Timber-Lantern House

Mcmahon and Nerlich

View to double-height dining room

Studio Uno is an unexpected sanctuary for our client Naomi, a full-time carer and mother. Lying behind an established Brunswick terrace, it takes the shape of a meticulously designed Dependent Persons Unit. Naomi lives with her adult daughter, who has very high support needs. The nature of their circumstances means that living together under one roof isn’t always feasible. Naomi needed a certified DPU that met a simple brief: a dismantlable but quality retreat with warm, robust materials and a calming ambience. We’ve packed as much enduring quality and thoughtful design as possible into a compact footprint. Carefully engineered, the dwelling’s lightweight structure and internal linings enable it to be readily disassembled, transported and rebuilt elsewhere. It replaces the fence at the site’s rear, with its upper mass leaning into one corner to minimise impact on the neighbours’ skyscape. Inside, blackbutt timber and hoop pine plywood dominate the palette to create a warm, low-contrast and relaxing environment. The ground floor features dual sliding doors connecting to the courtyard and laneway, with a versatile living area between for retreat, Naomi’s art practice and above all, peacefulness. Lining the wall is a simple kitchenette, cabinetry, and a clever door concealing the bathroom. A staircase leads to the loft bedroom above, made deliberately cosy and secluded by the dwelling’s tapered form. It’s punctured only by a small window to the lane and a skylight above, offering light and ventilation without compromising privacy.

Terrell Hills Mid Century Modern Project

Haven Design and Construction

One functional challenge was that the home did not have a pantry. MCM closets were historically smaller than the walk-in closets and pantries of today. So, we printed out the home’s floorplan and began sketching ideas. The breakfast area was quite large, and it backed up to the primary bath on one side and it also adjoined the main hallway. We decided to reconfigure the large breakfast area by making part of it into a new walk-in pantry. This gave us the extra space we needed to create a new main hallway, enough space for a spacious walk-in pantry, and finally, we had enough space remaining in the breakfast area to add a cozy built-in walnut dining bench. Above the new dining bench, we designed and incorporated a geometric walnut accent wall to add warmth and texture.

Coburg Farmhouse Remodel

Arbor South Architecture

Deighan Home

Sarah Carr Design

South-side Holland Kitchen and Den

Ryan Street Architects

Glen Road

Risa Boyer Architecture

California Cool Kitchen

Susie Rivadeneyra Design

Chanhassen Lake Charmer

Boyer Building Corporation

Beautiful serving counter boasts great size and storage for the best of hosting. Large impact with it set in and pine beams accenting the built-in. Quartz countertop mimics what is found on the kitchen island.

Los Gatos Midcentury Modern

Cathie Hong Interiors

Coffee Station and Beverage Area

Griffin Designs LLC

Boho Minimalist Home

Veronica Sanders, Allied ASID

This 3,569-square foot, 3-story new build was part of Dallas's Green Build Program. This minimalist rocker pad boasts beautiful energy efficiency, painted brick, wood beams and serves as the perfect backdrop to Dallas' favorite landmarks near popular attractions, like White Rock Lake and Deep Ellum; a melting pot of art, music, and nature. Walk into this home and you're greeted with industrial accents and minimal Mid-Century Modern flair. Expansive windows flood the open-floor plan living room/dining area in light. The homeowner wanted a pristine space that reflects his love of alternative rock bands. To bring this into his new digs, all the walls were painted white and we added pops of bold colors through custom-framed band posters, paired with velvet accents, vintage-inspired patterns, and jute fabrics. A modern take on hippie style with masculine appeal. A gleaming example of how eclectic-chic living can have a place in your modern abode, showcased by nature, music memorabilia and bluesy hues. The bedroom is a masterpiece of contrast. The dark hued walls contrast with the room's luxurious velvet cognac bed. Fluted mid-century furniture is found alongside metal and wood accents with greenery, which help to create an opulent, welcoming atmosphere for this home. “When people come to my home, the first thing they say is that it looks like a magazine! As nice as it looks, it is inviting and comfortable and we use it. I enjoyed the entire process working with Veronica and her team. I am 100% sure that I will use them again and highly recommend them to anyone." Tucker M., Client Designer: @designwithronnie Architect: @mparkerdesign Photography: @mattigreshaminteriors

Recupero porzione di casa di campagna - Villa MM 300MQ

GMRT associati

Harbor View

Grounded Homes

Dining Room Design Ideas with Exposed Beam

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!