What is the most important piece in a dining room?

The dining table is the foundation. It anchors the room visually and functionally, and everything else—seating, lighting, rug, and styling—layers around it.

How big should a dining table be?

Plan for generous clearance—ideally about 36 inches of space around the table so chairs can pull out comfortably and guests can move with ease.

What shape dining table works best?

Rectangular tables suit longer rooms and larger gatherings, while round or oval tables soften smaller spaces and encourage conversation. Choose shape based on your architecture first.

Should dining chairs match?

No. A curated mix looks collected and elevated—like upholstered side chairs paired with armchairs at the ends. Keep finishes cohesive and comfort non-negotiable.

Do you need a buffet or sideboard in a dining room?

If space allows, yes. A buffet adds storage and serving space and creates a styling anchor for art, mirrors, and curated objects.

What size chandelier should you use over a dining table?

Your chandelier should be proportionate to the table—not just the room—and centered over the tabletop to create a strong focal point.

How high should a dining room chandelier hang?

A common designer guideline is to hang the bottom of the chandelier about 30–34 inches above the tabletop for balanced scale and comfortable sightlines.

Should a dining room have a rug?

Almost always. A rug grounds the table, defines the dining zone, and adds warmth. The key is sizing so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.

What size rug works best under a dining table?

Choose a rug large enough that all chair legs remain on it when chairs are pulled out. This typically means adding ample space beyond the table’s footprint on all sides.

How do you make a dining room look expensive?

Prioritize scale, layered lighting, rich textures, and fewer—but better—pieces. Large art or a mirror, plush seating, and a statement fixture elevate the room instantly.

How do you design a dining room for entertaining?

Design for comfort and flow: generous spacing, plush chairs, a serving surface like a buffet, and lighting on dimmers so the mood shifts effortlessly from day to night.

1987 Kitchen Renovation Before & After: A Modern, Functional Makeover You Have to See

A Project Close To Home

Some projects begin with a client. Others begin with a vision long before the opportunity ever presents itself.

This home was the latter.

Long before my clients purchased the property, I had already imagined its potential. When it first came to market, several people encouraged me to buy it myself as an investment property. I had walked through every possibility, mentally reworking the layout, opening the interiors, and envisioning a kitchen that could truly support the rhythm of modern family life.

I even acquired a few pieces from the home’s estate sale for my own house, creating an unexpected personal connection to the space long before I would formally design it.

So when my friends became the new owners, and our sons became best frients, the opportunity to bring that long-held vision to life felt deeply personal, a true full-circle moment from the very beginning.

Opening the Architecture

While the kitchen had once been considered high-end for its time, it was ready for a more thoughtful, contemporary approach.

At the center of the original design was a brick range surround, rich in character, but visually heavy and limiting to the overall flow. Removing it became a pivotal decision.

By eliminating that feature and opening the kitchen to the adjacent living room, the entire home shifted. The space immediately felt lighter, more expansive, and more connected, no longer a series of rooms, but a cohesive environment designed for living.

To achieve this, we introduced new structural support, an intentional investment that allowed us to fully realize the architectural vision without compromise.

We also removed the wall between the dining room and living room, creating the opportunity for something the original floor plan simply could not accommodate: a true gathering space. At its center, we introduced a large island, both functional and symbolic.

It anchors the space while supporting the daily rituals of the family: morning coffee, homework after school, casual meals, and evenings that unfold into long conversations.

Designed with intention, the island integrates the sink, dishwasher, and waste bins, while providing generous storage and seating. It is not simply a feature, it is the heartbeat of the home.

An inset panel ready fridge and freezer drawer set cleaned up the visual aesthetic of this elevation. Bumping the fridge to the left allowed for a larger counter top space in the right hand corner, that previously felt congested.

Establishing Balance and Focal Point

Marble countertops and a full-height marble backsplash behind the range establish a striking focal moment. The natural veining draws the eye upward toward the hood, creating a sense of verticality and quiet drama without overwhelming the space.

This feature anchors the kitchen visually, allowing surrounding elements to remain more restrained while still contributing to the overall richness.

The Harmon Hinge

Along the laundry room wall, we extended the kitchen with an additional bank of lower cabinetry, reinforcing both symmetry and storage while subtly expanding the footprint of the space.

One of the most considered details lies in what you don’t immediately see.

The entry to the laundry room is concealed behind a Harmon hinge door, allowing it to read as continuous cabinetry; clean, uninterrupted, and intentionally understated. This detail preserves the visual integrity of the kitchen while maintaining full functionality.

Beyond the door, the space transforms into a highly functional extension of the kitchen. Pantry storage and a folding counter elevate the room beyond its original purpose, allowing it to function as both a laundry space and a butler’s pantry.

It is a quiet luxury; one that supports the home in ways that are felt daily, even if not immediately seen.

Materials & Finishes layer Warmth

Materiality played a central role in shaping the character of this kitchen. Rather than chasing trends, we focused on finishes that feel timeless, warm, and layered. The island was crafted in custom walnut, bringing depth, richness, and organic texture that instantly grounds the space.

Perimeter cabinetry was finished in a fully customized fawn tone a soft neutral that feels warmer than white and beautifully complements the walnut. Together, they create contrast and warmth. We incorporated unlacquered brass hardware for subtle old-world charm. Over time, it will patina naturally, adding even more character.

While every detail was considered from a design perspective, functionality remained paramount. Storage was maximized, circulation improved, and sightlines carefully curated to support the rhythms of daily life.

The result is a kitchen that doesn’t just photograph beautifully, it lives beautifully. It feels collected rather than decorated, refined yet entirely approachable.

A space designed not for a moment, but for a lifetime.