Dining Room Ideas

Energizing Palette

Designer Troy Beasley adds vibrant pops of red, orange and blue to this streamlined, contemporary dining room. Neutral gray walls allow the colorful accents to shine.

Happy Hues

A vibrant yellow and blue color scheme gives this small dining room a sunny and almost tropical aspect. Design by Lori Dennis.

A Taste for the Exotic

Designer Angelo Surmelis brings Indian flair to this space with the addition of intricately carved and painted wood panels. He adds interest to the tabletop by layering plates, napkins and chargers in varying colors and patterns.

Designer Troy Beasley opts for a pair of oversized, modern pendants to illuminate this lofty dining room filled with soft grays, warm tans and a fresh pop of pear green.

Warm and Family Friendly

Designer Angelo Surmelis creates a warm and inviting space for entertaining with a soft yellow paint color on both the walls and ceiling. Enlarged black-and-white family photos add graphic punch while a dark-stained table and upholstered chairs create an elegant and comfortable place to linger over a home-cooked meal.

Tonal Stripes

Designer Genevieve Gorder creates a bright backdrop with a creamy tone-on-tone paint treatment. A modern, oversized drum pendant and traditional table and chairs painted charcoal gray give this dining room a modern twist.

Dining with a View

Cliff House, San Francisco

San Francisco's Cliff House has been an historic landmark since the 1800s, offering epic views of the Pacific, all the way to the Marin coastline. Dine on fresh seafood at one of Cliff House's two restaurants, while you watch seals frolic in the waves, or maybe glimpse a passing whale.

Sierra Mar, Big Sur 

Also perched above the dazzling Pacific coast is Sierra Mar in Big Sur. The award-winning restaurant offers an innovative, four course, prix fixe menu, which changes daily and features organic and seasonal ingredients. Part of the historic Post Ranch Inn, there's no other place quite like it.

Sierra Mar, Big Sur 

Also perched above the dazzling Pacific coast is Sierra Mar in Big Sur. The award-winning restaurant offers an innovative, four course, prix fixe menu, which changes daily and features organic and seasonal ingredients. Part of the historic Post Ranch Inn, there's no other place quite like it.
 

Skyline Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the world's foremost destinations for adventure travel, and Skyline Queenstown on the South Island is a good place to start. Take a thrilling ride down the complex's wheeled luge course, or ride the gondola to experience spectacular views of mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a hearty buffet at the Skyline Restaurant, then head out for a day hike.

Ambrosia Restaurant, Santorini 

Take in breathtaking views of an ancient volcanic caldera and the Aegean Sea from the terrace of Ambrosia Restaurant, one of the most sought-after eateries in Santorini, in the fabled Greek islands. Get a romantic table for two and feast on Mediterranean and modern Greek cuisine. Sample local Greek wines and enjoy a memory to last a lifetime.

Entertaining/Recipes/Green Design

Spinach Tagliarelle with Pesto and Cream


Homemade pesto is simmered with heavy cream, then garnished with pine nuts and basil. Italian plate by Match.
 
SPINACH TAGLIARELLE WITH PESTO AND CREAM


Serves 4 to 6

2 cups fresh basil leaves
2/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
salt and pepper
1 pound Cipriani spinach tagliarelle (spinach linguine or spinach fettuccine may be substituted)
1 cup heavy cream



In food processor, pulse basil, 1/3 cup pine nuts and garlic 8-10 times until coarsely chopped. With processor running, slowly, add olive oil in a stream until smooth. Add cheese and pulse a few more times. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook tagliarelle in large pot of boiling water according to package directions.

In small saucepan, mix pesto and cream, and simmer. Pour over drained, cooked pasta and garnish with remaining pine nuts and cheese. Serve immediately.

Green Table Decor


Hydrangeas and green spider mums accompany salads of dressed field greens. Antique English leaf plates and green and off-white ticking tablecloth complement the setting.
 
No, this is not Carolyne's version of how we help to save the planet and be responsible conservationists. While I am a strong believer in those worthy endeavors and am becoming better informed in my choices, this green story is about the color green in food and decor. I love green. This wonderful color is one of Mother Nature's impeccable choices for a neutral. Think about how every flower, regardless of color, has green stems and foliage to frame it. Think of how green grass is the foundation and carpet to garden and home, and how truly beautiful a tree is with its canopy of green leaves.

Bruschetta with Arugula Pesto

Marinated tomatoes and Parmigiano-Reggiano top the homemade pesto bruschetta. Leaf plate by Christian Tortu.

BRUSCHETTA WITH ARUGULA PESTO AND MARINATED TOMATOES


Serves 4 to 6

FOR PESTO


2 cups arugula leaves
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
salt and pepper

In food processor, combine arugula, garlic, walnuts and lemon juice and pulse 8-10 times or until coarsely chopped. With processor running, slowly add olive oil in a stream and process until smooth. Remove from processor and stir in cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Yuuummm!!!! Plus pretty decor and tablesetting will always add to the ambiance to make these dishes even more delectable.

Dining Designs

Formal and clean dining room

The French chandelier and the dark wood of the table give this dining room a heightened sense of splendor. The color from the upholstered cushions on the chairs is carried through the accented walls, tying this room together with a formal and clean look throughout.

Dining room with a modern flair

A minimalist space requires a minimalist design to provide the right balance. Though this space isn’t tiny, it does provide lots of design challenges. The homeowners chose a simple table with simple chairs to create the perfect place for any meal. To further reduce the space needs, the homeowners put a shelf on the far wall to keep everyday items within easy reach.

Country classic

A distressed pine table feels right at home in this modern take on a farmhouse dining room. Floral chairs emphasize the colors in the valance and curtains, and a large centerpiece enhances the room's appeal. An accent rug continues the country feel against the pine-stained floor.

Contemporary dining room


This dining room provides a large space for entertaining any party or for seating up to eight people. The warm earth tones, travertine floor and natural stone wall make this a serene spot for a feast. The floor-to-ceiling windows give the feeling of being outside without having to contend with the elements.

Dining room nook

In a small home, sometimes a room must perform not only double but triple duty for everyday living. Here the dining room serves as a formal dining area, a conversation spot and a kitchen all rolled into one. A round glass table provides a light, airy feel. Colors in the Roman shades tie the room together by picking up elements in the dining-room table, counter seats and ottoman.