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.

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.

Dining Room

SINGLEPOINT DESIGN BUILD INC.

Dining room and main hallway. Modern fireplace wall has herringbone tile pattern and custom wood shelving. The main hall has custom wood trusses that bring the feel of the 16' tall ceilings down to earth. The steel dining table is 4' x 10' and was built specially for the space.

200 Water

Rhobin DelaCruz Designs

Luxury Residence in Dumbo
This is an example of a large modern open plan dining in New York with white walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Purple Accent Design

Freestyle Interiors

Photo of a large contemporary dining room in Miami with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Cottage in Mill Valley

JL Interior Design, LLC

Large country separate dining room in San Francisco with dark hardwood floors, white walls, no fireplace and brown floor.

Hamptons

E. Lawrence Design

Design ideas for a large traditional separate dining room in New York with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Open Plan Traditional- Modern Living For Today's Family

HEYDT DESIGNS

David Duncan Livingston
Large beach style kitchen/dining combo in San Francisco with dark hardwood floors.

Appartamento Testaccio | 90 MQ

L2 Architettura Studio

l'ambiente unico è stato diviso da una parete in ferro e vetro con ante scorrevoli che permette all'occorrenza di isolare la cucina e proteggere la zona pranzo dagli odori.

Lake Living Dining and Great Room

Joseph Philip Craig Custom Homes

Custom lake living at its finest, this Michigan property celebrates family living with contemporary spaces that embrace entertaining, sophistication, and fine living. The property embraces its location, nestled amongst the woods, and looks out towards an expansive lake.

Streeterville Residence

Phillip Harrison Interiors

Design ideas for a large contemporary open plan dining in Chicago with white walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Upper East Side Pied-à-Terre

Shelley Morris Interiors

Inspiration for a large contemporary separate dining room in New York with black walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and black floor.

Alma Residence

Architelle Architecture & Interior Design

A relaxed family room has been created in what was originally the rear servants wing, complete with maids stair up to the first floor bedrooms. Interior design, including the under stair joinery, are by Studio Gorman. Photograph by Prue Ruscoe

Carolina Blue in Preston Hollow

Lark Interior

A game table in the corner of a large family room in Dallas.
Design ideas for a large beach style dining room in Dallas with dark hardwood floors, brown floor and white walls.

Flower Mound New Home

Homestyle Select Decor

This beautiful dining room has a mix of rustic furnishings with elegant touches to elevate the look. Starburst gold light fixtures immediately draw one's attention. The blue accent wall ties in the blue accents throughout the room. Custom host chairs with a beautiful blue fabric on the back provide the perfect accent to the casual yet sophisticated drapery treatment. The wall gems bring some of the blue color onto the opposite wall, creating an inviting space for entertaining.

Seward Park Gables

Board & Vellum

Photos by Andrew Giammarco Photography.
Large country open plan dining in Seattle with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, blue walls, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Ardsley Custom

M. Lahr Homes

Large transitional separate dining room in Orlando with grey walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Livingston Oasis, Livingston NJ

Clear Home Design

behold this dramatic 2 story dining room open to the living room beyond. it features a deco inspired large round glass top dining table surrounded by deco velvet upholstered ring back dining chairs. all in a pale grey to match the shimmering vinyl wallcovering. the modern art over the jonathan adler cabinets pops a blue in this grey room that adds style and vibrancy.

Certified Luxury Builders - 41 West - Veracruz Penthouse Remodel 2A

Dream Coast Builders

Inspiration for a large contemporary dining room in Other with dark hardwood floors, brown floor, white walls and no fireplace.

Purple Accent Design

Freestyle Interiors

Photo of a large contemporary dining room in Miami with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Large Dining Room 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!