Transitional Interior Design in Aldie, VA

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in DC Metro with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, recessed and wallpaper.

Wooldridge

Andrea Leigh Interiors

This is an example of a transitional dining room in Austin with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Glencoe Residence

YAMINI DESIGNS

This dining room is a play in textures. Textured wallcovering, a live edge dining table, a reflective globe chandelier harmonize together.
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Chicago with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed and wallpaper.

Built-in buffet cabinets

Benvenuti and Stein

Dining space with pass through to living room and kitchen has built -in buffet cabinets. Lighted cove ceiling creates cozy atmosphere. Norman Sizemore-Photographer

North Chicago Home

O’Hara Interiors

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Great Room

Angela Reynolds Designs

Expansive transitional open plan dining in Miami with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam, wallpaper and beige walls.

Casa Stresa

zero6studio

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Rome with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Study Room

Shapiro & Company Architects

Photo of a traditional dining room in Nashville with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, timber and wallpaper.

Hogan Interiors Projects

Hogan Interiors

Client wanted this dining /living room to have a warm and comfortable ambiance. I achieved this by adding warm colours, curtains and textured wallpaper, available to order through Hogan Interiors

Moscow Country House

Tatiana Pirogkova

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Moscow with metallic walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Newton Home

Joseph Ferraro

This is an example of a traditional separate dining room in Boston with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed, decorative wall panelling and wallpaper.

Please be seated.

Joni Spear Interior Design

As a practical trend, formal dining spaces have largely become obsolete in favor of great, dynamic kitchens; however, bucking the movement, my young, but highly traditional client wanted to enjoy evening meals as a routine close to the family’s scattered and hectic days. Ceilings are christened a whisper of a blush to inspire relaxed conversation under the halo of a warm glow. The traditional table and chairs are the yield of a highly juried online treasure hunt. Each piece is meticulously refinished in an updated stain more reflective of the young homeowners. Performance fabric is used on the chairs to ensure ease of cleanability to combat daily use by children and young adults. Walls are clad in a cut velvet and metallic animal print wallpaper to add subtle nostalgia from eras gone by. Millwork is freshly painted in a semi-gloss alabaster to offer relief from the wallpaper and ceiling. The opulent, antique-inspired chandelier is the dazzling focal point with draped crystal beading. Linen drapery panels seamlessly silhouette the cozy window seat. Cleanable yet regal velvet fabric upholstered cushions, ornamented with a braided trim add a final pop of elegance.

Waller Project

RUSTY WADATZ DESIGN

Contemporary dining room in San Francisco with black walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Bryce Dallas Howard's New York Home

Emily Pertzborn Interiors

antique floor, antique furniture, architectural digest, classic design, colorful accents, cool new york homes, cottage core, country home, elegant antique, lemon wallpaper, historic home, vintage home, vintage style

Dining Room

Rose & Lily Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Atlanta with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Dining Room

Alisberg Parker

Transitional dining room in New York with dark hardwood floors and wallpaper.

Dining Room

Erin Forrey Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary separate dining room in New York with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, coffered and wallpaper.

Addison Home

AR Homes | Nashville

This is an example of a dining room.
Photo of a large country open plan dining in Nashville with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, recessed and wallpaper.

Transitional Dining Room

RES Interiors, LLC

Mid-sized traditional dining room in Charlotte with dark hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Glenview

Elizabeth Drake of Drake Interiors Limited

Photographer: Werner Straube
Photo of a transitional separate dining room in Chicago with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and wallpaper.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Dark Hardwood Floors and Wallpaper

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!