Your dining room is more than just a place to eat—it’s the heart of your house where memories are shared, milestones are celebrated, and connections are deepened.
As a dining room interior designer, I specialize in crafting interiors that are functional, beautiful, and uniquely yours. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal, your dining room should reflect your personal style while enhancing the experience of everyone who enters it.
Let’s explore how to create a dining room that embodies elegance, warmth, and practicality.
A well-designed dining room strikes a balance between aesthetics and utility.
The dining table is the centerpiece of the room, anchoring the space and setting the tone for the design.
Whether it’s a sleek modern dining table, a rustic farmhouse table, or something custom-designed to fit your living space, the choice is crucial.
Dining chairs should complement the table while offering comfort and durability, especially if you enjoy long meals with family and friends.
The key is finding harmony in the elements—style, size, and placement.
Your dining area should flow seamlessly with the rest of your house while still standing out as a space with its own character.
I also design other rooms of course! Learn more about living rooms and and bedrooms.
Creating a dining room that is equally functional and beautiful starts with understanding how you use the space.
Do you host frequent gatherings, or is it reserved for intimate dinners? Do you need room furniture like a buffet or a cabinet to store dinnerware, or are you more focused on maximizing seating?
Here’s how I approach functional dining room design:
The layout should allow for easy movement, with enough room for chairs to slide in and out comfortably. If your dining area is small, consider round tables or extendable options to save space without sacrificing style.
Sideboards or built-in cabinets can store your dishes and linens while adding a sophisticated touch to the interiors. Modern farmhouse furniture often incorporates hidden storage to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.
From sturdy dining tables to easy-to-clean dining chairs, I ensure that every piece is chosen with longevity and practicality in mind.
Have you ever worked with someone that took so much longer than you expected?
That's not what you can expect from Design by Anais!
I like to keep my timelines short, and strive for a quick turnaround time.
Because I live in NYC myself, I am the best interior designer for any New Yorker who wants to create a home you’ll love.
I understand your challenges: I’m myself a renter here, paying a high monthly fee for a little piece of the city. Which makes our interiors even more essential than anywhere else!
Thanks to a caring process, and an in-depth discovery phase, I will understand your needs and dreams about your home.
My goal: building a space you'll love!
Every design I create is unique, tailored to you, and you only!
Colors and lighting set the tone for your dining room. Whether you want a cozy, intimate vibe or a bright, modern dining space, the right choices can transform the room.
Neutral tones like white, beige, or soft gray can create a calm and timeless feel, while bold colors like navy or emerald add drama and personality. Your walls are a canvas—consider adding texture through wood paneling, a statement wall, or even a patterned rug for visual interest.
A statement chandelier above the dining table can act as both a design feature and a functional light source. Layered lighting—such as pendant lights paired with wall sconces or recessed lights—ensures the room is well-lit for any occasion. Dimmers are a great addition to create ambiance.
I'm Anaïs, the founder of Design by Anaïs.
I created Design by Anaïs a few years ago to bring all-in-one, personalized and affordable packages to all of you.
Your home is your SANCTUARY, your safe space in the world.
That's how essential it is.
It was never about trends, and always about creating a home you'll love, that will support your well-being and mental health on a daily basis.
Through my upbringing in France, my travels on 4 continents, and my long walks in the City, I find inspiration to build the most amazing selections for you, and create a home you'll love!
Your dining room should feel connected to the overall style of your home while still having its own unique flair. This is where thoughtful design comes in.
Furniture Coordination:
Choose dining room furniture that echoes the materials or colors found in adjacent spaces. If your living room features warm wood tones, a similar wood dining table can create cohesion.
Style Continuity:
Whether your interiors lean modern, transitional, or farmhouse-inspired, the dining area should align with that aesthetic. Modern dining rooms, for example, often feature clean lines, minimalist decor, and neutral tones, while farmhouse interiors might include rustic woods and cozy details.
Personal Touches:
Incorporate meaningful pieces like artwork, family heirlooms, or a custom-designed dining table to make the space uniquely yours.
Storage is a challenge in many dining areas, but it doesn’t have to compromise the room’s design. Smart storage solutions allow you to keep the space tidy while adding style.
Built-Ins:
Built-in cabinets or shelves maximize storage without taking up extra floor space. They can be designed to blend seamlessly into your walls for a sleek look.
Furniture with Dual Functions:
Sideboards, buffets, or dining benches with storage compartments are perfect for stashing dinnerware, linens, or even seasonal decorations.
Floating Shelves:
If floor space is limited, floating shelves provide storage for plates, bowls, or decorative items without crowding the room.
A modern dining room blends style and function to create a space that's as inviting as it is stunning. Here are some ideas to inspire your design:
A solid wood dining table with rich textures brings warmth and a sense of connection to nature. Pair it with soft, upholstered dining chairs or minimalist wooden ones for an organic, harmonious vibe. Add plants or subtle greenery to enhance the natural feel, and layer in a textured rug to ground the space.
Introduce personality with a bold accent—whether it’s vibrant dining chairs, a statement wall, or colorful dinnerware displayed on open shelving. A striking piece of artwork can also add an artistic touch that makes the space uniquely yours.
Embrace the "less is more" philosophy with light wood furniture, white walls, and functional decor. Add texture with soft textiles like a woven rug or linen curtains, and let natural light take center stage for an airy, serene feel.
Combine rustic elements with clean, modern lines for a cozy yet sophisticated look. Think a large wooden dining table with matte black or metal-framed chairs, softened with neutral-toned linens and an industrial-style pendant light.
AMANDINE
"We were looking to add warmth & coziness to our living room. But we 2 young children, 2 cats and a puppy, we didn't know how to fit everything without a cluttered effect.
Anaïs assisted us with this project, even knowing that we couldn't change all our furniture given our budget.
But Anaïs did it perfectly.
She understood perfectly our expectations and thought about every little detail to transform our living room and add tons of light!
Thank you Anaïs!"
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your dining interiors, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll create a dining room that’s not just a place to eat, but a space where you can gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
Ready to get started? Let’s design a dining room that feels as good as it looks.