Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Toronto with white walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and panelled walls.

Timeless Dining Room

Heather Nadeau Interior Design

A timeless, curated dining room designed with a fresh look and color. The black and white furnishings keep the room feeling elegant, yet bold.
Small transitional separate dining room in Boston with wallpaper, panelled walls, decorative wall panelling, multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Home on the Plains - Magnolia Journal Feature Project

Kelsey Leigh Design Co.

Photo of a large transitional dining room in Oklahoma City with light hardwood floors and panelled walls.

Clegg 2020

Set The Stage

Inspiration for a transitional separate dining room in Louisville with black walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed and panelled walls.

Custom Built In Cabinetry with Floating Shelves

Boyce Design + Build

A pair of brass swing arm wall sconces are mounted over custom built-in cabinets and stacked oak floating shelves. The texture and sheen of the square, hand-made, Zellige tile backsplash provides visual interest and design style while large windows offer spectacular views of the property creating an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere for dining and entertaining.

Seagull Two Project

White Horse Design

Transitional separate dining room in Philadelphia with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor, vaulted and panelled walls.

Dahlia St

Factor Design Build

Transitional separate dining room in Denver with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, recessed and panelled walls.

Rooms-Interiors

Chris Sandlin Homes

Custom Home in Dallas (Midway Hollow), Dallas
Large transitional separate dining room in Dallas with grey walls, brown floor, recessed, panelled walls and dark hardwood floors.

Terrazza Remodel

Kirby Home Designs

This is an example of a transitional open plan dining in Oklahoma City with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

New Forest Country House

User

Design ideas for a transitional separate dining room in London with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, panelled walls and decorative wall panelling.

Country Farmhouse

Construction Elements

Photo of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Dallas with white walls, light hardwood floors and panelled walls.

Diamond Sands Private Residence - Dining Room

Masterpiece Design Group

An elegant formal dining space for 8 with clean lines and delicate accents - highlighted by an oversized Arteriors chandelier and glass-walled wine cellar.

Grade II Listed Georgian Townhouse - Dining Room

Emma Tutill Ltd

Photo of a large transitional separate dining room in London with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and panelled walls.

Modern Lakehouse

IDESIGN - Interiors by Kristin

This modern lakeside home in Manitoba exudes our signature luxurious yet laid back aesthetic.
Large transitional dining room in Other with white walls, laminate floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and panelled walls.

Formal Dining Room

Great Rooms Building Group

Inspiration for a large transitional separate dining room in Chicago with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

Boxford Beauty

Beige and Bleu Design Studio

This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in Boston with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood fireplace surround, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Queen Village Dining Room

Smith and Ryan

Inspiration for a transitional dining room in Philadelphia with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

Dining Room

Fratantoni Luxury Estates Design/Build/Remodeling

We love this dining room's coffered ceiling, dining area, custom millwork & molding, plus the chandeliers and arched entryways!
Design ideas for a large transitional separate dining room in Phoenix with beige walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, multi-coloured floor, coffered and panelled walls.

Darien Family Home

Mare Design

This is an example of a transitional dining room in Other with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and panelled walls.

Glamorous Kitchen, Dining and Living Renovation with Entertaining in Mind

Corinthian Fine Homes

This young family began working with us after struggling with their previous contractor. They were over budget and not achieving what they really needed with the addition they were proposing. Rather than extend the existing footprint of their house as had been suggested, we proposed completely changing the orientation of their separate kitchen, living room, dining room, and sunroom and opening it all up to an open floor plan. By changing the configuration of doors and windows to better suit the new layout and sight lines, we were able to improve the views of their beautiful backyard and increase the natural light allowed into the spaces. We raised the floor in the sunroom to allow for a level cohesive floor throughout the areas. Their extended kitchen now has a nice sitting area within the kitchen to allow for conversation with friends and family during meal prep and entertaining. The sitting area opens to a full dining room with built in buffet and hutch that functions as a serving station. Conscious thought was given that all “permanent” selections such as cabinetry and countertops were designed to suit the masses, with a splash of this homeowner’s individual style in the double herringbone soft gray tile of the backsplash, the mitred edge of the island countertop, and the mixture of metals in the plumbing and lighting fixtures. Careful consideration was given to the function of each cabinet and organization and storage was maximized. This family is now able to entertain their extended family with seating for 18 and not only enjoy entertaining in a space that feels open and inviting, but also enjoy sitting down as a family for the simple pleasure of supper together.

Transitional Dining Room Design Ideas with Panelled Walls

A transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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 transitional 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!