Situated along the coastal foreshore of Inverloch surf beach, this 7.4 star energy efficient home represents a lifestyle change for our clients. ‘’The Nest’’, derived from its nestled-among-the-trees feel, is a peaceful dwelling integrated into the beautiful surrounding landscape. Inspired by the quintessential Australian landscape, we used rustic tones of natural wood, grey brickwork and deep eucalyptus in the external palette to create a symbiotic relationship between the built form and nature. The Nest is a home designed to be multi purpose and to facilitate the expansion and contraction of a family household. It integrates users with the external environment both visually and physically, to create a space fully embracive of nature.

East Melbourne - Apartment

Logie Interiors

Photo of a large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors and grey floor.

Ormond New Contemporary Residence

Sketch Building Design

Photographer: Natalie Jeffcott
Design ideas for a contemporary open plan dining in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

HAMPTONS IN HENLEY BEACH

Claridge Construction

Photo of a contemporary open plan dining in Adelaide with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Lake Macquarie

ADRY Design

Design ideas for a beach style dining room in Sydney with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Custom design and build

Horizon Homes

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.

Yaralla House

Santamaria Design

Photo of a contemporary dining room in Sydney with medium hardwood floors.

Transitional Dining Room

Transitional dining room in Sydney with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Pittwater House

IOANNA LENNOX INTERIORS

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room in Sydney with white walls and medium hardwood floors.

Contemporary Residence

User

Design ideas for a contemporary dining room in Melbourne with grey walls and dark hardwood floors.

Darlinghurst Terrace

Emma Blomfield

Custom made banquette dining bench in jaguar navy spot print.
Photo of a transitional dining room in Sydney with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

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.

Ivanhoe Residence

DSdezines Interiors

Contemporary open plan dining in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Meals/Living

Third Element Studio

Transitional open plan dining in Melbourne with medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and exposed beam.

Port Melbourne Residence

MR.MITCHELL

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Melbourne with white walls and medium hardwood floors.

Templestowe

LBB Projects

Contemporary open plan dining in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

New build

schemes & spaces

Clean and contemporary dining area with feature pendants
This is an example of a large contemporary dining room in Sydney with dark hardwood floors.

Anderson Street, South Yarra

Key Piece

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors and no fireplace.

East Toowoomba Cottage

Ivy + Piper Pty Ltd

This is an example of a country dining room in Brisbane with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

Lake Wendouree House

de.arch

dining room
Inspiration for a large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Melbourne with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and exposed beam.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Medium Hardwood Floors and Dark Hardwood Floors

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!