In spite of the cost of living, it’s still popular. ~Kathy Norris
How divine! Who doesn’t love walking into a glorious dining room? OK, granted most of us only use this room a few times a year…I know I am guilty of it but I can’t help it…..there is something so magical about walking into a beautifully done dining room. So here I have put together a lovely little collection of a great group of different styles of dining rooms. As I am starting to plan out my own dining room, I am realizing I am not as sure of my ideas as I had once thought. The ONLY thing I know for sure, is that I want to use a chinoiserie on the walls, other than that I am open to ideas!
I know I have a few favorites…do you? I got a few great ideas from these “inspiration photos” I have always loved seeing a sofa or small love seat in a dining room. I like seeing two or even three chandeliers….if it works in the space, it makes it interesting. I love two round tables if the room allows for it. Love book shelves in a dining room…could it not feel any more inviting and well lived in? Would love to know what you like and why. If you had a plain room with absolutely nothing in it and four blank white walls…..what would you do to it to create your dream dining room? Would love to hear your ideas!
This fabulous dining room by Janet Simon is a favorite, love the pale green chinoiserie paper
Thomas Pheasant used an abundance of rich orange and red in this opulent and decadent DC dining room
Keith Johnson put this eclectic grouping together of antique pieces and it works beautifully
Love the laid back but sophisticated vibe of this dining area, done by Ray Booth
Rinfret designs created this elegant dining room with painted and glazed walls/niches and painted murals
Another Rinfret Dining room….always liked a round table in a room if it works
Fabulous rich dark colors create a dramatic dining room by Samuel Botero
Blue is so soothing in a dining room….love that lantern
Very opulent dining room by Juan Pable Molynueax…check out the gorgeous DeGournay mural
A very pretty and inviting neutral palette dining room, the chairs look so comfortable
A bright, happy and cheerful more casual dining room as seen in Architectural Digest (notice the books- makes me feel inviting and like a room you are more apt to spend time in)
This french styled dining room by Alexa Hampton is glorious in a rich green color palette
This dining room with its clean lines and dark walls was voted a readers favorite in Architectural Digest by Lorena Polon
This is a very dark, gothic looking formal dining room, too dark for my taste but grand for sure
This light and airy beachy dining area is very inviting and cozy by William Waldron
Rich chocolate chairs and gilding make for a very decadent dining arrangement in this room by Craig White
Love this gorgeous rich warm room so decadent but inviting at the same time….love the millwork and windows
This is so pretty, love the brick wall, the beautiful Ralph Lauren leather chairs, the pretty panels..its such a soft and inviting combination
The velvet beige chairs with a pretty shape make this transitional dining room dramatic and elegant
This formal and opulent dining table set for oh about 40 is beautiful, what do you think about the two toned painted paneling?
I love books in a dining area! It makes it feel so inviting, so livable…..this just feels like such a great and happy, well lived in space
This dramatic space in this contemporary home opts to go minimal with the emphasis on the view and a great table
Ralph Lauren’s private dining room looks might inviting! Love all the art on the walls, the loden green walls and the plaid backed chairs.
This ultra posh and luxurious over the top dining room fit for a king is by Morposa Ciptak, the color of the walls, a dark apricot is so warm and just glows at night
Bunny Williams goes with a more art deco feel here and uses yellow as the accent color in this dining room
This cozy Hamptons dining room by Greg Jordan mixes black woods and natural woods, I like using a sofa or love seat in a dining room
Dining room by Bunny Williams in the Caribbean in happy colors of pinks and ivories
Elegant monochromatic dining room by Michael J. Siller is luxurious but not stuffy because of the light and airy colors used
Bunny Williams designed soothing dining room in blues and whites
A stunning proper Georgian dining room with Gracie paper is the picture of elegance, interiors by Cullman and Kravis
The clean Tuscan lines of this beautiful dining room is by Marjorie Shushan
Ok, ok…….I know this is not a formal dining room, but I had to throw this in, how could I not….I would take this hands down over ANY of the above dining rooms…..this to me, is saving the best for last!
It is inItaly (of course) by Craig White
Hope you enjoyed these…..I go back often and reflect back on the smallest details and sometimes find things I didn’t see the first time around. Every picture has a little something to offer. I hope I was able to give you some inspriation on some level too!
I will be away for the next five days to one of my favorite cities on earth, Paris! We are attending the Masion & Objet, a fabulous furniture show as well as taking some tours and visiting. I have my camera charged and ready to shoot and will be sure to take lots of inspirational pictures (in a city as grand as Paris that is not difficult to do) Speak to you next week….AU REVOIR!
Love that third image down, the lanterns and leather bench are what I would love to use. Toss in a pair of old French doors leaning up against the wall, add some pedestals with urns in front of the doors, love that look. Some old books in the built in hutch layered with some of our white ironstone. I don’t want my dining room to look like it only has one purpose since like you we only use it a few times a year so might as well make it serve another purpose as well. Some of these images are a bit to “stately” looking for my taste but they’re all beautiful. LOVE that last image I’ll take that. You’re going to Paris, I’m so jealous. Buy lots of fabulous things and enjoy!
I would definitely make the room multi-functional (i.e.-dining room/library which would be my choice, unless you have a separate room designated as a library/study). Have fun in Paris! Can’t wait to see the pics.
What a fantastic assortment of a multitude of images on beautiful dining rooms thank you for sharing… I covet the Ralph Lauren Leather chairs.
If I could do anything…. Really? 🙂 Built in bookcases for sure! comfy chairs on either side of a fabulous fireplace…..warm rich wood dining table, and a chandelier dripping with crystals (oh, and wall sconces too!), a stunning rug, and the most amazing mismatched antique eclectic place settings. Pieces that have a look like they all tell a story, for it’s a place to kick back, enjoy family and friends all while telling stories.
The dining room with the display of weathervanes was furnished by Elie Cullman of Cullman & Kravis. She is as professional as she is lovely. One of my favorite collaborators.
Many fabulous inspirations and in different directions! Are you in Westchester? Why do I think so? Want to meet for lunch? Also, we are heading to Paris in the spring…would love your suggestions of places to eat!
Thanks for all the lovely images, it would make my decisions on a dining room harder. Have a wonderful time in Paris. I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.
My ideal dining room would be a dual-use room combining dining and a library-study: walls lined with book-filled to the hilt bookcases except leaving room for a fireplace on one wall and a large, many-paned set of french doors on the other.
The table would be round and seating just 8 because I prefer intimate dinners/dinner parties and the chairs would be Parsons-styled upholstered for comfort and ease of movment. There would be a chandelier but also plenty of lamps scattered about the room.
Color hues and tones would be richer, warmer ones of my favorites for here on the coast…buttery yellow, celadon green, pink and clear coral etc.
Simple yet elegant, airy n’ indoor-outdoor yet cozy and both a place to read/study as well as dine or just pull up a chair to the fireplace and enjoy a glass of wine … that’s what I envision 🙂
Enjoy Paris for me, what fun! James and I spent a week there last spring and had such a wonderful time. Can’t wait to see your pictures soon!!! Best, Lachlan
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How divine! Who doesn’t love walking into a glorious dining room? OK, granted most of us only use this room a few times a year…I know I am guilty of it but I can’t help it…..there is something so magical about walking into a beautifully done dining room. So here I have put together a lovely little collection of a great group of different styles of dining rooms. As I am starting to plan out my own dining room, I am realizing I am not as sure of my ideas as I had once thought. The ONLY thing I know for sure, is that I want to use a chinoiserie on the walls, other than that I am open to ideas!
I know I have a few favorites…do you? I got a few great ideas from these “inspiration photos” I have always loved seeing a sofa or small love seat in a dining room. I like seeing two or even three chandeliers….if it works in the space, it makes it interesting. I love two round tables if the room allows for it. Love book shelves in a dining room…could it not feel any more inviting and well lived in? Would love to know what you like and why. If you had a plain room with absolutely nothing in it and four blank white walls…..what would you do to it to create your dream dining room? Would love to hear your ideas!
We would decide on lighting first.It will keep the room rustic or traditional.
I vote for casual elegance. My dining room is pretty casual and we dine there almost every night. Good luck!
Great round up of dining room-they’re so beautifully appointed! Have a blast in Paris and i’m looking forward to pics! XX
Love that third image down, the lanterns and leather bench are what I would love to use. Toss in a pair of old French doors leaning up against the wall, add some pedestals with urns in front of the doors, love that look. Some old books in the built in hutch layered with some of our white ironstone. I don’t want my dining room to look like it only has one purpose since like you we only use it a few times a year so might as well make it serve another purpose as well. Some of these images are a bit to “stately” looking for my taste but they’re all beautiful. LOVE that last image I’ll take that. You’re going to Paris, I’m so jealous. Buy lots of fabulous things and enjoy!
My favorite is the outdoor dining! It’s breathtaking!
It was hard to pick just one! I loved the casual white one with the wall of bookcases.
Have a fun trip to Paris! Will you be buying furniture for your new home?
Faboulose decoration!! i love it!!
kisis from http://www.aboutmyfashionlife.blogspot.com/
So many gorgoues rooms – I keep studying each image and as you say I always see something different…thanks for sharing!
I would definitely make the room multi-functional (i.e.-dining room/library which would be my choice, unless you have a separate room designated as a library/study). Have fun in Paris! Can’t wait to see the pics.
Karen T.
What a fantastic assortment of a multitude of images on beautiful dining rooms thank you for sharing… I covet the Ralph Lauren Leather chairs.
If I could do anything…. Really? 🙂 Built in bookcases for sure! comfy chairs on either side of a fabulous fireplace…..warm rich wood dining table, and a chandelier dripping with crystals (oh, and wall sconces too!), a stunning rug, and the most amazing mismatched antique eclectic place settings. Pieces that have a look like they all tell a story, for it’s a place to kick back, enjoy family and friends all while telling stories.
Have a fantastic time in Paris!
While I can appreciate the beauty in these images, my style swings to the other extreme: minimal and natural materials.
So jealous of your trip to France. *sigh* It’s been a while!
The dining room with the display of weathervanes was furnished by Elie Cullman of Cullman & Kravis. She is as professional as she is lovely. One of my favorite collaborators.
Many fabulous inspirations and in different directions! Are you in Westchester? Why do I think so? Want to meet for lunch? Also, we are heading to Paris in the spring…would love your suggestions of places to eat!
Thanks for all the lovely images, it would make my decisions on a dining room harder. Have a wonderful time in Paris. I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.
I love the outside setting the best. It is just awesome! Look forward yo seeing pictures of Paris!
My ideal dining room would be a dual-use room combining dining and a library-study: walls lined with book-filled to the hilt bookcases except leaving room for a fireplace on one wall and a large, many-paned set of french doors on the other.
The table would be round and seating just 8 because I prefer intimate dinners/dinner parties and the chairs would be Parsons-styled upholstered for comfort and ease of movment. There would be a chandelier but also plenty of lamps scattered about the room.
Color hues and tones would be richer, warmer ones of my favorites for here on the coast…buttery yellow, celadon green, pink and clear coral etc.
Simple yet elegant, airy n’ indoor-outdoor yet cozy and both a place to read/study as well as dine or just pull up a chair to the fireplace and enjoy a glass of wine … that’s what I envision 🙂
Enjoy Paris for me, what fun! James and I spent a week there last spring and had such a wonderful time. Can’t wait to see your pictures soon!!! Best, Lachlan
Absolutely agree–that last one on the Italy in terrace is my absolute fave. Have a wonderful time in Paris! Tu a la chance!