Sunny, airy and carefree, the dining room is the epitome of a breezy summer’s day. A large open display unit filled with handpicked curios stimulates visual interest while adding cheer to the decor scheme. “We perpetuated the living room aesthetic with a base palette of white, while cutting the monotony with bright yellows and blues. We were particular about maintaining a European sensibility by way of colour, material and texture. We used royal blues, whites, greys and wines to curate a colour spectrum reminiscent of Europe. We complemented these hues with muted fabrics and subtle patterns, and plenty of pine wood.

Reforma de sótano en bruto

LORETO SPA arquitectura y reformas

EL ANTES Y DESPUÉS DE UN SÓTANO EN BRUTO. (Fotografía de Juanan Barros) Nuestros clientes quieren aprovechar y disfrutar del espacio del sótano de su casa con un programa de necesidades múltiple: hacer una sala de cine, un gimnasio, una zona de cocina, una mesa para jugar en familia, un almacén y una zona de chimenea. Les planteamos un proyecto que convierte una habitación bajo tierra con acabados “en bruto” en un espacio acogedor y con un interiorismo de calidad... para pasar allí largos ratos All Together. Diseñamos un gran espacio abierto con distintos ambientes aprovechando rincones, graduando la iluminación, bajando y subiendo los techos, o haciendo un banco-espejo entre la pared de armarios de almacenaje, de manera que cada uso y cada lugar tenga su carácter propio sin romper la fluidez espacial. La combinación de la iluminación indirecta del techo o integrada en el mobiliario hecho a medida, la elección de los materiales con acabados en madera (de Alvic), el papel pintado (de Tres Tintas) y el complemento de color de los sofás (de Belta&Frajumar) hacen que el conjunto merezca esta valoración en Houzz por parte de los clientes: “… El resultado final es magnífico: el sótano se ha transformado en un lugar acogedor y cálido, todo encaja y todo tiene su sitio, teniendo una estética moderna y elegante. Fue un acierto dejar las elecciones de mobiliario, colores, materiales, etc. en sus manos”.

Gold Coast Classic

Dan Rak Design

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

Notting Hill Hideway - Dining Area

Chaunceys Timber Flooring

Stylish study area with engineered wood flooring from Chaunceys Timber Flooring
Photo of a small country kitchen/dining combo in Sussex with light hardwood floors and panelled walls.

Dining Room

Studio Enass

Large contemporary separate dining room in London with limestone floors and panelled walls.

Updated Formal Dining

Walker Architects

Modern furnishings meet refinished traditional details.
This is an example of a contemporary separate dining room in Boston with light hardwood floors, brown floor, grey walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and panelled walls.

Vivid House

Studio Seher

Photo of a small contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Mumbai with white walls, ceramic floors, white floor and panelled walls.

Dining Room

Studio Enass

Photo of a large asian separate dining room in London with limestone floors and panelled walls.

Yellow Dining Room Design Ideas with Panelled Walls

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!