While open-plan living remains popular, the dining room is experiencing a resurgence. No longer simply a catch-all for clutter, it’s reclaiming its rightful place as a communal hub for cherished memories. To spark your creativity to decorate this room, we’ve curated a collection of the finest modern dining room ideas from renowned interior designers and architects.
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Dining rooms, often featuring minimal furniture, provide an ideal canvas for statement lighting. By keeping the table and chairs simple, you can focus on creating a dramatic and beautiful atmosphere with decorative lighting, as suggested by Mindy O’Connor of Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture & Interiors. In this project by Ohra, a minimal color palette serves as a backdrop for key pieces, highlighting the clients’ art and furniture collection. The Androgyne dining table and Wireline suspension lamp by Flos add a touch of elegance to the calm and cozy space.
In this dining room by Studio Enass, a playful and sophisticated atmosphere is achieved through a clash of patterns. The chairs, rug, artwork, and tiles are all statement pieces, balanced by a neutral backdrop. The white walls provided a blank canvas for introducing vibrant colors and patterns without overwhelming the space. Despite using three different fabrics for the dining chairs, they remained within the same color scheme, complementing the window dressing. The artwork and rug added another layer of pattern and color, harmonizing beautifully with the wall-to-ceiling tiles.
This dining room by Studio AHEAD showcases the power of shape in creating an engaging and inviting space. Traditional forms, such as the chairs, are combined with sinuous curves for a calm and understated aesthetic. The artwork on the walls adds a touch of intrigue, ensuring the room remains captivating. As principal designer Homan Rajai explains, the goal was to create a space where families could gather comfortably. The long sofa/banquette and Shaker-style chairs, sourced and custom made in Inverness and Sonoma, offer both comfort and traditional charm. The sheep stool and sheep art from Studio AHEAD’s furniture collection add a touch of warmth and contemporary flair, completing the inviting atmosphere.
The days of perfectly matching furniture are over. Contemporary dining spaces often feature a mix of materials, such as the cool stone table and warm, curved chairs in this design by Folding Chair Design Co. Gianpiero Gaglione of Gianpiero Gaglione Interior Design emphasizes the importance of materiality in creating a modern dining scheme. While traditional dining tables are often made of wood or stone, incorporating materials like glass or Corian can add a contemporary touch. For those who prefer wood or stone, Gaglione recommends opting for high-gloss finishes or sharp edges. When incorporating metals, polished finishes like brass, chrome, or copper can evoke a glamorous and futuristic look.
A modern dining room can benefit from unconventional seating arrangements to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Bench seats are a versatile option, adding a communal feel, creating visual interest, and accommodating more guests. In this space by Nesta Studio, the curved sofa-style banquette seating adds a casual touch, contrasting with the wooden chairs and making efficient use of the corner. This type of seating can also help soften the kitchen-diner’s functional purpose, transforming it into a more inviting living area.
The choice of colors in a dining room significantly influences its overall style, ranging from formal to contemporary. Dark, rich jewel tones create a grander atmosphere, while lighter shades elevate the space and highlight elements like furniture and artwork. In this design by Folds Inside, a neutral base color serves as a canvas for pops of pink and blue. The baseboard color, which unifies the ground floor of the house, was the starting point. By using this color as an accent on the woodwork and selecting complementary dining chairs and artwork, Gurner created a cohesive and visually appealing space. To emphasize the bold art print, a pale blue border was added, tying in with the decorative ceiling light above the dining table. Color is also a valuable tool for defining areas in open-plan settings. Amy Youngblood of Amy Youngblood Interiors suggests using a graphic rug to delineate the dining space and add visual interest. Jewel tones are currently trending and can be incorporated into dining chairs for a touch of glamour.
Banquette seating is a popular and space-saving option for small dining rooms. Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co. has incorporated banquette seating into several of her projects. In this Notting Hill apartment, a snug dining area was created by extending the rear of the kitchen. A blue faux leather banquette allowed for additional seating, while a bespoke dining table with a solid oak worktop provided a comfortable and space-efficient solution. The Aim pendant light from Flos adds a finishing touch, complementing the black timber frame of the glass extension.
A statement piece of artwork can elevate a contemporary dining room. While gallery walls are popular, a single, impactful piece can draw attention away from distractions and allow guests to fully appreciate the artwork and the delicious food. Consider choosing a piece that contrasts with the overall design, such as a bold color, a unique texture, or a statement picture frame. Mindy O’Connor of Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture & Interiors highlights the importance of emphasizing artwork in dining rooms. She recommends using picture lights and providing ample space around the piece to draw attention to it.
The most effective modern dining room ideas seamlessly integrate the space’s architectural features. This scheme, belonging to jewelry designer Rosh Mahtani of Alighieri and her partner, designer Fred Rigby, is a prime example. The bespoke concrete bench, which wraps around the table, contrasts beautifully with the large arch above. Incorporating dining room seating into an alcove or corner can highlight interesting architectural elements and maximize space. Additionally, pay attention to windows. If you’re fortunate enough to have windows with stunning stained glass or paneling, position the dining table directly underneath to showcase these architectural gems.
While paneled walls are a classic choice for dining rooms, consider exploring more unexpected wall textures. Dining rooms, unlike kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, are less prone to wear and tear, allowing for experimentation with materials like plaster, high gloss, or even upholstery. If your dining room is part of an open-plan kitchen or if you have young children, tiles can offer a practical yet visually appealing solution. As seen in this example by MW Architects, tiles can add color, texture, and contrast to a dining room while being easy to clean.
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