Whether you love hosting a crowd or want an intimate space for family dinners, these looks from the WL archives can help inspire your dining room makeover. Keep on scrolling to see how designers like Suffron Keay, Stephanie Martin and Falken Reynolds have created some truly satisfying spaces.

Photo: Ema Peter

Gone Country

The aesthetic of this home has been affectionately dubbed Tom Ford in the Country—and it’s easy to see why. Interior designer Suffron Keay paid homage to her home’s rural setting (Vancouver’s Southlands neighbourhood) and simultaneously upped its luxe factor with contemporary furniture, concrete floors and modern art. The dining room, for instance, features a work from artist Jeff Koons, a Molteni&C buffet, and a Minotti table and chair set. Tour this modern country home.

Photo: Eymeric Widling

Textbook Texture

Texture is everywhere in this Japandi-style home designed by DWK Interiors. We can count four gorgeous examples in the dining room alone—peep the rattan light fixture, the fluted table, the upholstered chairs and the earth-inspired artwork. Take a peek inside this gorgeous Calgary home.

Photo: Phil Crozier

Mismatching Set

The phrase “opposites attract” doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships—it also rings true in this Stephanie Martin-designed dining room. To add a more unique touch to the space, she brought in two sets of chairs from different manufacturers. “I love kind of mixing and matching different pieces as opposed to having a matching set,” she says.

While the cream du clay side chairs give the look a touch of softness, the navy blue captain chairs complement the wallpapered ceiling and create a grounding element. Step inside this contrast-filled Elbow Park residence.

Photo: Ema Peter

Outside In

Any idea where this home is located? If you guessed that it’s in a mountain town, well done! The team at BattersbyHowat “wanted everything to feel like it melded with the landscape,” so they completed the dining area with white oak millwork, hemlock panelling and grey porcelain tiles that reflect the surrounding wilderness. The e15 dining table and Simbiosi suspension light by Davide Groppi further lend to the home’s natural aesthetic. Check out the rest of this Squamish sanctuary.

Photo: Ema Peter

Crystal Clear

The team at Falken Reynolds was tasked with renovating this 1990s townhome and ensuring that there was enough wall space to showcase the owner’s art collection. But in the dining room, it’s not the paintings or sculptures that have captured our attention—it’s the light that hangs above the table. The Seed 02 pendant, designed by Bec Brittain, offers a modern take on the traditional crystal chandelier. See the before and after renovation photos.

Photo: Andrew Latreille

Wood Work

The interiors of this Cultus Lake home were inspired by the driftwood and stumps outside. Hence all the wood elements, including the flooring and custom dining table from Vancouver’s Lock & Mortice. “The split in the table was designed to really draw the eye into the fireplace and define the dining room,” says Alexi Callegari. Explore this calm, coastal summer home.

Photo: Ema Peter

Branch Out

We hope this dining room isn’t just used for special occasions! Those stunning forest views should be the backdrop to every meal, from quick-and-easy breakfasts to weeknight family dinners and late-night snacks. Find out how else this McKinley Studios-designed Whistler home embraces the great outdoors.

Kaitlyn Funk

Kaitlyn Funk

Kaitlyn is a design-obsessed writer, editor and content manager based in Vancouver. When she's not busy swooning over gorgeous homes, you can find her reading, hiking and befriending as many dogs as possible.