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8. Moody Glam Vibes
Designers: Jeanie Engelbach and Ryan Romanowski of apartmentjeanie
Location: New York City
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 12 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “When the homeowners purchased this apartment, it was a complete white box, devoid of color, warmth and vibrancy,” says designer Jeanie Engelbach. “The dining area, and the rest of the open floor plan, did not accurately reflect our clients’ edgy, energetic and gothic yet glam aesthetic. As self-identified homebodies who love to entertain, they wanted a space that felt like them and was inviting to their guests. Having worked with them previously, we knew they trusted our instincts and ability to integrate their style and passions into the overall design concept and weren’t at all shocked when we suggested we use our client’s bright magenta-colored hair and black wardrobe as the inspiration.”
Special features. “To bring this vision to life, we fully committed to color drenching the entire open-floor living and dining room in a rich aubergine — Benjamin Moore Plum Royale — that transformed the space from generic white box to something far more regal and cinematic,” Engelbach says. “We carried the graphic metallic Art Deco-inspired wallpaper from the living room as a frieze to add contrast and structure, while the warm walnut custom-built bar and matching record stand introduces depth and acts as visual divider from living to dining area.
“The bar’s mirrored backsplash reflects light and creates an illusion of multiple windows. We inherited the polished live-edge dining table with lucite base from the apartment’s previous owner, then softened the room with curved velvet chairs that play off the plum tones. The chairs’ matte black steel tube frame anchors the hand-knotted wool rug in black with streaks of white . The dramatic Italian cascading crystal beaded chandelier brings movement and glamour.”
Designer tip. “When working with an open-floor-plan living space, it’s important to delineate designated areas within the larger floor plan,” Engelbach says. “However, implementing one consistent decorative element throughout — in this case, the paint and wallpaper — creates a sense of cohesion and continuity.”
Wallpaper: Art Deco Glamour, Spoonflower; chairs: Inesse in Iced Blue velvet, CB2
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The couple wanted a space where they could site a tent for summer parties, so Philpott retained the big lawn immediately behind the house (seen here in summer looking toward the pool that’s behind the wood fence), but added borders all around to create a beautiful floral backdrop.
“I’d call my style naturalistic and quite romantic — I like to use lots of perennials and have softness in my planting,” she says. “Here, I went for a really soft feel, because when you cross the lawn and go down stone steps [on the left], you enter a more naturalistic area. I wanted to create a transition from formal planting to that wilder feel as you move away from the house.”
The Arts and Crafts-inspired plantings around the lawn include ‘Twilight’ purple asters (Eurybia x herveyi ‘Twilight’, USDA zones 3 to 9; find your zone) and white fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium ‘Album’, zones 3 to 7). “It’s often considered a weed because it gets everywhere, but this is a cultivated variety. It does self seed, but it’s actually clumped up very quickly,” Philpott says. “It’s a good choice when you’re establishing planting and you have gaps, as it fills out the space and gives the soft, romantic feel I was going for.”
Also seen growing here are purple ‘Caradonna’ sage (Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’, zones 4 to 9), white ‘Madame Emile Mouillère’ bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillère’, zones 5 to 9) and burgundy ‘Raven’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Raven’, zones 5 to 9). The dense holly hedges at either side were existing. “They provide a fantastic evergreen backdrop for planting: the purple asters look almost luminous against them,” Philpott says.
Retaining existing plants, such as these hedges, is important to Philpott. “I never want to go in, especially with a garden like this that’s been here since the early 20th century, and rip everything out, because it’s unnecessary,” she says. “It’s about seeing what’s there and what’s worth keeping and maybe reshaping it if necessary, but it would take decades to get new hedges to look like these because they’re so thick.”
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Designer: Clare Donohue of One to One Studio
Location: New York City
Size: 15 square feet (1.4 square meters)
Location: New York City
Size: 15 square feet (1.4 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients dreamed of a swank loo for guests, but the old powder room was in desperate shape, additionally serving as the HVAC center and laundry room — all in a truly tiny space,” says designer Clare Donohue. “The new HVAC system required a much larger footprint, so we relocated the laundry to a separate space. I had to come up with a creative way to hide all those ugly machines and still make it special. Current visitors would never guess what lies behind the satiny paneled walls of the finished space: a mechanical closet filled with ugly machinery.”
Special features. “The renovated powder room is kitted out with custom wood panels that lift off to service the hidden HVAC equipment,” Donohue says. “Making use of every available inch, we created recessed display shelves from a small leftover niche. A beveled mirror spans the main wall. A floating sink with a wall-mounted faucet makes the most of the small space. The lower portion of the sink and toilet walls are protected from splashes with inset stone panels. Marble hex tiles cover the floor. All are color-matched to a rich charcoal color.”
Designer tip. “Don’t let small size stop you from making it special,” Donohue says. “The odds were against us here, but I was convinced we could make it beautiful despite the room being, in reality, a giant air handler.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “This one was nothing but challenges,” Donohue says. “The HVAC system went through a dozen revisions, each requiring adjustments to the room design. It ended up eating up extra ceiling and floor space and requiring the brick of the exterior wall to be opened up many floors up in a narrow outside courtyard filled with irreplaceable leaded glass windows. The engineers and co-op board feuded over what type of insulation would work, for weeks, while holding up framing and install. While we waited for the final room size to be determined, we couldn’t place the order for the custom sink, which had a huge lead time. In the end, we lucked out and were able to use a stocked size for much less money and faster delivery time.
“The room backs up to the elevator shaft, requiring us to fur out the wall for plumbing lines, making a small room even smaller. The Caesarstone wall inserts we had spec’d were based on a color sample that it turned out had been sold out without notice, and replaced with a much darker color, without a name change. So the contractor arrived with black, not gray, panels to install, at which point we had to get the whole of Caesarstone’s corporate offices involved to find a solution, all while the move-in date loomed. I swear, it felt like everything was against this design. I had to be really stubborn to get it to end up as envisioned. And we had a great team of engineers and project managers to pull it together.”
Custom cabinetry: NR Wood Design; paint: Whale Gray, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Janiece Lonvelin of Velène Design House
Location: La Mirada, California
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Location: La Mirada, California
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This was a special request from the clients — they wanted this room to evoke a subtle ‘Mad Men’ vibe,” says designer Janiece Lonvelin. “Not in a literal sense but in a way that felt a bit nostalgic, dramatic, fun and intentional. This room serves as a hangout space for the family, designed primarily for adults, especially with the bar located across the room.”
Special features. “We immediately fell in love with the walnut wall paneling and made it a priority to preserve and thoughtfully incorporate it into the new design,” Lonvelin says. “The existing beams were also kept to maintain character. To ground the space, we selected large-scale floor tile and layered in furnishings that play off one another, ultimately creating a room that feels moody, sexy and full of personality.
“We selected a striking art piece that felt contemporary yet carried a subtle retro influence. The olive sofa was an intentional choice, bringing in color, creating depth and standing out beautifully against the dark wood panelling. We layered in a rich mix of textures through the rug, bouclé chair and leather accent chairs to set the tone for the space. Thoughtful pops of color, along with glass and varied wood tones in the decor, helped tie everything together.”
Designer tip. “When working with dark walls, add contrast and texture in the pieces you bring in to prevent the space from feeling flat,” Lonvelin says. “Mix in different shapes like curved furniture or decor, especially if your room has a lot of squared-off corners. This creates balance, depth and visual interest throughout the space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The initial challenge was during the design process and getting the clients on board with the amount of color and texture in the space,” Lonvelin says. “While it wasn’t a lot overall, when you’re working primarily with neutrals, a large olive sofa becomes a significant pop of color. To help, we used 3D renders to showcase the completed look, showing how all colors worked together. This gave them a full sense of the space and helped ease their concerns.”
Wall paint: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore
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3. Built-In Sorting Systems
Designer: Erica Peale Design
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Size: 108 square feet (10 square meters); 9 by 12 feet
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner wanted a more functional, well-organized space with dedicated storage for laundry and cleaning supplies,” says designer Erica Peale. “Previously, the room lacked proper laundry hampers, causing baskets to pile up on the floor, and there was no storage for linens or cleaning supplies, leaving the space cluttered. Painted a jarring orange, the room felt anything but inviting.”
Peale uses Houzz Pro software to help run her business. “We use Houzz for website hosting, 3D floor planning, project library and client reviews,” she says. “Houzz is an invaluable tool to help with our projects.”
Storage strategies. “Thoughtful design transformed this laundry room into a highly functional and organized space,” Peale says. “Open cubbies were created to house rolling laundry hampers, keeping them accessible yet neatly tucked away. Pullout drying racks add convenience for air-drying garments, while custom cabinetry provides ample storage for cleaning supplies, detergents and household linens. Additional features such as adjustable shelving, a built-in ironing board, concealed waste bins and dedicated folding surfaces ensure everything has a place, making daily laundry tasks more efficient and enjoyable.”
Other special features. “The custom cabinetry was painted in a soft, soothing spa-like blue, (Sherwin-Williams’ Stardew), bringing a calm and refined feel to the space,” Peale says. “Large-format 12-by-18-inch travertine floor tiles ground the room with warmth and texture, while a polished marble 1-inch hexagon backsplash adds a timeless, elevated touch. Floating shelves with brass ceiling-mounted brackets introduce both style and function, complemented by brass cabinet hardware that adds warmth and subtle contrast. A full-size utility sink enhances everyday usability, while Steele Canvas laundry baskets provide an efficient system for separating whites, darks and dry cleaning.”
Designer tip. “A key design approach we recommend is choosing a softer, more restful color palette and prioritizing closed storage to minimize visual clutter,” Peale says. “Layering a mix of textures and varying sheens not only reflects light throughout the space but also creates depth and visual interest, transforming a functional room into one that feels calm, polished and intentional.”
General contractor: Connor Bentley; wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
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This Trending Now story features the most-saved living room photos uploaded to Houzz since Jan. 1, 2025.
Whether a living space serves as a family hangout, a formal entertaining area or both, it should feature comfortable furnishings, easy flow and a cohesive style. This countdown of the most-saved living room photos uploaded to Houzz this year shows how design and building professionals — including several who use Houzz Pro software and one whose clients discovered him through Houzz — nailed these essentials while adding distinctive details that give each room its own personality.
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As holiday hosting ramps up, so does the value of a dedicated dining room. Beyond providing seating for a meal, a dining room sets the tone, gives hosts room to spread out and draws people together. For inspiration, explore these five refreshed spaces featuring bold wallpaper, layered textures and stylish architectural updates.
1. Historic Warmth
Designer: Sarah Montgomery Interiors
Location: Chicago
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Set on a historic street in Logan Square, this brick Foursquare home had been carefully restored — lots of woodwork, stained glass and even its century-old dining room light fixture,” says designer Sarah Montgomery. “Our clients wanted to bring that same richness into their furnishings, creating a design-forward family space that incorporated some modern elements and could also stand up against two young boys and a pooch.”
Special features. Wallpapered ceiling in botanical paper. Built-ins painted in Olivetone by Benjamin Moore. Upper cabinets backed in geometric wallpaper. Vintage dining chairs reupholstered in family-friendly fabric. The light fixtures are antique and original to the home. The millwork is also original.
Designer tip. “Always consider the ceiling as a design element and don’t be afraid of painting built-ins a fun color,” Montgomery says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “There were several design schemes for the dining room that we presented, and to better help the client visualize them, we created 3D renderings,” Montgomery says. “We don’t always do this, but in order to help them select the perfect main feature — the wallpaper — it was necessary. The dining room had so many original features that we were working with that the new elements had to complement those in just the right way.”
Montgomery says she uses Houzz Pro software for project management. “We use the Selections boards to upload our items and send them to our client for an easy approval process and so they have access to all the necessary details,” she says. “We use Houzz Pro for sending proposals. We share their client dashboard so they have easy reference for their boards and documents at all times. We also log out time through Houzz so that our client gets clear invoices breaking down the time spent month-over-month.”
Ceiling wallpaper: Pierre Frey; built-in cabinet wallpaper: Fayce; rug: Oscar Isberian; wall paint: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore; project photography: Dustin Halleck; styling: Sami Wiley
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2. Elevated Farmhouse
Designer: Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace
Location: Berwyn, Pennsylvania
Size: About 200 square feet (19 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The dining room opens to the home’s foyer and living room, all with tall ceilings and substantial millwork, making it feel slightly formal,” says designer Jeanne Barber, who uses Houzz Pro software. “We connected the dining room to the living room and entry color palettes by going a little lighter and brighter. The surrounding neighborhood is diverse, with historical stone homes of modest size built by farmers when they cleared land and grander Victorians built by robber barons.”
Special features. “The chair shape was an ode to the farmhouse style, but we wanted it to look more elevated so we found chairs with a pop of blue and faux leather for the seats,” Barber says. “A standout wallpaper was a must, beautifully tying all the hues and textures together. A long dining table was essential because our client’s extended family surrounds her on neighboring streets and they often host family gatherings.” The rug is hand-woven jute in a harlequin pattern.
Designer tip. “Get wallpaper,” Barber says. “It always makes a huge impact in a space and beautifully ties everything together.”
Wallpaper: Coppice in Navy/Lagoon/Gold, Harlequin; dining table: Spencer, Woodbridge Furniture; chairs: Nantucket in Blueberry and Tusk, Redford House; rug: Harwich hand-woven jute, Annie Selke
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3. Modern Geometry
Designer: Ashley Frush of Gramophone Design Build
Location: Hunt Valley, Maryland
Size: About 290 square feet (27 square meters); 14 feet, 11 inches by 19 feet, 5 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The clients wanted their dining space to feel connected to the rest of the remodel without exceeding the budget,” says designer Ashley Frush.
Special features. “We chose to highlight the existing octagon tray ceiling — once a design element the homeowners didn’t love — by adding LED tape lighting to modernize and emphasize its geometry,” Frush says. “Below the chair rail, we continued this updated aesthetic by replacing traditional picture frame molding with fluted paneling, achieving texture and interest while avoiding drywall repairs. To tie in the home’s architectural details, we echoed the arch top windows by reshaping the butler’s pantry entries into archways. Finally, we split the existing ceiling rough-ins to accommodate two oversized woven black rattan pendants, adding drama and warmth to the dining area without making the space feel overly formal.”
Designer tip. “Bring balance to a space,” Frush says. “To do that here, we used oversized pendants that visually connect the painted upper walls with the textured fluted paneling below. The archways establish a rhythm of soft repeating forms, while the LED-lit tray ceiling captures attention, turning an awkward shape into an intentional, eye-catching feature.”
Console, table and chairs: Four Hands; rug: Amber Lewis x Loloi; paint color: Pure White, Sherwin-Williams
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4. Timeless Elegance
Designer: Devon Tobin of Duet Design Group
Location: Denver
Size: 215 square feet (20 square meters); 14 feet, 1 inch by 15 feet, 3 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a dining room that felt both elegant and approachable — a place for hosting family dinners that didn’t feel overly formal,” says designer Devon Tobin. “The space was dated and lacked warmth. We refreshed the palette, added architectural texture and layered in natural materials to create a setting that felt timeless but livable.”
Special features. “The white plaster fireplace surround brings architectural balance and light to the room, while the exposed beams add warmth and structure,” Tobin says. “The vintage-inspired rug grounds the space with a pattern and a sense of age, complementing the dark-stained chairs and brass chandelier. The wall color is Sherwin-Williams Cotton, a soft neutral that changes beautifully with light throughout the day.”
Designer tip. “When working with traditional architecture, contrast is a key element,” Tobin says. “Pair crisp, pale walls with dark, silhouetted furniture and soft organic textures. It keeps a classic room from feeling predictable.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The original ceiling height and window placement limited lighting and furniture options,” Tobin says. “Introducing the beams provided a strong horizontal line, giving the chandelier proper scale and transforming a flat ceiling into a design feature.”
Dining table and chairs: Hooker Furniture; chandelier: Visual Comfort
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5. Moody Drama
Designer: Lori Withey of Bellisa Design
Location: Dallas
Size: 165 square feet (15 square meters); 11 by 15 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The existing light gray walls and unremarkable window shades called for bold intervention,” says designer Lori Withey. “But what began as a colors and furniture update morphed into a full-on construction project and the selection of standout design features.”
Special features. “A cerused oak dining table with a distinct textured grain is complemented by dark chocolate velvet dining chairs, which have a luxurious sheen and dense soft pile, reflecting light in all directions,” Withey says. “A wallcovering with gold marigolds over a blue-green background offers an enchanting design that injects a vibrant energy into the space. A luminous 12-light chandelier finished in gold leaf features an explosion of quartz crystals that cast shadow patterns across the dark painted ceiling and the patterned wallpaper, creating an additional feature to be enjoyed.”
Designer tip. “Painting or papering a ceiling in a darker color similar to the wall color or wallpaper is a highly effective way to establish a dramatic, moody atmosphere in any space,” Withey says. “Darker ceilings visually envelop a room, amplifying the feeling of intimacy and coziness. This design move blurs the edges between walls and ceiling, making the space feel cohesive.”
Cabinet: West cane cabinet in charcoal brown, Crate and Barrel; chandelier: John-Richard
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Designers: Jessica Warren and Amanda Tarango of Baker Design Group
Location: Spring, Texas
Size: 47 square feet (4.4 square meters)
Location: Spring, Texas
Size: 47 square feet (4.4 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients’ needs, wants and goals were to modernize the space; create a luxurious, dramatic feel; and honor original architectural details,” designer Jessica Warren says.
Special features. “A handcrafted wallpaper with a large-scale, textural pattern works beautifully within the room’s small footprint and tall ceilings, adding visual depth without overwhelming the space,” Warren says. “The metallic finish introduces a dramatic, luxurious quality. To maintain a cohesive, monochromatic palette, the trim and ceiling were painted in a coordinating hue (Peppercorn by Sherwin-Williams).”
The vanity is a custom ebony-stained cabinet with a quartz countertop and a round beige opaque glass sink.
Designer tip. “We leaned into this powder bath’s challenges — tall ceilings and tricky angles — by embracing a darker, monochromatic palette,” Warren says. “The deep tones grounded the room and minimized awkward proportions. To elevate the space and keep it from feeling heavy, we layered in pops of gold. That subtle shimmer catches the light, creating a dramatic yet elegant atmosphere — perfect for homeowners wanting both boldness and sophistication in a smaller space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Midway through installation, our wallpaper installer informed us that we didn’t have enough paper to complete the project,” Warren says. “Since the wallpaper was handcrafted and would take six to eight weeks to remake, waiting wasn’t an option. As a quick solution, we sourced a stunning glass tile for the vanity wall — and in the end, we think it turned out even better that way.”
Wallpaper: Ginza in Granite, MDC; backsplash tile: Brook in Stacked Twilight, Soho Studio; sink: Whist opaque glass in Doe, Kohler; sconces: Copenhagen in vintage brass, Corbett collection, Hudson Valley Lighting; mirror: Vault, Uttermost; hardware: Dayton in champagne bronze, Miseno
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4. Purple Reign
Eschewing a light and airy color palette in favor of deep purple cabinets, walls and millwork, April Gahagan of FS Design Group gave this laundry area a rich, layered look. Because the space, brought to life by Judd Builders in North Carolina, also serves as a side foyer, mudroom and pantry — a high-traffic area, in other words — the designer carefully balanced aesthetics with practicality. For instance, dragonfly wallpaper has been placed higher up, above sturdier wainscoting, to keep it out of harm’s way. And the flooring is durable brick, given an elevated look thanks to varying shades and a herringbone pattern.
Purple paint: Brinjal, Farrow & Ball
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For homeowners deciding where to save and splurge, Robinson recommends prioritizing vertical surfaces over paving. “Using the concrete separated by turf kept the patio interesting and on budget,” she says. “It saved a lot of money over choosing something like a porcelain patio surface.”
Custom powder-coated steel planters, including a curved piece that echoes the bar’s countertop, were among the splurges. “A squared-off planter would have felt too hard-edged, and it would have impeded traffic,” Robinson says.
This versatile feature — which can be used to grow herbs, veggies or ornamentals — anchors the design. The turf lines and concrete pads ripple out from the planter, integrating it into the landscape.