Merrick Ales Photography
This is an example of a small contemporary dining room in Austin with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Governors Towne Club

Home Expressions Interiors by Laura Bloom Inc.

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more modern with an urban rustic vibe as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was given powerful impact as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.

Victorian Country House

Laura Passey Interiors Ltd

Elegant Dining Room
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Surrey with yellow walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

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.

Blue Gray Contemporary Dining Room with Nearly Natural Blooming Hydrangea

Nearly Natural, Inc.

This contemporary dining room gets an elegant feel with the Celeste Chandelier from Pottery Barn, and wainscoting detail. To complement the black and white tones, Pottery Barn Artisanal Wall-Mount Pillar Lanterns frame the room. Featured in this image is the 8.5" x 10" blue Blooming Hydrangea w/ Vase arrangement. At Nearly Natural we craft our hydrangeas with the highest quality silk materials to bring the most life-like florals to your home.

Colonial Revival

Alisberg Parker

Benjamin Moore's Blue Note 2129-30 Photo by Wes Tarca
Photo of a transitional kitchen/dining combo in New York with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and blue walls.

1840 Greek Revival

Twelve Chairs Interiors

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

Happy Transitional

TATE|studio

This space does double duty for our client, serving as a homework station, lounge, and small entertaining space. We used a hexagonal shape for the quartz table top to get the most seating in this small dining room.

Cherry Hills Village Remodel

KGA Studio Architects, PC

Large traditional dining room in Denver with blue walls, a standard fireplace, brown floor, dark hardwood floors and a stone fireplace surround.

Medina Waterfront

Jacobson Interior Design

This is an example of a traditional dining room in Seattle with dark hardwood floors.

Walnut Grove

TOTAL CONCEPTS

This is an example of a country open plan dining in San Francisco with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Atherton

Studio LOC

Transitional dining room in San Francisco with blue walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

1930s Bungalow Dining Room

User

Photo: Kristian Walker Photography
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic separate dining room in Detroit with blue walls and dark hardwood floors.

Crisp Blue and White Dining Room

Impeccably Designed Homes by Donna Hoffman

WINNER OF IDS DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2014 Like all the spaces we design, this room is totally about the people who live in it. True, the room started as a blank empty box, and while this couple likes architectural interest, the low ceiling was a challenge. Our solution was to add a wonderful niche – perfect to correct the uneven window wall AND indulge an architectural craving. Au courante grass cloth wallpaper and a modern rug are the perfect foil for the refreshing furnishings and appointments that span from 19th century to mid-century to modern.

Southlake Tudor Estate

Stewart Custom Homes

This is a showcase home by Larry Stewart Custom Homes. We are proud to highlight this Tudor style luxury estate situated in Southlake TX.
Large traditional separate dining room in Dallas with dark hardwood floors, beige walls and no fireplace.

UPPER EAST SIDE

Mendelson Group

Eric Piasecki
Photo of a traditional dining room in New York with dark hardwood floors and grey walls.

De Beauvoir, Hackney - Full house renovation

Emilie Fournet Interiors

The Breakfast Room leading onto the kitchen through pockets doors using reclaimed Victorian pine doors. A dining area on one side and a seating area around the wood burner create a very cosy atmosphere.

Island Dwelling

User

Andrew Cebulka
Inspiration for an eclectic kitchen/dining combo in Charleston with grey walls and dark hardwood floors.

Dazzling Deco

K Two Designs, Inc.

Drama is played out in teal and green wallpaper with peacock motifs. Mid century and art deco mix to create a unique space that satifies the homeowner's love of color and drama.

Crushed Velvet Chaise Lounge

Fishpools Furniture Store & Interior Designers

Fishpools Furniture does Mansion House Style.
This is an example of a traditional dining room in Hertfordshire with blue walls and dark hardwood floors.

Turquoise 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!