Would it work? Oh yes Yes YES! what a beautiful space you have to work with and a gorgeous dog by the way!

I would think one long bench seat (with hidden storage of course) would look wonderful against the right wall (first pic)

This way you can introduce more soft materials and colour into the space by bringing in large oversized cushions to lean against the back/window (and when not in use they can be put underneath in the storage with any other knick knacks you want to hide)

Also a potted tree would go lovely in the corner by the kitchen door/dining window and you'd have more traffic room in that space as the dining table could be pushed closer towards the bench. Could turn into a really warm and cosy dining/hang out area once dressed up!

I think you definately need some plants in that space... I think the built in bench seating is an on trend thing that will date fast. And be a bit tricky with one of your windows being a lot lower than the other. I think instead a round table would fill that space better. That dining suite is just a bit plain for that spot. You need a table that provides focus and interest. I'd also invest in some nice soft curtains with some floaty sheers as well... they will really make the space look cosy. The blinds look a bit stark.

Definitely NO! Built in seating limits the room and awkward to get in and out of. Benches are not comfortable either.

From one Megan to another. I suggest creating focus on the rear wall with the longer window, as it is your direct line of sight from your newly zoned rectangular room. Given this end wall is stealing the focus anyway, I'd play up on that.

I agree you don't need to install bench seating under the other window, I think it highlights the two sizes to the detriment of the room.

I would paint the rear wall surrounding the window in a bold charcoal similar to that in your geometric rug. The chromatic contrasts sharpen the structure in the room, and then soften it with soft furnishings.

So paint the rear wall, creating new focus, then hang a grey sheer linen curtain to swoosh across to create an intimate setting. I quite like moody dining rooms for a luxe feeling that creates a really intimate space in open plan areas, and these darker spaces are conducive to good conversation. Maybe because you lose all the distraction around you and focus on your setting instead.

Find a round table you like to disguise the off centre square layout, and I'd go with upholstered dining chairs. Say 4. They will add a sophistication and comfort, which should be your emphasis in a smaller setting. Hang a Devine pendant for the rooms main wow and also to help ground the table below. It needn't be expensive, just dramatic, you can get an oversized drum shade in black for drama, and would work in both a classic or contemporary interior. They are affordable even Kmart has them, something that will draw your eye to the centre focus.

Place your chairs around the table, angled as if in each corner or the room, it helps trick your eye into widening the room visually, because corners are the harsh sticking points that actually enclose a room.

I also agree with plants, a large indoor palm in a metal planter, maybe a cluster of wire pots and a side table for interest.

I would ordinarily suggest a rug, but it would clash with your existing one, so don't. Instead drape a generous runner over your dining table and find a nice centerpiece. Maybe a glass bowl terrarium, or just a fruit bowl, make it gorgeous like a carved out timber one. Or while at Kmart, they also have a beaten metal bowl matte black outside with brass finish inside that would work well with a drum shade. Metallic details will add some sophistication.

Good luck.

Contemporary Dining Room · More Info

I think window seating would permanently close in the space plus the safety issues addressed by the above Houzzers. This is not the same style as your house though I like how the upholstered dining chairs soften the look (not sure of practicality with children) Add a beautiful pendant light over the dining table & if you need storage maybe the lamp table could be replaced with a buffet unit near this area.

Hi Megan :)

I would love to say a timber base in mid honey tones with a glass top, but I'm aware you have little ones also. Glass is toughened, and round! But it's also hard for them to judge before walking into them. I guess the upholstered chairs will buffer that, but up they do need some cleaning.

I like quite a bit the crossed leg which looks like three or four posts tied together, I think a single pedestal is more flexible.

On the other end of scale, I can easily picture a fun, colourful energetic table like a trendy designer replica, like a tulip table in white or a wire based table.

So...I'm sorry ie probably thrown way to many at you to help At all.

Timber base...glass top!

There.

OMG I have that table! It is a good size 1500mm diameter and a good price too for My Freedom members (good discount applies). Also bought their round

My 2014 Reno · More Info

rug to go under it. I only have my old chairs for now but would love some upholstered ones like in that picture.

Small children leave lots of fingerprints & that might drive you mad.

Dining room dimensions are 4000 mm wide by 4100 mm. There is a door to the deck on the right hand side and a sliding door in front of the table and the table has plenty of room in this space. Directly behind this room is (to the bottom right hand side of the photo) is the kitchen. The left hand side has space allowed for a window seat (believe it or not) but we have held off for now and placed a low storage unit there. We installed a bi fold window on this side for the proposed window seat to open to the deck. Reno's never end really! The table is a mid to light brown timber colour on the legs (ash or oak) and our floor is natural cypress pine.

Yep, that's the one I was describing. Good spot Louise.

Now Megan you know where to get it too! Thanks to louise

That rug under my table is 2400 wide, I have 6 chairs around the table - it is displayed at Freedom with 4. It wouldn't leave a lot of room for you and most of it probably on the window side. You have the benefit of stealing some circulation space from the kitchen opening maybe this is still okay but you should be practical in the end.

Why not get a cheap circular tablecloth that size from Spotlight? Place it on your floor to help visualise the size. I have seen very similar tables here on Houzz and this one is 1350mm wide & comes in two stain colours. So search... [All Products[(https://www.houzz.com.au/products/home-products-prbr0-br~t_10005)

/[Dining[(https://www.houzz.com.au/products/dining-products-prbr0-br~t_10706)

/[Kitchen & Dining Furniture[(https://www.houzz.com.au/products/kitchen-and-dining-furniture-products-prbr0-br~t_12613)

/

[Dining Tables[(https://www.houzz.com.au/products/dining-tables-prbr0-br~t_10544)/

Contents ID Halo dining table · More Info

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how about trying the 'feel" with a bench? then you're not totally committed

Megan, did you see above suggestions and link?

You would have about 700 mm each side for the chair space to pull out. What about getting a large circle cloth (cheap from Spotlight) that is the 1500 dimension to give it a try out. If you have traffic to & from the kitchen it could be squeezy.

Look at the space you need to draw out the chair from your current table as a guide. If 700 mm is enough well then I can see you have your heart set on the Freedom one but function has to rule I think. I just sat at mine and the back of the chair with me sitting is about 500 mm from the table edge, leaving about 200 mm in your case to the window wall or the kitchen doors.

That could be a nice compromise Megan, good luck!

Hello Megan,

i have read the comments, and I agree practicality is paramount, also it's a large investment and would be not be ideal to have purchased this with an awkward setting. Particularly entertaining.

i think the 1200mm diameter table is a great spot. It loses a dinner plate in depth, meaning it's a seated table not a serving one. So it will work to have a shared centrepiece maybe a glass vase of flowers and the pendant over. It will suit your family, it would be an intimate setting, and ideal to have the luxury of an upholstered chair. Certainly far from a compromise.

Being that your dining table is only a hop away from the kitchen, the table itself doesn't need to have a large top for serving setting anyway.

Yes, centre it, even though you may be tempted to allow more room in the walkway, don't, by having a visual space equal to walk around will make it feel less intrusive in the space, and you will quickly settle into walking around it to suit. Just position your chairs on the diagonal axis meaning so they back out to the corners of the room, so you can get around them easier, they won't block in the space.

Having a glass top, it won't look over scaled, and it will make practical use of every square inch of your homeow.

Good luck, I'm keeping myself posted on it.

Yay! Megan you are getting to the fun part and mldesign041 are very accurate with advice, please post photos and I will check in too, :-))

So very kind. My humble opinion is as valuable as anyone else's.

Im. Glad in your case though it seems, it has worked for you.

thanks Louise.

Thanks to the passionate Houzzers like yourself offering detailed advice which most importantly works for Megan.