Dining Room Designs

If you are looking to rejuvenate your home a little, what better place to start than the dining room? With a carefully thought out dining room, eating or entertaining may become a much more pleasurable experience.

Dining Tables

The core of the dining room needs to strike an impression. It could be a simple breakfast counter for one, or a shared dining table for 10, the choice of table should fit your lifestyle.

Round tables VS Rectangular table

A round table famously encourages conversation – everyone more or less sits the same distance from one another, and you can make eye contact with anyone at the table. You can even squeeze in an extra chair if you need to. 

A rectangular table however looks less formal than a chair to fit round the table, but it might be too tight if too many people turn up.

Extendable tables

If you have a large extended family, or tend to throw dinner parties often, then an extendable table might be the solution. These tables can be collapsed to a small, manageable size that sits about two to four people. But when guests come over during special occasions, you can extend the table to accommodate more people.

Built-in dining tables

For small spaces, a built-in-table might solve a lot of problems. Firstly, you can customize its size to fit into the smallest corners and even in oddly-shaped niches. Because the table is fixed to the wall or floor, you won’t be able to move it around, so make sure you finalize the spot. 

Effectively, the dining table can be lifted up and stored against the wall or in use. During meal times, simply pull out the table and you’ll have the space you need for dining in.

Layout

It’s only common sense not to push the table up against the wall – this drastically cuts down the number of seats you can fit around the table. Place the table in the middle of the room, or slightly off-center. 

Make sure that there is plenty of space for people to walk around the table, even when the chairs are pulled out. Similarly, don’t forget to accommodate space for guests to fully stand up and push back their chairs.

Dining chairs

Dining chairs usually come in a set along with the dining table. This doesn’t give you a lot of freedom if you intend to customize your dining area. A popular trend is to mix and match different dining chairs at the table, giving the room a quirky and eclectic look.

High-back chairs derive a ceremonial fell that might look inappropriate in certain homes. Rattan-waves on the other hand, might come across as too informal. Find the right set of chairs by matching it with your dining table. 

Solid wood tables demand seating that is similarly sturdy and robust. Wrought iron seats or chairs suits table that is slimmer and more detailed.

If you’re buying dining chairs separately from the tables, make sure that height is compatible with each other. When sitting on the chairs, you should have plenty of space between your lap and the bottom of the table top. The chairs should also be high enough so you can comfortably rest elbow on the top of the table.

Lighting

If possible, install dimmers in the dining room for that perfect lighting solution. You can turn up the bulbs if you want to strike up a fun and lively ambience, or turn down the lights for a romantic atmosphere.

Warm, heat-emitting lights like spotlights are generally frowned upon when it comes to the dining room. You don’t want to work up a sweet when you’re trying to enjoy a sumptuous meal. Instead, cool, natural lights are more conductive. Make sure you don’t shine the light directly into anyone’s faces, and that hanging lights are strung up at a comfortable height.

Chandeliers and pendant lamps are suitable for the dining room because they’re beautiful to look at. Match them with the décor for a comprehensive look and you’ll have a sure winner.

Decorations

To decorate your dining area, try choosing a centerpiece that will enhance the beauty of your dining space. You can have a simple vase with fresh flowers or plants minimally used and arranged but do not make it look too bulky. The simpler the centrepiece, the better. 

Moreover, you can also place white flowers with green leaves. Try put some candles because it can also looks well. You can choose earth tones for your centrepiece to get that contemporary look.

Attaining a contemporary look for your dining room requires your creativity. After all, it is still you who will decide as to what furniture and colours to use. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will need to buy new furniture. It once again relies on how you will use your initiative to attain a contemporary dining room.

Yolancia Cindy

Junior Interior Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767

Choosing Kitchen Door Material

Kitchen cabinet doors may feature variety of materials such as solid wood, laminate, or glass. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.  They also have their own impression. Selection of materials can affect the kitchen’s ambience supporting the design.

•         Solid Wood / Timber 

           Wood creates a warm and natural look whether it’s rich and dark or light, bright and airy, every piece of timber has its own character. 

Even amongst the same species there can be variations in the grain and colour.
 The beauty of timber is in all the variations of colour, texture and patterns of graining, this is the reason for choosing real wood and it is important to accept that there will be variations in the doors and possibly some knotting. 

For the true lover of real wood/veneer furniture, this is the very reason for choosing a natural finish rather than a man made alternative. 
Where this natural variation is likely to cause a problem, we can provide a range of man made materials that will be more suitable such as vinyl & foil. 


•          High Pressure Laminate (HPL)  

          These doors largely consist of an MDF (medium density fibreboard) core, onto which a sheet of paper carrying the pattern is heat-bonded using resin adhesives. The resin can also be embossed with a texture so these cost-effective doors can carry any pattern, which is usually a pretty convincing imitation of wood. 

       The high pressure squeezes the HPL to such a solid density that it becomes highly resistant to damage simply because any utensil or tool striking the HPL will not have a force greater than the force used to form the HPL itself.  This material has low VOCs, glossy door appearance and durable. It suits modern, European inspired kitchens.

•           Melamine


            Made from a mixture of resin, paper and pressed wood and prices and quality do differ depending on the quality of the pressed wood used in the mix.  Melamine is a versatile material for kitchen cabinets in that it is available in many different colors and hues and different surface finishes, although you'll be in trouble if the surface is scratched.  This material is not as durable as the laminate cabinets and that's why it costs less.

Melamine coated boards are widely available in home centers for purposes such as shelving.  However, this smooth man-made surface makes it difficult to change in the future. 

•          Paint, Lacquer, or Spray Paint 

           An MDF core coated with a layer of lacquer or paint. Since MDF is made from fine wood particles and resin, these doors do not carry any woodgrain, making a smooth surface which can be painted in any colour and impression such as metallic or pearls. Paint is considered traditional. Many consider brush strokes in the finish to be attractive.

       

         Spray paint is another method of paint finishing using sealed pressurized container.  It makes the paint looks more even, and smoother finish.

•         Polyurethane (PU) 

PU doors have a painted finish, and come in high gloss or satin finishes.  A versatile choice, these doors can be fully profiled or flat, and have the option to be handless (the only door profile with this ability). The door is painted, buffed and baked three times to get its ultra-smooth hand-finished appearance. However, not all polyurethane manufacturers offer the same quality. You must be discerning when it comes to polyurethane, as you do not want the finish to peel, chip or discolour due to poor standards.

This door style suits contemporary, streamlined and handless kitchen. The ability to manufacture the doors to any colour preference and strength makes polyurethane a versatile choice for the design minded.

•          Glass 

           Glass brings illuminance and brightness to kitchens by reflecting natural light. Glass shelving makes the kitchen feel larger and is a very versatile material with endless applications. 

        However, whether glass is used as shelving or inlaid in cabinet doors it does mean that all your kitchen goods are on show - this is unless you use colored glass or frosted or tinted glass.  Bevelled glass adds class to cabinet doors and glass inserts add a new dimension counters.

•         Stainless Steel


       Once only consigned to restaurant kitchens, stainless steel in household kitchens is now in vogue.  Unlike wood, stainless steel kitchen doors and counter products are not affected by changes in temperatures or condensation - so is an ideal material for busy kitchens. A piece of stainless steel that is being incorporated into wood and laminated kitchens alike is the stainless steel kitchen splashback.  A layer of stainless steel is usually applied over an MDF base to give the kitchen cabinet and counter more substance. 

          Stainless steel is a very easy kitchen cabinet and counter material to clean - which is just as well because it does show all the finger marks, but sometimes the scratches are more difficult to get out.

Kitchen cabinet doors can completely change the look of your kitchen. That's why, getting the right ones is vital. Knowing what you want to spend and your limits are essential when updating your kitchen. All the best!

Edited by:

FairusMurtikasari

Junior Interior Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767

The Meaning of Colors For Rooms

The biggest influence on the human state of mind with the possible exception of the weather is color. The psychology of color and how color affects human behavior influence the behaviour and mood of the people who use these spaces. We should use color in our home environments but the first step is we need to understand the psychological effects the color to us.

Blue 

Blue color is said to be very calming, relaxing and refreshing. It also makes a room look bigger than it is. Blue is best used in case of bedrooms. Since it acts as an appetite represent, it should not be used in the dining room. At the same time, it is a cold color and should always be balanced with warm colors like yellow and orange. 

Green 

Green color has a soothing effect on the mind and thus, is associated with relaxation of nervous system and lowering of blood pressure. Being a cold color, it should be always be balanced with red. Green is also considered to be the color of luck and makes a small room appear bigger. 

Red

Red color has been known to stimulate mind and nervous system and thus, is regarded as conversation stimulant. At the same time, it also arouses appetite. These are the reason why the color will be suitable in drawing as well as dining room. Red makes objects appear smaller, so avoid it in rooms that are already small. Being a warm color, it should be used in association with green. 

Yellow 

Yellow is a warm color that is associated with power and helps in spreading about a bright, happy and cheerful atmosphere. It is best used in rooms that do not get adequate sunlight. Yellow also makes a room appear smaller and can be balanced by using violet color. 

Pink

Pink is a very soft color and is best used in bedrooms of little girls. Since it has been associated with weakness, it should not be used in excess and should always be used with a bold color. 

Orange

Orange, being the combination of red and yellow, has all the traits that those two colors have. It exudes warmth, acts as an appetite stimulant and spreads exuberance. Orange should be used in dining room and can be balanced by using blue color. Since it gives an emotional uplift, those suffering from depression would benefit if surrounded by this color. 

Purple (Violet) 

Purple has been known to be the color of royalty and is also associated with spirituality. The color is said to promote creativity, but only if used in moderation. It is a cold color and is never advised to be used in excess; otherwise it might lead to depression and moodiness. You can moderate the color’s effect by using it with yellow. Purple also helps in making small room appear larger. 

Brown

Brown is an earthy color that is believed to create the feeling of intimacy. It also spreads calm and serenity and is good for those who suffer from anxiety or nervousness. However, since it is so subdued, it should always be used with bold colors like green. You can also go for different tones in brown, like beige and tan. 

Black

The color black can convey a lot, depending upon how it is used. On one hand, it can make a room look elegant, suave and chic. On the other, it can impart a depressed feel to the room. This is the reason why it should not be used alone and in a wide area. It is best complimented with white. 

White 

White color signifies purity, freshness, peace and kindness. Rather than using on the surface as a whole, white should be used as an accent or background color. The best combination of white is formed with black.

We all want to make our rooms interior design perfectly so make sure we choose the best color to suits with our mood and psychology. 

Najwa Talib

Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767