Once the heart of the home, dining rooms have developed a reputation for unnecessary formality and infrequent use. But at Laura U Design Collective, we believe the dining room deserves a second look and a major design moment. Whether you’re hosting holiday dinners, gathering for weeknight meals, or simply enjoying your morning coffee, these spaces should be as functional as they are beautiful. From sculptural furniture to dramatic lighting to layered textures, we’re sharing ten inspiring dining rooms from our portfolio that prove this essential space is anything but passé. Read on for all the dining room design inspiration you could possibly need!
10 Dining Room Design Ideas to Inspire Your Space
This River Oaks Contemporary Dining Room
This dining room design from our River Oaks Contemporary project proves that a formal space need not feel fussy. Anchored by a rectangular table in polished marble with gold inlay, this dining space is equal parts glamorous and grounded. Pale walls with elegant millwork are a neutral background for bold artwork, including a magenta Jeff Koons sculpture that is both a focal point and conversation starter.
Dining chairs in soft, tailored upholstery surround the table while a crystal chandelier above adds sparkle, contrast, and glamour. Floor-length drapery softens the space with movement and texture.
Our design team paired contemporary furnishings with curated art and layered finishes, pulling inspiration from the homeowners’ global experiences, which include Damascus and Paris.
Design Tip
Use white paint and gray walls as a crisp, airy backdrop to let your art collection, sculptural decor, or dramatic lighting shine. The contrast creates a striking yet balanced look which is perfect for spaces meant to wow and welcome.
This Braeswood Place Dining Room
This dining room from our Braeswood Place project blends organic texture with architectural drama. Positioned at the center of an open-concept plan, the dining area seamlessly connects the kitchen and entry, making it ideal for both everyday meals and lively dinner parties. The centerpiece is a sculptural live-edge dining table by El Dorado Wood, paired with a striking brass ModShop base.
This space’s dining chairs were custom-designed with rift-sawn oak frames and upholstered in channel-tufted performance leather in Smoke. A graphic linear chandelier by Jonathan Browning Studio draws the eye upward, while the bold blue Lawson Fenning console provides a splash of saturated color and connects to the black metal staircase beyond.
The entire dining space is grounded by a woven rug and wrapped in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outside in. Together, the materials—oak, brass, leather, glass—create a rich, tactile experience for diners.
Design Tip
Mix natural materials with sleek finishes to create a dining room that feels both grounded and glamorous.
This Dining Room by Laura U Design Collective
This serene dining room layers tone-on-tone neutrals with sculptural forms for a look that’s modern, textural, and artful. The room centers on a softly rounded rectangular table flanked by curved dining chairs in warm-toned leather. A sculptural pendant chandelier floats above, echoing the subtle geometry found throughout the space.
This dining area is grounded by a plush, patterned rug in soft gray tones, while white oak flooring adds warmth underfoot. Behind the table, a built-in niche adds architectural interest and an ideal spot for serving or display.
To the left, an oversized abstract painting and richly textured curtains introduce color and softness, while the painted ceiling in a muted sage hue pulls the eye up and finishes the room with a fresh, modern twist.
Design Tip
A neutral dining space doesn’t have to be boring. Play with shapes, patterns, and tone-on-tone textures to create depth and visual interest. A painted ceiling or built-in wall detail can be the unexpected element that pulls your room together.
This Camino Haciendas Dining Room
This dining room in our Camino Haciendas project is a warm, soulful celebration of Southwestern style with Spanish influence. Set against white painted walls and rustic wood ceiling beams, the space balances texture with elegance. A long dining table from Century Furniture anchors the room, flanked by an eclectic mix of dining chairs: neutral upholstered side chairs and deep teal wingbacks finished with Kravet fabric and Schumacher trim.
A wrought-iron chandelier from Circa Lighting floats above, bringing weight and linear contrast to counter-balance the high ceilings. Bold colors from a nearby painting and a patterned rug from Rugmart tie the room to the surrounding Santa Fe landscape and its vibrant culture. Decorative accents, like the mirrored wall installation and black taper candlesticks, polish this dining room.
Design Tip
To achieve a layered, collected look, pair rustic elements like exposed beams and wrought iron with refined finishes and curated furniture.
This Garnet Residence Dining Room
In our client’s Garnet Residence, this dining room exemplifies feminine glamour through a palette of blush, putty, and soft metallics. The space is anchored by a rectangular table surrounded by eight Bernhardt dining chairs: six in a deep espresso upholstery and two host chairs with lilac velvet interiors, acrylic legs, and dark Donghia fabric on the reverse.
Soft, blush-toned curtains filter natural light and frame the French doors. Above, a sweeping crystal chandelier introduces opulence that echoes the lamp bases on the lacquered sideboard without overdoing it. A large abstract floral print by Donald Sultan, sourced from McClain Gallery, modernizes the space.
This dining room strikes a balance between soft and structured, polished and approachable. It is perfectly in tune with the romantic yet refined aesthetic that runs throughout the home.
Design Tip
If your dining space leans minimal, let texture and subtle color shifts do the heavy lifting. Upholstered chairs, layered fabrics, and soft metallic accents add visual interest while maintaining a calm, cohesive palette.
This Sherwood Forest Dining Room
In this Sherwood Forest dining room, sleek modern design meets bold architectural statements, from the floor to the ceiling. Built for a family who loves to entertain, this dining space is defined by symmetry, drama, and bold materials. A long rectangular table with geometric pedestal bases anchors the room, surrounded by clean-lined black dining chairs in leather.
Behind the dining area, a glass-enclosed wine cellar is both functional and a stunning focal point. A striking multi-faceted chandelier floats above the dining table, casting amber-hued light across the room and drawing attention to the contrast between the high-gloss finishes and the surrounding matte textures. The black-and-white stone floor, inlaid with a bold geometric border, makes the space feel precise, bold, and a bit Art Deco.
Design Tip
When working with a monochromatic palette, think in terms of texture, shape, and light. Pair high-gloss surfaces with soft upholstery or sculptural lighting to create moments of interest and contrast within a streamlined space.
This University Place Dining Room
This dining room from our University Place project is a perfect example of how modern materials and coastal hues can harmonize in a warm, approachable space that looks and feels distinct. We replaced the original chandelier with two tiered pendant lights in coastal taupe abaca rope. Beneath them, a simple yet substantial wooden dining table anchors the space, surrounded by Cava dining chairs upholstered in a custom deep blue vinyl.
A neutral woven wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries in a geometric pattern adds depth to the walls while drawing the eye across the room. Cream-colored drapes with a bold bronze embroidered border soften the clean lines and tie into other textile details seen throughout the home. Modern, fresh, and highly livable, this dining space reflects the family’s California roots while embracing the timelessness of their new Houston neighborhood.
Design Tip
Pair bold upholstery with simple architectural lines to add personality to your dining room without sacrificing the flow you need to entertain. Natural textures and layered neutrals help soften the look and keep the space feeling light, airy, and welcoming.
This Hedwig Village Breakfast Room
Positioned just off the kitchen, this breakfast nook in our Hedwig Village project might not technically be a dining room but we could not leave it off the list! The space is centered on a rectangular table flanked by open-back wooden chairs and a custom upholstered banquette.
An oversized arched window frames views of the newly added outdoor loggia and brick fireplace to reinforce a seamless connection between indoors and out. The soft ivory walls and natural wood floors make the space feel timeless while providing a neutral backdrop to the room’s more tailored elements. Above, a woven basket-style chandelier brings warmth, texture, and a touch of whimsy to the otherwise refined setting.
Balancing everyday functionality with a sense of ease, this dining space is designed for family meals, slow mornings, and the occasional impromptu gathering.
Design Tip
Center your dining table on a view or architectural detail to ground the space and create a sense of flow. A built-in banquette adds comfort and coziness while maximizing seating in tighter areas. It’s perfect for families who often entertain but don’t always know how many will join them.
This Highland Village Contemporary Dining Room
This dining room from our Highland Village project balances drama and sophistication for a truly unique space that perfectly suits our clients. A sculptural bubble chandelier floats above an oval dining table surrounded by two-tone plush chairs in lavender and pearl. The color palette is a nod to the homeowner’s love for fashion-forward design.
The real showstopper in this space is, of course, the lacquered plum ceiling, which reflects light while grounding the room. It’s moody, bold, and unexpected without being overwhelming. Soft, layered textures, from the geometric rug to the woven wallcovering, give this dining room warmth and dimension, while a sleek bar cart and curated art collection punctuate it with personality.
Designed for both hosting and high-style living, this room is equally suited to dinner parties and Zoom calls.
Design Tip
Add unexpected interest overhead with a high-gloss painted ceiling. It bounces light around the room and delivers a polished, contemporary edge without overwhelming the space.
This Colonial Drive Dining Room
On Colonial Drive, you’ll find a quietly grand dining room. Moody velvet chairs gather around a high-gloss black table, set against a dreamlike Philip Jeffries wallcovering that reminds us of a misty watercolor landscape. The palette of soft grays, dusty blues, and warm neutrals is equal parts serene and sophisticated.
A slender antique-inspired chandelier draws the eye upward, while tailored drapery and classic millwork ensure the space feels timeless and enduring.
Design Tip
Wallpaper does not have to be a typical repeating pattern; look for murals or atmospheric prints that add depth and movement to your space. You will need little else to make the space feel special.
Design Your Unique Dining Room with Laura U Design Collective
From moody and modern to rustic yet refined, each of these dining rooms captures the lifestyles and aesthetics of the families who live there. At Laura U Design Collective, we believe great design is about creating spaces that elevate the everyday. Whether you’re dreaming of a glamorous entertaining space or a cozy spot for weeknight dinners, our team will bring your vision to life. Reach out to our team for more information.