Dining room modern decor
15 Modern Dining Room Ideas
By
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 06/21/21
The Spruce / Sophia Reay
The phrase "formal dining room" often elicits images of stuffy, traditional dining spaces fit for fancy events only. But a dining room doesn't have to feel formal to be formal. Modern dining spaces are just as classy and alluring as traditional dining rooms, but a little more approachable.
Whether you're into the Mid-century modern look, or you want to opt for something even more contemporary, the streamlined look and feel of a modern dining room is a great way to give your space an updated, refreshing vibe.
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01 of 15
Add Modern Art
Instagram / johanna_reynolds
Take a cue from this beautiful modern space and add a vibrant piece of modern art, like this one from johanna_reynolds, to create a finished, purposeful look in your dining room. Modern furniture is often comprised of stark lines and sleek angles, which could make a room feel stark and cold. But by adding a pop of color with an oversized piece of art, you can create a warmer, cozier look while maintaining a contemporary tone.
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02 of 15
Go for Graphics
Instagram / kcharlottephoto
This stunning dining room from kcharlottephoto features soft yellow chairs, an eye-catching modern chandelier, and a stunning graphic rug to tie the whole look together.
While modern can mean a lot of different things to different people, we think decorating in a modern style gives you a little more freedom to experiment with bolder colors and designs that won't clash with the furniture. -
03 of 15
Keep it Simple
Instagram / lily_atno3
On the other hand, this modern dining space from lily_atno3 proves that with the right furniture, you can still keep your space simple and minimalist in approach without it feeling stark or unfinished. When opting for a simple, modern look, pick a dining room paint color that will add dimension to the space and play well with your table and chairs.
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04 of 15
Chic and Elegant
Instagram / easyinterieur
This dining room from easyinterieur takes is a chic, feminine take on modern style. We love the ghost chairs and gold finishes that give it a glam look and feel. When adding gold accents to your dining space, keep the rest of the space muted with whites, beiges or soft pinks to avoid creating a stuffy atmosphere.
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05 of 15
Pick Statement Pieces
Instagram / meinhausstagingContemporary design often features a mix of neutral and bold colors and deliberate use of textures and statement-making materials. We love this dining room from meinhausstaging, which features deep blue chairs with a gold metal finish, plus an eye-catching chandelier.
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06 of 15
Eclectic and Unique
Instagram / beckybratt
This dining nook from beckybratt is filled with personalization and elegance. The muted bench cushion gives it a modern cafe vibe while the square gold light fixture offers a touch of the contemporary. We love mixing different elements of modern style to create a space that feels purposeful and personal.
Kitchen Design
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07 of 15
A Contemporary and Formal Dining Space
Instagram / gregnatale
This oversized dining room from gregnatale proves that modern, contemporary design can still feel formal.
We love the use of bold blue chairs and the metallic gold bookshelf that doubles as an art display. If you have the space, a dining room is a lovely place to showcase your favorite pieces and to provide more visual interest. -
08 of 15
Bold Textured Wallpaper
Instagram / rachaelsdrealtor
A dining room is a great place to experiment with bold wallpaper, as seen in this space from rachaelsdrealtor. We can't get enough of this textured look, which is endlessly interesting and unique. By maintaining a fairly simple color palette, the designer is able to experiment with unique patterns and accents without overwhelming the space.
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09 of 15
Open Concept Modern Dining Space
Instagram / experimentingwithdecor
If you have an open concept floor plan, a modern dining room is a great choice as it can create a seamless flow from dining to living space. We love this modern look from experimentingwithdecor that features a neutral wood table paired with contrasting black chairs.
When you opt for simple modern furniture, a contrasting color palette can add enough visual interest to keep the space warm and welcoming. -
10 of 15
A Mix of Modern and Traditional
Instagram / revivalroom
This lovely dining space from revivalroom features a table with traditional flourishes paired with modern accents, such as these bold teal dining chairs and the industrial-inspired light fixture. Don't be afraid to play with traditional pieces as long as the rest of the room feels fresh and modern.
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11 of 15
A Modern Art Collection
Instagram / loridennisinc
This beautiful home from loridennisinc features an extensive modern art collection that plays wonderfully with the ultra-contemporary dining set. A modern dining room is a great place to display works of art to give the space dimension and texture.
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12 of 15
Try a Glass Table
Maite Granda
Not only is a glass dining table elegant and modern, but it's also easier to clean and perfect for an open concept home.
We love this stunning kitchen and dining space from Maite Granda, which utilizes a modern glass table to open up the space and give it even more light. Glass is also a great choice if you are searching for a table that plays well with modern embellishments like gold or brass. -
13 of 15
Mid-Century Modern
Bespoke Only
We can't get enough of mid-century modern style, and this dining room from Bespoke Only proves why this look has remained trendy year after year. With its angular designs and straight lines, Mid-century modern is a lovely way to bring a modern and vintage feel into your space. We love pairing MCM decor with deep hues such as navy, black, or hunter green, either as an accent wall or through accessories.
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14 of 15
Mismatched Chairs
Forbes + Masters
While you may think the mismatched chair look is reserved for farmhouse or shabby chic homes, this dining space from Forbes + Masters proves it works just as well in a modern space.
We love the array of different modern styles that play off of each other wonderfully. Plus, this allows the rest of the room to mix and match different styles (such as traditional and formal) and still keep this room modern and playful. -
15 of 15
Keep It Minimal
Cathie Hong
The minimalist look is very much in vogue right now, and this open concept dining room from Cathie Hong proves it is a great way to style modern furniture. A minimalist space is often pared down to only the essentials. We love how airy and open a minimalist modern space can look, but adding in a few accessories like a rug and a framed print is a great way to keep it from looking boring.
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Brit Dot Design
If you're lucky enough to have one on your floor plan, the dining room can be the crown jewel of the home. Unlike the kitchen counter, which tends to get crowded with, well, stuff, or the living room that needs constant vacuuming touch-ups, the dining room gets to exist in an idyllic in-between state—plates set, tapers standing at the ready, surfaces clear.
As nice as it is to catch a glimpse of a more glamorous, pulled-together version of your home, that's not really what dining rooms are for. They're meant to be used—for entertaining neighbors, dining with friends, and welcoming family. This is why we find ourselves favoring more modern, effortless designs when it comes to dining rooms lately.
Modern design fits perfectly with a dining room, according to writer Sarah Zlotnick. "Because dining rooms aren’t always regularly used in a home, they’re a great opportunity to step out of your design comfort zone," she says. "You can be bolder with your choices because you won’t have to look at them all the time—and being bold is a crucial part of modern style. Dining rooms are where we entertain guests, so you want to invoke curiosity. Discussing décor is the perfect way to kick off an evening of dinner conversation."
If you're on the same wavelength, welcome. Click through for our favorite modern dining rooms, and ditch the stuffy setup of old this season.
It might not always be polished and pristine, but we can promise you'll get a lot more memories out of it.
01 of 31
Design: Cortney Bishop, Photo: Katie Charlotte
In a picturesque, windowed room like this, taking a modern and sleek approach to designing a dining room is a no-brainer. Natural materials and muted tones take center stage here, echoing the landscape outside and infusing the space with a feeling of calm that's welcoming and casual, not stuffy.
02 of 31
Reena Sotropa
Because it’s typically not one of the regularly used rooms of the house, a dining room is a perfect opportunity to get a little more daring with your design choices. Black wainscoting is a chic way to bring the drama, especially when paired with moody floral wallpaper and plenty of natural light.
03 of 31
Victoria Bell Design
In dating, it’s a major no-no, but in interior design, you’ll get nothing short of a seal of approval from us when it comes to going all-in on the ghost—we’re talking about chairs, of course.
Clear acrylic ghost chairs are an easy, goes-with-anything way to add a touch of modernity to any room.
04 of 31
Design: Designworks Home
This dining room just goes to show that achieving a chic, modern vibe can be subtle, too. In place of a traditional matching set of 6 dining chairs, this design substitutes in a long bench with playful patterned pillows at one side.
This dining room embraces a less formal setup and the home embraces an open floor plan, which adds to the character of the dining room. "When all of your living spaces are visible at once, you want them all to feel cohesive," Zlotnick explains. "That generally rules out the option of having a dining area that feels separate, distinct, and too formal to get regular use."
05 of 31
Design: Gillian Segal
Round dining tables are quickly replacing large rectangular ones as a go-to, and we're fully on board. Not only are round tables better adapted to uniquely shaped spaces, but we think they make for better conversation, too.
This modern option balances sleek lines with cozy warmth, topping Eames-style chairs with soft sheepskin throws. But the piece de resistence is the light fixture, which is a true showstopper.
06 of 31
Design: JDP Interiors
We've never seen minimalism look so inviting. A mix of complimentary—but not-quite coordinating—chairs are joined by upholstered benches, adding both seating and a new element of softness to this space. Textural interplay is part of what makes it work, with the light wood table picking up on the cane of the chairs, while something warmer lays underfoot.
07 of 31
Design: J. Kurtz Design; Photo: Amy Bartlam
Want to help a small dining room feel larger? In lieu of an art piece, adorn the wall above your credenza with an oversized mirror. In addition to the reflection giving the illusion of more space, it’ll also bounce light from outside and make the room feel brighter. This means: your dining room can be just as much a spot for a casual breakfast as it is for special occasion suppers.
08 of 31
Design: sKout
Feeding a crowd never looked so fashionable. We're in love with the unique array of elements in this space, which borrows from a few different trendy design styles to create something completely one-of-a-kind. Modern farmhouse-inspired chairs intermingle with an oversized banquette seat—ideal for expanding the guest list on short notice—and the whole shebang is grounded by a stunning artisan table.
09 of 31
Cachet Demain Interiors
“My family and I spend a lot of time in our dining room, and I wanted my kids to feel like they were at home,” designer Cachet Adams of Cachet Demain Interiors says. To that end, she hand-painted the accent wall, which was “a tedious undertaking, but cost-effective compared to wallpaper."
She also recovered the vintage mid-century chairs in mud cloth, and used a wooden frame found on Facebook Marketplace to highlight a beloved Josephine Baker print. The resulting look: a homey, ultra-personalized space to match the vibrancy of the family occupying it.
10 of 31
Architecture: Studio William Hefner, Design: Catherine Dunn, Photo: Laura Hull
Sensing a pattern? A great light fixture can be the ultimate way to ground your dining space, and infuse it with plenty of personality. The understated lines of these chic chairs and rustic wooden table strike the perfect balance between dressed-up and easygoing, so there's always an excuse to invite a few friends for dinner.
11 of 31
Design: La Maison, Photo: Catherine Nguyen
On the flip-side, this space is made for maximalists. Personality drips from the walls here, showing off an eclectic art collection and a similar array of seating options, from oversized upholstered chairs to bright coral-hued bamboo styles. A few midcentury touches in the form of lighting bring the whole space together, creating an effect that's doubtless as unique as the homeowner who lives here.
12 of 31
Design: Lindsey Brooke Design; Photo: Amy Bartlam
In case you’ve somehow missed it, caning is in the midst of a major comeback.
And for good reason, too—done in neutral shades, cane adds texture to a room without feeling too heavy. In a dining room, it adds a hint of homeyness and comfort to what sometimes can feel like an overly formal space.
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13 of 31
Design: Decorist, Photo: Aubrie Pick
Not sure how to translate your laid-back boho aesthetic into the dining room? Look no further for inspiration, as this space achieves it beautifully. A bold mix of textures—plush rug, woven cane, and soft, light-diffusing curtains—keeps the look feeling eclectic without sacrificing an element of sophistication. A "status plant" in the corner, none other than the famous fiddle-leaf fig, rounds out the guest list in this space.
14 of 31
Architecture: Studio William Hefner, Design: Sheila Bouttier of Galerie Provenance, Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson
Dark dining rooms are trending in a big way—but don't let the moody colors intimidate you.
At its heart, this dining space is a real crowd-pleaser. A dramatic wall color handles the heavy lifting in creating a sense of atmosphere, so all that remains to do is pick out a dining set—in this case, one that marries a sleek black table with timeworn leather for a handsome (but low-maintenance) look. Add a dimmer switch or light a few candles and voila, dinner is served.
15 of 31
Design: Lindye Galloway
For those without a dedicated space, turning an eat-in kitchen into a sort of de facto dining area can be a clever solution—and one that dispenses with the unnecessary formality of a room you'll only use a few times a year. This design is a great example of how to define the space using art and accessories, and our perennial favorite seating option, the banquette, makes another appearance, creating a family-friendly option that houseguests will come to love, too.
16 of 31
Design: Decorist, Photo: Sean Litchfield
A little color goes a long way, even if you're not blessed with as dazzling a dining room view as this one.
Wallpapering a small section of wall at the side adds a bolt of whimsy and cheer to this otherwise understated space, making for an element that will undoubtedly elicit cocktail party conversations for years to come.
17 of 31
Brexton Cole Interiors
Looking for an easy way to make your dining room seating feel a touch cozier? Lay down a sheepskin or two. This go-to stylist trick instantly adds dimension and also makes even the most severe surfaces look and feel more linger-worthy. A faux version can be bought for a song at IKEA.
18 of 31
Bespoke Only
There’s something supremely calming about natural wood grain, don’t you think? Combine multiple shades with just a few natural accents for a dining room that feels serene and inviting—and will encourage guests to linger over wine and conversation long after the last course has been served.
Neutrals and simplicity are all the rage today. "Society as a whole has become much less formal and a lot more fluid," Zlotnick explains.
"You see it in wedding registries—it’s a lot less common to register for formal china these days. Instead, most couples select one set of versatile white or neutral dishware that can be dressed up or down."
19 of 31
Glasshouse Interior
If dinner parties are meant to inspire conversation, shouldn’t it follow that the spaces we throw them in be, well, inspiring? That’s certainly the case for this vibrant dining room by Glasshouse Interior, which turns the accent wall quite literally on its head. The punchy patterned wallpaper that lines the ceiling serves as a delightful surprise that’s guaranteed to put guests in the party mood.
20 of 31
Casa Watkins Living
For a modern bohemian look in your dining room, layer in contrasting patterns, bold colors, and lots of texture. A variety of seating options enhances the intentionally eclectic look, as does an abundance of potted greenery.
21 of 31
Pure Collected Living
Like a bold pair of earrings with your go-to cocktail dress, the lighting centerpiece of your dining room has the power to completely transform the vibe.
For a space that feels modern and cool, forgo the traditional glitzy chandelier in favor of something sleek and slightly whimsical, like this unexpected design.
22 of 31
Forbes + Masters
In a traditional dining room, you’ll typically find that all chairs are exactly the same. For a modern twist, choose coordinating statement chairs for the ends of the table, as Forbes + Masters designers Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters did in this Caribbean-inspired dining space.
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Forbes + Masters
For a muted yet maximalist look, opt for window treatments that seamlessly blend into your wall pattern. The trick to keeping it all from looking too fusty is to choose sheer fabric on the drapes, opt for a pattern that reads modern but not busy, like this hand-painted design, and to go minimalist on the furniture.
24 of 31
Brit Dot Design
Sticking with a palette of similarly-hued neutrals allows the unique textures of Midwest designer Brit Arnesen’s dining area to take center stage.
The no-color color palette also makes swapping out seasonal decor a breeze.
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Reena Sotropa
Sometimes, what makes a room “modern” is that it goes against the grain of what we typically expect that room to be. And, if we expect dining rooms to be formal, then a more casual, rustic look suddenly feels quite fresh.
Love that ski chalet vibe? Go full-tilt by replacing individual chairs with some unexpected bench seating. Not only will they play up the casual nature of the design, but they’ll also help the space fulfill its true purpose: to bring as many people as possible together for good food and good conversation).
26 of 31
House of Chais
Abstract collages + matching gilded frames = a dining room accent wall that screams sophistication and spunk. Pro tip: If you want to give the space a more formal flair, go for a symmetrical grid, as shown here. For a more casual look, incorporate different sizes and styles of frames into a more organic design.
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Dazy Den
Velvet is an ideal fabric for dining rooms because it instantly makes a space feel more dressed up. Opt for bright, unexpected colors—like marigold, or this blush pink—to skew the space a little more boho; to go glam, select rich, deep violets and teals.
28 of 31
Gray Space Interiors
If there’s anything Beauty and the Beast taught us—besides, you know, the importance of looking past physical appearance when choosing our romantic partners—it’s that candlesticks are a core component of any formal dinner. But, there’s no reason to feel beholden to crystal and gold. The matte black numbers in this dining room are the perfect modern touch, especially when paired with the navy chairs.
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Rikki Snyder
While shelves stacked with books usually feel most at home in an office or library, they can lend a den-y feel to a dining room. To make them more “art pieces” than reading material, wrap the spines in the same hue.
Services such as Books by the Foot can also help you acquire vintage tomes in your specific shade specifications.
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Katie Martinez Design
Chairs and wall art aren’t the only conversation piece possibilities in a dining room. The table deserves just as much attention, and a one-of-a-kind live-edge option is guaranteed to rake in the compliments. The design is an especially interesting way to bring natural texture to an otherwise contemporary room.
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Design: Liz Mearns; Photo and styling: Molly Watson
Built-ins have long been a traditional dining room mainstay, and for good reason: where else made sense to stash all that fine china? For a modern twist, install open shelving and display your bar essentials. That way, you won’t need to venture to the kitchen to serve up another round.
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Dining rooms with wallpaper on the walls - 135 best interior design photos of the dining room
Cozy minimalism 52 sq.
m
Yuliya Kamanina
Original design example: a medium-sized kitchen-dining room in a modern style with gray walls, medium-toned parquet floors, brown floors and wallpaper on the walls
Apartment in Moscow.
Natalia Mavrenkova
Original design example of a contemporary dining room with multicolored walls, medium parquet floors, brown flooring, wall paneling and wallpaper
VSREDE. Residential complex Cote d'Azur 2
VSREDE interior design
Stylish design: a medium-sized living-dining room in a shabby chic style with multi-colored walls, wooden floors, brown floors, wooden ceilings and wallpaper on the walls - the latest trend
LCD Mont Blanc
ReDi
Stylish design: neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen-dining room with gray walls, medium parquet floors, brown floors and wallpaper on the walls - the latest trend
Moscow, House on Izumrudnaya.
SunWaveStudio
A fresh design idea: a medium-sized kitchen-dining room in a modern style with blue walls, gray floors and wallpaper on the walls - a great photo of the interior of this apartment as romantic eclecticism: “Different times (old and new furniture), Soviet past and present, Ural flavor and European classics are combined here. I wanted to make this project with a Ural accent.” On the bookcase there is a sculpture-clock “The Mistress of the Copper Mountain and Danila the Master”, Kasli casting.
Moscow Country House
Tatiana Pirogkova
A fresh design idea for a medium sized living-dining room in a modern style with silver walls, dark parquet floors, brown floors and wallpaper on the walls - a great photo of the interior
Happy Traditional Home
Cooper Interiors
Stylish Design Neoclassical (Modern Classic) Separate Dining Room with White Walls, Medium Parquet Flooring, Brown Flooring, Partial Wall Paneling, Wall Paneling and Wall Paper - Latest Trend
House on the Hill
Georgia Zikas Design
Youthful tradition for a bustling young family.
Refined and elegant, deliberate and thoughtful - with outdoor living fun.
Home-style inspiration: Classic separate dining room with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, brown flooring, wall paneling and wallpaper
Newton Home
Joseph Ferraro
Design ideas: Classic separate dining room with gray walls, dark parquet floors, brown floors, tiered ceilings, paneled walls and wallpaper
East Williston Modern Rustic Design
Grunberger Interiors
This is a modern rustic dining room with a coastal vibe, for a family that enjoys entertaining for large gatherings. Lots of natural elements feature throughout the space including the rattan chandelier, dining chairs and floral centerpiece basket. An oval mirror with beautiful coral details, frames the wall flanked by an original abstract art piece. Custom embroidered drapes on decorative wood poles, finish off this one-of-a-kind, relaxed and cozy dining space.
Modern Prairie Renovation
Hillside Manor Decor
Delightful Dining This gorgeous custom Prairie Modern-Style home boasts the beautiful architectural details of the 1920s era but with the modern sustainability at the forefront of its design! There are custom elements throughout the home and this dining room is no exception! This space was designed to bring the outside in and fills the space with beautiful natural light throughout the day! Custom touches such as the floral drapery, vinyl Grasscloth wallcovering, and newly upholstered McGuire Target chairs pull the space together to honor the client’s colorful focal abstract painting.
Michel Ricard
CP Design Interieur
Dans cet espace vide, le challenge était de pouvoir installer un espace salon confortable, une salle à manger modulable et de créer une liaison esthétique etce pratique entree la et grande cuisine ouverte vivre.
Le style choisi: plutôt contemporain et industriel.
AVENUE FOCH - Paris 16ème
Hava CASTRO
Design ideas for a contemporary dining room with beige walls, medium parquet floors, brown floors and wallpaper
Excelsior Lake Condo
Grace Hill Design
This built-in banquette is the perfect use of space in the condo's kitchen. A custom bench and cushion make it both comfortable and functional. The buffet adds serving space and a pretty display of serving ware.
Ornamental Forest/Dining room
Non-woven wallpaper factory "Loymina"
The Ornamental Forest panel plunges us into a world full of legends and traditions of old England. In his literary and applied art work, William Morris often turned to the motifs of the magical forest, and Loymina designers embodied his favorite theme in a digital panel made in a technique close to English tapestries.
Printing of the panel is carried out according to individual sizes after the approval of the layout
Red Walled Dining Rooms - 135 Best Dining Room Interior Design Photos great interior photo
Chesney's Favorite Spaces
Chesney's
Original Design Example of a Medium Victorian Dining Room with Red Walls, Dark Parquet Floors, Standard Fireplace, Stone Fireplace Front and Brown Flooring
Mead Farm
Fiorentino Group Architects
Photo Credit: Joseph St. Pierre
Photo of a medium sized country style dining room with red walls and light parquet floors
Dining room restored
Tim Andersen Architect
We restored original dining room buffet, box beams and windows. Owners removed a lower ceiling to find original box beams above still in place. Buffet with beveled mirror survived, but not the leaded glass.
New art glass panels were made by craftsman James McKeown. Sill of flanking windows was the right height for a plate rail, so there may have once been one. We added continuous rail with wainscot below. Since trim was already painted we used smooth sheets of MDF, and applied wood battens. Arch in bay window and enlarged opening into kitchen are new. Benjamin Moore (BM) colors are "Confederate Red" and "Atrium White." Light fixtures are antiques, and furniture reproductions. David Whelan photo
Colonial Heights Craftsman
eMZed Architecture
Dining room opened to renovated kitchen with cased opening and craftsman columns.
Fresh design idea: country style separate dining room with red walls and medium parquet floors - great interior photo
Photo of a classic dining room with red walls and medium parquet floors
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Soho, NY
Katie Rosenfeld Design
Original design example of a neoclassical (modern classic) dining room with red walls, dark parquet floors, brown floors and brick walls
Lakehill Court
Design example Design example original design modern living-dining room with red walls, dark parquet floors, standard fireplace and brown flooring Albert E.
Doyle Iconic Masterpiece - dining room
KuDa Photography
One of Oregon's most famous houses, the 1918 Frank J Cobbs House in Portland, designed by architect Albert E. Doyle. The Jacobethan-style mansion with Tudor touches is the largest residence Doyle designed. Photo by KuDa Photography
Past Projects
Hampton House Interiors, LLC
A fresh design idea: a large, classic-style separate dining room with red walls and medium-toned parquet floors without a fireplace - great interior photo
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Norman Style Manor House
Wadia Associates
Inspired by the home: classic separate dining room with red walls and dark parquet floors
Traditional Dining Room
Hierarchy Architecture
mal02 dining0 area0, PL02 dining0 with red walls Traditional wood furniture.Fresh design idea: a large classic style separate dining room with red walls and medium parquet floors without a fireplace - great interior photo
Edgewood, KY
JH Designs, LLC.
