afin de leur créer un véritable aménagement fonctionnel répondant à leurs personnalités et à leurs exigences de rangements. Mais avant tout il fallait créer un escalier qui desservirait l’étage. J’ai voulu que cet escalier soit le point central, qu’il soit à la fois esthétique et remplisse plusieurs fonctions. L’escalier dessiné par mes soins a été spécialement conçu sur mesure : le contraste du bois naturel et la couleur claire de cet aménagement sur mesure restructure l’ensemble de la pièce et apporte beaucoup de chaleur. L’aménagement créé sous l’escalier est composé de plusieurs modules de rangements sur lesquels reposent des niches ouvertes et fermées permettant ainsi de créer un rythme moderne et simple. Ces long tasseaux en chêne naturel servent aussi de garde corps. Quant à la plateforme, je l’ai conçue pour qu’elle devienne un espace détente : Rien de mieux que de concilier esthétique et fonctionnalité !

Poplar - Modern MCM

Melinamade - Residential Design + Interiors

The dining room and hutch wall that opens to the kitchen and living room in a Mid Century modern home built by a student of Eichler. This Eichler inspired home was completely renovated and restored to meet current structural, electrical, and energy efficiency codes as it was in serious disrepair when purchased as well as numerous and various design elements being inconsistent with the original architectural intent of the house from subsequent remodels.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Grey Floor

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!