Taking a new look at the dining space usually goes hand-in-hand with planning a new kitchen. Your new kitchen project is entirely likely to include a casual dining spot, but that’s not to say a more formal dining space can’t be a highlight. Here are some favourite dining ideas for bringing a new project to life…

The Zulufish team have identified a resurgence in demand for formal dining rooms

Caroline Milns, Head of Interior Design, ZULUFISH Architectural Design & Build Practice, says there has been a shift towards a desire for elegant and defined spaces within the home. She says ‘There’s a growing trend amongst clients to embrace bolder and more experimental interior design choices in traditional spaces, such as the dining room. This willingness to explore design schemes that they may have been hesitant to incorporate into everyday areas opens up exciting possibilities for creating rooms that have vibrant personality and character’. This striking room combines bespoke blue painted cabinetry with colourful upholstery and a dramatic pendant.

An open-plan dining area which is light, bright and airy, by Zulufish

Caroline Milns, Head of Interior Design,  ZULUFISH, also talks about the open-plan concept, which remains a popular and effective design choice. ‘It can be used to create versatile spaces that serve multiple functions, particularly within a busy family home. It allows for seamless integration between different areas whilst facilitating everyday activities and interactions. However, we see a noticeable move towards re-establishing defined areas within the home. This project is a good example of a dining area that whilst open plan, is still a focussed dining space’.

This Zulufish dining room has dramatic contrasts with a statement pendant light

‘Dining rooms are now being considered and designed as separate, refined areas for special occasions’ says Caroline Milns. ‘They  are distinct from the more casual and open-plan kitchen and living spaces that have become commonplace in modern homes. We are designing dining rooms with strong character and dramatic visual appeal. Our striking schemes blend contemporary elements with functionality, which is essential for a dining space’.

Neutral shades with dark accents create a balanced scheme for this Zulufish dining room

Dining rooms can be striking, but don’t always need a lot of colour to make an impact. This subtle dining room, also a ZULUFISH creation by Caroline Milns, has ceiling details, playful pendant lights and a classic parquet floor. ‘This new approach to dining rooms provides a sense of occasion, allowing for a more purposeful and enjoyable experience’ she explains. ‘There’s a sense of balance – we can maintain the flexibility of open-plan living whilst also carving out zones that offer a sense of sophistication, perhaps away from the day to day habits of having supper at the breakfast bar’.

This compact dining space by Zulufish once again features a statement pendant

Caroline Milns has also noticed that homeowners are reviewing their home offices, and often decide to transform these spaces back into a useable dining room. She explains ‘Many people are returning to their offices now and are keen to transform their previously serene and calm home office into a dining room. This new approach involves the re-establishment of defined areas within the home, and by creating dedicated spaces our clients and homeowners are able to enjoy moments that feel distinct and special’. See more inspired ideas from Zulufish on their projects page.

Stunning stripe chairs and a marble topped pedestal table by Atkin & Thyme

Dining tables and chairs need to be tough and useable … The Westbourne Dining Table in Green Marble with a mango wood base seats four comfortably and is 120cm diameter, which is a useable size that will suit an average-sized dining room. Layla Dining Chairs in Striped Rug have a gorgeous textured finish and add a striking dash of colour to neutral schemes. All from Atkin & Thyme

Make a dining room statement in black marble from Cult Furniture

This black marble pedestal table is the Toulouse 8-Seat Onyx Black Marble design, from Cult Furniture. It’s a generous size, 200cm L x 100cm W and 74cm H, and also comes in a softer shade, Natural Travertine, which is equally as striking. Shown here with the Hallie Carver Dining Chair in Caramel.

Another pedestal table, this time a six-seater from Danetti

The Austin six-seater dining table in natural ceramic is an investment buy that will look good in both traditional and contemporary interiors. Choose Keira Velvet Dining Chair in Champagne for a sophisticated pairing, with an eye-catching brushed brass frame finish. Sticking with neutral shades for the hero pieces – table and chairs – allows other colour schemes to be developed at a later stage if you want to change the emphasis of the scheme. All from Danetti

Choose a teak finish for a mid-century look from Where Saints Go

There’s a slight air of 1970s designs about the Krista Brown Stain Light Wash Teak table from Where Saints Go. In a good way, of course! It’s another choice that would work well in all sorts of interior schemes, from pared-back glass block conservatory extensions to cosier spaces in period homes. Shown here with Brooklyn Dining Chairs, available in an extensive range of colours and leg finishes, also from Where Saints Go.

Curvaceous pedestal in travertine from Peppermill Interiors

Make a sculptural statement in the dining room with the Bicester Travertine Round Dining Table from Peppermill Interiors. Each piece of grey travertine limestone is unique, contrasting in a striking way with the matt black metal base. It’s 120cm diameter, and designed to seat four people. Shown with dining chairs, also from a selection at Peppermill Interiors.