Creating a Modern Dining Room

The rich hue of the chairs is coordinated with the color of the handy buffet.
©William Lesch Photographer,
Lori Carroll, ASID
The rich hue of the chairs is coordinated
with the color of the handy buffet.

This room has been transformed into a modern dining area. Looking almost like a waterfall, a glass screen has been installed above a wood buffet to shield the dining table from the kitchen.

With glass doors offering spectacular desert vistas right at their elbows and a ceiling that's fantastically raised above their heads, diners won't be distracted by what's happening at the stove.

Tantamount to the architecture and the views, though, are the materials: a stone floor, steel-banded chairs, a modern metal light fixture, a glass-topped table, and granite layering the curved buffet. It's a full serving of interesting textures that makes the room memorable.

The palette for finishes and fabrics is kept to colors that are reminiscent of the surroundings, and this helps to produce a serene atmosphere.

And, for more serenity, note the curves: the buffet, the dining chairs, the upholstered seats in the living area, the round tables, and the ceiling dome. Not many sharp edges are here to jar a mood.

For a different mood, consider creating a serious, luxurious space set aside specifically for great meals and conversation. In the next section, get ideas for creating a traditional dining room.

The metal in the lamps, the copper screen in the corner, and the chairs are all contemporary touches.
©William Lesch Photograph, Lori Carroll, ASID
Metallic lamps and a copper screen in the corner,
and chair accents are all contemporary touches.

To get more decorating ideas as well as tips and information on decorating your home, visit: