Position your dining room next to large windows to take advantage of lovely surrounding scenery. The Residence D – Avery 1 floor plan by Lennar in Foster City, CA.
This dining area is perfect for entertaining with lots of room for friends and family along with spectacular views.
The dining room is a shared space with both the kitchen and living room. Guests can mingle around the open area while the main dishes are being prepared. After everyone has finished their meals, comfortable seating is only a few feet away in the living room.
To get the look: If your new dining room features a fabulous view, let it be the spotlight. Position the table so guests can enjoy looking outdoors. Keep the furnishings simple and use earthy, quiet tones to balance out the setup.
Bring in bold patterns using neutral tones, such as this geometric rug, to create a sophisticated yet modern statement. The Plan 3 floor plan by William Lyon Homes in Las Vegas, NV.
This dining room dazzles the eye from floor to ceiling. With patterned chairs, a bold rug and exposed beams, nothing about the space is boring. Guests can appreciate the attention to detail, while dining in a space that is comfortable and spacious.
The potted plants bring striking pops of color into the space while the opulent chandeliers add a touch of elegance.
To get the look: “Geometric patterns are a classic statement,” explains Jessica Davis, founder of JL Design. To keep it timeless, stick with blacks, whites and neutrals for the color palette. Metallic accent pieces can be added for a super glamorous effect.
Extra lighting, such as a few buffet lamps, can help create the perfect dining atmosphere. The Darlington floor plan by CalAtlantic in Lilburn, GA.
An intricate fixture over the table draws in guests’ eyes as soon as they step into this dining room.
Yet, it is not the only light source. Two additional lamps on the sideboard help cast the right amount of warmth throughout the space during dinner hour.
To get the look: “If the center ceiling fixture is the only source of light in the room, consider adding wall sconces or buffet lamps to your sideboard,” suggests Jill Hosking-Cartland, Owner and Principal Designer of Hosking Interiors. Use dimmer switches to create the perfect glow when guests arrive.
An assortment of patterns, textures and furnishings in a similar color palette creates a vibrant, but cohesive, look. The Plan 559 H floor plan by Highland Homes in Haslet, TX.
Mix-and-match dining room chairs and accent pieces from a combination of styles keep this dining room from feeling too matchy-matchy. The patterned rug gives off a bohemian vibe while the chandelier is a nod to the popular modern farmhouse design.
A balance of wooden and metallic finishes completes this fun, varied dining area.
To get the look: Don’t be afraid to pull inspiration from a wide array of design styles. With a neutral, monochrome color palette, it becomes easy to play with all kinds of textures and finishes.
Use statement pieces, like eye-catching wall art or unconventional lighting fixtures, to inject unexpected elements into your design. The Indigo floor plan by Toll Brothers in Las Vegas, NV.
This dining room features a striking piece of agate wall art, which adds both color and dimension to the space. Vertical, minimalistic wine displays create an interesting geometric element in the décor.
Neutral tones on the chairs, table and walls help balance the bolder statement pieces in the room.
To get the look: Think outside the box when decorating. Modern chandeliers or unique pieces of art can create a look that will surprise — and delight — guests.
This ultra cozy dining room invites family and guests to relax in a space inspired by the trendy modern farmhouse design. The Tradition floor plan by Toll Brothers in Plymouth, MA.
Soft shades of cream create a calm and gentle atmosphere in this cottage dining room. Accents in rich brown hues create warmth throughout the space, sprinkled throughout the table, chandeliers, wooden décor pieces and window treatments.
Enveloped in this color scheme, family and friends will be ready to visit and settle in as soon as they arrive.
To get the look: “A neutral palette in soothing tones will create a relaxing area,” explains Nicola Croughan, interior designer at Blinds Direct. In addition to cream, try pale grays, warm yellows and other natural tones.
Rachel Hartman is a freelance writer who frequently covers home and lifestyle topics.
