Design an entertainer’s dining area

If you're an entertainer, these dining room ideas are sure to inspire you.

Playing host to your extended family or good friends can be a real thrill.

Design an entertainer’s dining area
To view more of this project see "Japanese-inspired home design"

If you're an entertainer, these dining room ideas are sure to inspire you. Remember, you don't need to have a stand-alone room to host a fantastic soiree. Some of the best dining spaces are part of a wider open-plan living area. In such a case, you'll still want to create an area that's focussed on dining, but you'll also have the benefit of a more spacious zone!

Either way, here are three fresh interior design ideas for your dining area if you're a true entertainer at heart. Whether you're after a rustic theme, something more contemporary or a truly chic design, these decorating ideas are sure to please!

Are you ready for rustic?

If you're living in a villa or a bungalow, renovations can be hugely rewarding.

Ripping up dated carpet and polishing the floorboards underneath is a step in the right direction, while walls can be painted with a warm neutral colour such as Resene Spanish White or Resene Fossil.

An elongated, dark wood table is the perfect pick for a rustic-themed dining room. Add a bench-style seat either side in a matching wood, too. You might opt for bench-style seats with back support for more comfort, as well as adding cushions, too.

A gold stencil design on the walls looks fantastic too, not to mention a large world map print.

The rustic look shouldn't look too perfect or measured, so feel free to add accessories that speak to you, from candle holders to lamps.

Are you a contemporary individual?

Perhaps something more contemporary is for you. If so, this look will certainly jump out and appeal to your personal tastes.

When settling on an interior design idea, it's important your final choice is as practical as it is visually striking.

A round table with bright pendant lamps hanging above it is quirky and modern, but also allows you to host family and friends with ease. A circular table is a good idea if you host lots of people and want to ensure everyone can easily converse with one another. It's also a great piece of furniture design if you're prone to preparing dishes that are designed to be shared and passed around the table.

For the walls, opt for a tan hue such as Resene Triple Sisal. Pick a single, bold shade for your pendant lamps. From orange to royal blue, the choice is up to you. However, you'll maximise the impact by settling on a single colour, rather than many.

Are you feeling chic?

If you want to make a statement but aren't sold on a circular table nor a long table with bench seats, there's still a further dining room design that may suit your tastes.

For a totally chic look, start by painting all but one of the room's walls off-white – think Resene Double Sea Fog. Then, paint your final wall a deep, mysterious slate grey, like Resene Sidewinder.

Keep flooring a light shade, whether you opt for polished concrete, carpet or wood. Then, invest in an oversized ink-black rug, which can be placed under your dining table. A square black dining table and opaque Perspex chairs will finish off the completely chic look.

This dining room design requires you to carefully balance light with dark. It's a very minimalist approach, but can look absolutely stunning if you pull it off properly! Light fittings should be functional rather than decorative, while a single piece of abstract artwork on the feature wall can add a point of interest and create a focal point.

Colours mentioned in this article...

Colours marked as "buy in-store" may not yet be available in our online ColorShop, however, the testpots can be purchased at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller.