Overthinking a situation isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when the home in question is one in which the past is suddenly meeting the present. Originally designed by Finnish architect Olav Hammarstrom in 1952 for fellow architect Eero Saarinen, this unique home recently received its first transformation in decades. Still in its 1950s skin, it was completely gutted, inside and out. It was a serious undertaking, as the homeowner wanted modern upgrades, while keeping an eye toward retaining the home’s 1950s charm. She had a vision for her home, and she stuck to it from beginning to end. Perched on a rise of land and overlooking the tranquil Wellfleet Herring Pond, the home initially appears split, with the guest house on the left, and the main house of the right, but both ends are connected with a breezeway. The original home’s bones were in good shape, but many upgrades and replacements were necessary to bring the house up to date. New siding, roofing, gutters, insulation and mechanical systems were all replaced. Doors and windows with metal frames were custom made by a company in Long Island that fabricates doors for office buildings. Modern heating and cooling systems were added, and the three bathrooms were all updated. The footprint of the home remained unchanged. Inside, the only expansion was more closet space. The attention to detail in retaining the 50s-style look took a lot of online searching, from handles and knobs to lighting fixtures, with bits and pieces arriving from all over the world, including a doorstop from New Zealand. The homeowner selected many of the fixtures herself, while a very detail-oriented foreman exhaustively researched as well, looking for just the right piece for each and every location. High-end appliances were purchased to modernize the kitchen and all of the old cabinetry was removed, replaced and refaced with NUVACOR, a versatile surfacing material that not only provided a sleek, modern look, but added convenience and ease of use. Bare, wood-beamed ceilings throughout give a nod to the home’s natural surroundings, while the main living area (formerly a fisherman’s cabin), with a brick fireplace, was completely trimmed in walnut, while multiple windows of varying sizes welcome sunlight to brighten the home. Here, the sheetrock ceiling with faux rafters provides an interesting and room-brightening feature. Behind the house sits the serene pond, which can now be enjoyed from the stunning new deck. Here, decking material was not laid out side by side, as it typically is but, instead, meticulously laid out on edge, creating an unusual and eye-catching effect. A railing of tempered glass panels allows unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty, and keeps consistent with the open, airy feel of the place. A new outdoor shower is accessible via the deck and left open to the wilderness and the pond below, completing the bold yet sophisticated feeling of this retro-modern home.

English Tudor Addition

TEA2 Architects

Design ideas for a traditional kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with white walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Raleighwood Midcentury

Interior Design Alchemy

John Valls
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen/dining combo in Portland with beige walls and dark hardwood floors.

Dining Area in Luxe Transitional Hi-Rise Residence

Dona Rosene Interiors

ASID DESIGN OVATION DALLAS 2017 - FIRST PLACE- RESIDENTIAL INDUSTRY PARTNER COLLABORATION. Interior Design by Dona Rosene; Kitchen Design & Custom Cabinetry by Helene's Luxury Kitchens; Photography by Michael Hunter

Suburban Bliss

Christine Sheldon Design

Photographer: Kathryn MacDonald
Photo of a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in San Francisco with dark hardwood floors.

Marion, MA - Beach House

Evolve Residential

Sean Litchfield
Mid-sized beach style kitchen/dining combo in Boston with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Lake Arrowhead Residence - RDA Winner 2014

Marvin

Bryan Jones Jones Pierce Architects This home in Waleska, Georgia feels like a tree house with building projections hanging in space high over the steep lot below. The use of large fixed windows makes the interior spaces feel as if they are part of the outside, and puts the focus on the view. We used a language of materials on the exterior with different finishes on the foundation, house body, and the room projections, and wanted the windows to stand out while fitting into the natural setting. The warm, dark bronze clad color chosen fit into the surrounding wooded setting, while at the same time provided a clean modern look similar to metal windows without looking excessively commercial.

Interior Renovations

Narratif

Photo: Stacy Vazquez-Abrams Circular Bench: Ideal Sofa
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Toronto with dark hardwood floors, white walls and no fireplace.

Vail Lodge Unit

Bardes Interiors

Photo credit: Chris Davis
Photo of a traditional kitchen/dining combo in Denver with dark hardwood floors.

Striking Dining Area

The Decorating Therapist

Lots of seating for this breakfast area. The deep pumpkin wall color provides a warm backdrop for black framed chairs, upholstered bench seating and the distressed copper topped round table. Design: Carol Lombardo Weil; Photography: Tony Cossentino, WhyTheFoto

Eclectic Condo

Cottage Company of Harbor Springs

Beth Singer
This is an example of a small eclectic kitchen/dining combo in Other with beige walls and dark hardwood floors.

50s remodel

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Portland with white walls and dark hardwood floors.

Josh Wynne Construction

Pecky Cypress ceilings framed with white beams. Built-in banquet. Open living design. This home is certified LEED-H Platinum. Photo by Matt McCorteney.

Estes Park Avenue

Inside Stories

Modern eclectic dining room.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Denver with white walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Peavey Lake Remodel

O’Hara Interiors

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Hage Homes, Builder | Corey Gaffer, Photography 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.

Plantation Shutters

Best Buy Blinds Shutters and Shades

Mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Salt Lake City with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and vaulted.

Breakfast Nook

Petrucci Johnson Homes

Custom Wood bench under beautiful windows. Area serves as a dining room and a breakfast nook
Photo of a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Detroit with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and no fireplace.

Interior Remodel

CMB Construction

Chicago Home Photos
Photo of a traditional kitchen/dining combo in Chicago with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Old Locke Renovation

Fiorentino Group Architects

Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a large transitional kitchen/dining combo in Boston with dark hardwood floors, brown floor, beige walls and no fireplace.

Chatham Hills - Country French

Old Town Design Group

The kitchen table has a perfect view of the golf course and great exposed wooden beams in the ceiling. Photo Credit: Tom Graham
Photo of a large traditional kitchen/dining combo in Indianapolis with brown floor, beige walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Kitchen/Dining Combo Design Ideas with 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!