Eclectic with a Mid-Century Modern Flair

Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic dining room in Other with multi-coloured walls, cork floors, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

The owners enjoy the view of the gardens and river from their new breakfast room

User

Kitchen design by Ann Rumble Design, Richmond, VA.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Orange County with multi-coloured walls, cork floors and no fireplace.

Scheurich Remodel

brittanysdesign

There were a few goals for this main level living space remodel, first and for most to enhance the breath taking views of the Tacoma Narrows Strait of the Puget Sound. Secondly to also enhance and restore the original mid-century architecture and lastly to modernize the spaces with style and functionality. The layout changed by removing the walls separating the kitchen and entryway from the living spaces along with reducing the coat closet from 72 inches wide to 48 wide opening up the entry space. The original wood wall provides the mid-century architecture by combining the wood wall with the rich cork floors and contrasting them both with the floor to ceiling crisp white stacked slate fireplace we created the modern feel the client desired. Adding to the contrast of the warm wood tones the kitchen features the cool grey custom modern cabinetry, white and grey quartz countertops with an eye popping blue crystal quartz on the raise island countertop and bar top. To balance the wood wall the bar cabinetry on the opposite side of the space was finished in a honey stain. The furniture pieces are primarily blue and grey hues to coordinate with the beautiful glass tiled backsplash and crystal blue countertops in the kitchen. Lastly the accessories and accents are a combination of oranges and greens to follow in the mid-century color pallet and contrast the blue hues.

Dining Room Chandelier

Thayer Design Build

Photo of a midcentury dining room in Other with multi-coloured walls, cork floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, beige floor and wood.

Dining Rooms

Teague Hunziker Photography

©Teague Hunziker
Design ideas for a transitional kitchen/dining combo in Los Angeles with multi-coloured walls and cork floors.

Wall Decor - Storywall

Granorte

STORYWALL integrates traditional industrial techniques with new high-tech graphic systems, resulting on a perfect symbiosis between the traditional character of cork and state-of-the-art digital printed graphics. The designs engrave the wallcovering collection with themes that go from the very traditional Portuguese tile to the modern-day pixel. 100% post-industrial recycled natural cork Glued installation Waterbased lacquer finished 570x570x4 mm

Colour Casing

District. Architects

A modest side and rear extension in South East London. The scheme sought to create the flexibility of a three bedroom, two reception house within the footprint of an original small one bedroom flat with a new ground floor wrap around extension. As such the addition is carefully considered to ensure the spaces are separate, unique to their own setting yet always borrowing from adjacent spaces where needed. The use of colour was important to help give each space a minimal difference to the next with other finishes allowing it to subtly appear as a whole when required.

Sliding Deck Door

Thayer Design Build

Design ideas for a midcentury dining room in Other with multi-coloured walls, cork floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, beige floor and wood.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Multi-coloured Walls and Cork 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!