Below Buchanan is a basement renovation that feels as light and welcoming as one of our outdoor living spaces. The project is full of unique details, custom woodworking, built-in storage, and gorgeous fixtures. Custom carpentry is everywhere, from the built-in storage cabinets and molding to the private booth, the bar cabinetry, and the fireplace lounge. Creating this bright, airy atmosphere was no small challenge, considering the lack of natural light and spatial restrictions. A color pallet of white opened up the space with wood, leather, and brass accents bringing warmth and balance. The finished basement features three primary spaces: the bar and lounge, a home gym, and a bathroom, as well as additional storage space. As seen in the before image, a double row of support pillars runs through the center of the space dictating the long, narrow design of the bar and lounge. Building a custom dining area with booth seating was a clever way to save space. The booth is built into the dividing wall, nestled between the support beams. The same is true for the built-in storage cabinet. It utilizes a space between the support pillars that would otherwise have been wasted. The small details are as significant as the larger ones in this design. The built-in storage and bar cabinetry are all finished with brass handle pulls, to match the light fixtures, faucets, and bar shelving. White marble counters for the bar, bathroom, and dining table bring a hint of Hollywood glamour. White brick appears in the fireplace and back bar. To keep the space feeling as lofty as possible, the exposed ceilings are painted black with segments of drop ceilings accented by a wide wood molding, a nod to the appearance of exposed beams. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen right down from the cable railing on the staircase to the wood paneling behind the booth, and wrapping the bar.

Holz. Stein. Haus.

BRÜNING INTERIORS

This is an example of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, beige floor and wood.

Appartement Michel Ange 140m2 à Paris 16 ème

Isabelle Le Trung studio

Inspiration for a large contemporary open plan dining in Paris with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Snowbunny

Zone 4 Architects, LLC

The elegant simplicity of creating design elements from structural steel add a functional element of design interest to the room. Clerestory windows help to add natural light without opening the room to the autocourt and street. Large lift and slide doors open to an outdoor living area, creating true indoor-outdoor living space. A wood ceiling adds character without competing with other design elements and art.

Formal Dining Room used in a Contemporary manner

TOC design & construction inc.

This small, but casual space was once the living room, but the flow did not make sense. Prior to the remodel, the old dining room was tucked away in a corner of the house. Guest never felt comfortable in this space. After rethinking the design and removing un necessary wall, an open concept was created between the kitchen and the dining room, only problem was that an open concept usually means contemporary, modern style. My clients love to entertain formal affairs, so it was up to me to create a formal dining room in a contemporary environment. The process was easy, by adding a header to the opening this allowed me to shape the room in a formal rectangular manner and installing contemporary crown moldings, using a symmetrical formal formula, I added wood tiles to ceiling and an over sized lighting fixture, (believe it or not I found this light fixture where they specialize in pool tables) Because of the space constraint I could not find that perfect dining room table, so back to the drawing board to design one custom made, I wanted the feel of old world charm but the lightness of clean contemporary lines. I found a product that inspired me – Bamboo plywood from Smith and Fongs Plyboo, The natural and warmth of this Leed product was the perfect attraction to this room and by creating a 3 inch thickness to the surface I was able to take a rustic material and transform it into a contemporary art piece, I even asked my mill-worker to use the balance and make a lazy-susan for the center piece of the table, this make entertaining a breeze, - no more “ can you pass the salt please” Built-ins on either side of the gas fireplace blending in with the light colors of the walls where added for extra storage and objet d’art pieces, that the home owners collected through their travels. Simple, comfortable low back leather chairs where placed. This room represents dining at its finest without feeling stuffy, yet by adding Chrystal glass wear, porcelain place setting and silk linens this room can easily entertain guests wearing evening gowns and tuxedos. Photo by: Drew Hadley

Vail Village Penthouse Condo

Studio 80 Interior Design

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room in Denver with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Edith Walk, Widemouth Bay, Cornwall

The Bazeley Partnership

Located less than a quarter of a mile from the iconic Widemouth Bay in North Cornwall, this innovative development of five detached dwellings is sympathetic to the local landscape character, whilst providing sustainable and healthy spaces to inhabit. As a collection of unique custom-built properties, the success of the scheme depended on the quality of both design and construction, utilising a palette of colours and textures that addressed the local vernacular and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. A fundamental objective was to ensure that the new houses made a positive contribution towards the enhancement of the area and used environmentally friendly materials that would be low-maintenance and highly robust – capable of withstanding a harsh maritime climate. Externally, bonded Porcelanosa façade at ground level and articulated, ventilated Porcelanosa façade on the first floor proved aesthetically flexible but practical. Used alongside natural stone and slate, the Porcelanosa façade provided a colourfast alternative to traditional render. Internally, the streamlined design of the buildings is further emphasized by Porcelanosa worktops in the kitchens and tiling in the bathrooms, providing a durable but elegant finish. The sense of community was reinforced with an extensive landscaping scheme that includes a communal garden area sown with wildflowers and the planting of apple, pear, lilac and lime trees. Cornish stone hedge bank boundaries between properties further improves integration with the indigenous terrain. This pioneering project allows occupants to enjoy life in contemporary, state-of-the-art homes in a landmark development that enriches its environs. Photographs: Richard Downer

Hancock Bungalow

Jeanne Schultz Design Studio

Farrow and Ball Hague Blue walls, trim, and ceiling. Versace Home bird wallpaper complements Farrow and Ball Hague blue accents and pink and red furniture. Grand wood beaded chandelier plays on traditional baroque design in a modern way. Old painted windows match the trim, wainscoting and walls. Existing round dining table surrounded by spray painted Carnival red dining room chairs which match the custom curtain rods in living room. Plastered ram sculpture as playful object on floor balances scale and interesting interactive piece for the child of the house.

Newport Coast Custom

Bauer Design Group

Combined dining room and living room. This home was gutted to the studs and reconstructed. We built a custom fireplace covered in walnut veneer, electric linear fireplace, designed a custom stair railing that was built by Thomas Schwaiger Design. The furniture and the dining display cabinet was all custom, designed by Kim Bauer, Bauer Design Group and constructed by various artisans throughout Los Angeles.

Alma Tce

Basset and Lobaza Architects

Dining living area with seated windows and timber features such as fireplace, bench and window framing
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Melbourne with white walls, concrete floors, grey floor, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

Quarry House

RKD Architects, Inc

A large, open fireplace fits the huge volume of the living room. Photo: David Marlow
Photo of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Salt Lake City with concrete floors, a corner fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Urbane Projects 001

D-Max Photography

Urbane Design Photography: Joel Barbitta D-Max Photography
Photo of a large contemporary dining room in Perth with a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Icking S 2

Lebensraum Holz GmbH

Foto: Michael Voit, Nußdorf
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Munich with white walls, a corner fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

Mountain Modern

CT Design

This dining room was part of a larger main floor remodel that included the kitchen, living room, entryway, and stair. The original dropped ceilings were removed so the kitchen and dining ceiling could be vaulted to match the rest of the main floor. New beams were added. Seating for 12 at the dining table and 5 at the peninsula.

Dining Room

Dwellings Design Group

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Las Vegas with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Whistler Oasis

Openspace Architecture

This is an example of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Vancouver with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and beige floor.

Modern Dining Room

Architecture Studio, Inc.

Photography by Chris Redd
Mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Orlando with beige walls, porcelain floors, a metal fireplace surround and a hanging fireplace.

Modern Contemporary Dining Room & Staircase

Smith Architectural Studio

Flash Gallery Photography
Design ideas for a large contemporary open plan dining in San Francisco with travertine floors, beige floor, white walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround.

New Moon Cottage

Richard Bubnowski Design LLC

Sam Oberter Photography LLC 2012 Design Excellence Award, Residential Design+Build Magazine 2011 Watermark Award
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in New York with white walls, slate floors, a two-sided fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and multi-coloured floor.

Ocean Bank

Made To Last Custom Homes Ltd.

Ocean Bank is a contemporary style oceanfront home located in Chemainus, BC. We broke ground on this home in March 2021. Situated on a sloped lot, Ocean Bank includes 3,086 sq.ft. of finished space over two floors. The main floor features 11′ ceilings throughout. However, the ceiling vaults to 16′ in the Great Room. Large doors and windows take in the amazing ocean view. The Kitchen in this custom home is truly a beautiful work of art. The 10′ island is topped with beautiful marble from Vancouver Island. A panel fridge and matching freezer, a large butler’s pantry, and Wolf range are other desirable features of this Kitchen. Also on the main floor, the double-sided gas fireplace that separates the Living and Dining Rooms is lined with gorgeous tile slabs. The glass and steel stairwell railings were custom made on site.

All Fireplace Surrounds Contemporary Dining Room Design Ideas

A contemporary dining room can be used for casual dining, integrated into an open plan and connected to the living and kitchen areas; or as a formal space reserved solely for entertaining. While it may not be used frequently, it is a great focal point in the home, and requires little furnishings. Here's what you need to consider before you start planning a new dining room...

How will you use your dining room?

First, consider how frequently you will use the space. If you plan on using your contemporary dining room on a daily basis, a casual dining set-up with sturdy, long-lasting furniture is best. As for where you position it – well, any unused space in the home can be converted into a casual dining space, whether it be at the end of a kitchen island, or at the bottom of the stairs. A formal dining room, on the other hand, is more suited to a dedicated space, which is more common in heritage homes where space originally wasn’t at a premium. Perhaps you want your dining room to multi-task and accommodate everyday meals, homework sessions and grown-up dinner parties… If that’s the case, furniture is key. Look for versatile dining tables in either Australian or New Zealand hardwood or weathered timber for a more rustic look. These won’t show up sticky fingerprints as much and can be dressed up for guests.

What size and shape should your dining table be?

Your contemporary dining table should be able to seat all family members with some room for additional guests – each person should have at least 60 centimetres of space at the table. The right size, however, also depends on how much room you have. A general rule of thumb is to leave no less than 1 metre from the dining table to the wall or any additional furniture, so people have enough room to comfortably move around the space. Rectangular dining tables are versatile and can work in a variety of settings, while oval dining tables are more traditional and can turn any meal into an occasion. If you have a tight space to work in, a round dining table is best, and also a great option if you want to encourage conversation. A square dining table can be a dramatic addition to a dining room, but only if you have the space. It allows everyone at the table to see each other, but the bigger the table, the harder it will be able to hold a conversation with someone at the other end.

What type of dining chairs should you choose?

Once you’ve decided on a dining table, look for contemporary dining chairs that share a common design element. If your dining table legs are curved, for example, try to match them with dining chairs that have a similar curve, either in the legs or back. Next, consider the dimensions of the chair. The height of your dining chairs should allow at least 30 centimetres between the top of the seat and the top of the table. And to keep your tush happy, avoid dining chairs narrower than 45 centimetres.

How can you decorate your dining room?

Dining rooms are relatively minimal spaces, but that makes them a great place to splash a little colour through artwork, especially if yours is a formal dining room. If your dining room is lacking warmth, consider painting the walls a deep shade of red or blue, or go contemporary with black or grey. A cosy rug will make the space feel more intimate, while a sideboard or cabinet of curiosities will further personalise the space. Often overlooked, dining room lighting can also drastically alter the mood of a room, creating drama, spurring romance or encouraging conversation. Opt for soft lighting in the dining area with dimmer switches, and choose oversized pendants in large, open spaces or to make the dining area more of a focal point. Finally, add some table settings, such as a lace tablecloth for a whimsy feel, or a more basic table runner for a chic look. If you need some help designing your dining room, consider checking the Houzz directory of interior designers, home stylists, cabinet makers and more!