Inspiration for a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Boston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Billy and Corrie's Renovation and Addition

2e Architects

Bill McAllen
Country dining room in Baltimore with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

The Baker House

Phelps Investments

Design ideas for a mid-sized country open plan dining in Orange County with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and decorative wall panelling.

The Barkely Family Home

Hearthstone Inc

Although they were happy living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Bill and Kay Barkley longed to call Prairie Oaks Ranch, their 5,000-acre working cattle ranch, home. Wanting to preserve what was already there, the Barkleys chose a Timberlake-style log home with similar design features such as square logs and dovetail notching. The Barkleys worked closely with Hearthstone and general contractor Harold Tucker to build their single-level, 4,848-square-foot home crafted of eastern white pine logs. But it is inside where Southern hospitality and log-home grandeur are taken to a new level of sophistication with it’s elaborate and eclectic mix of old and new. River rock fireplaces in the formal and informal living rooms, numerous head mounts and beautifully worn furniture add to the rural charm. One of the home's most unique features is the front door, which was salvaged from an old Irish castle. Kay discovered it at market in High Point, North Carolina. Weighing in at nearly 1,000 pounds, the door and its casing had to be set with eight-inch long steel bolts. The home is positioned so that the back screened porch overlooks the valley and one of the property's many lakes. When the sun sets, lighted fountains in the lake turn on, creating the perfect ending to any day. “I wanted our home to have contrast,” shares Kay. “So many log homes reflect a ski lodge or they have a country or a Southwestern theme; I wanted my home to have a mix of everything.” And surprisingly, it all comes together beautifully.

Ceiling Treatments, Lake Norman NC

E S Johnson Builders, LLC

Serena Apostal
This is an example of a large country kitchen/dining combo in Charlotte with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

The Thatched Cottage - Luxury holiday letting

Butik Szállás

This 18th century New Forest cottage has been sympathetically renovated, retaining much of its original character including exposed beams and stunning fireplaces. The centre piece of the property is the barn, which boasts two open planned mezzanine floors. The high vaulted ceilings give a sense of space and grandeur. The contemporary solid wood benches give ample seating capacity, while imparting a rustic countryside feel. Photography: Infocus Interiors https://www.infocusinteriors.com/propertyphotography

Walnut Creek Modern Farmhouse (Larkey Park)

The Home Co.

Marcell Puzsar, Bright Room Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized country open plan dining in San Francisco with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Spring Parade 2016

Gina Roberts-Wagner

http://www.houzz.com/pro/blu-fish-photo
Inspiration for a country open plan dining in Boise with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

S. Milledge

JOMA Construction

OXPSRINGS
Inspiration for a mid-sized country open plan dining in Atlanta with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Phoenix, AZ

UR Development

This is an example of a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Phoenix with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a corner fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Nook Cottage

Linda Merrill

Michael J. Lee
Inspiration for a small country open plan dining in Boston with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Salle à manger

Alias Architecture

Mid-sized country open plan dining in Montreal with white walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a brick fireplace surround and grey floor.

Mecox bay

NCC Contracting Management

This is an example of a large country open plan dining in New York with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and a brick fireplace surround.

Dining Room

Driwood Moulding Co

Painted mouldings, wainscot & fireplace mantel designed and constructed by Driwood
Photo of a country dining room in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Gallery

MJM+A Architects

This is an example of a mid-sized country open plan dining in New York with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Kernsaniert Denkmal Fachwerkhaus (Nachher)

jannetbutzinger.innenarchitektur

Offene Esszimmer
Design ideas for a large country open plan dining in Frankfurt with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a wood stove, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Bedford, NH Kitchen Addition

G. M. Roth Design Remodeling, Inc.

John Hession
This is an example of a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Boston with dark hardwood floors, grey walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Manor Cottage Oxfordshire

Mailen Design

Peter Landers
Inspiration for a mid-sized country open plan dining in Oxfordshire with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and beige floor.

Rockwall Lakeside Remodel

Spruill Custom Homes, LLC

Large dining nook with built in bench, smeared brick fireplace and hardwood flooring.
This is an example of a large country kitchen/dining combo in Dallas with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a corner fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Christine

Glow Rehabilita

Glow Rehabilita
Inspiration for a mid-sized country open plan dining in Barcelona with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Country Dining Room Design Ideas with a Brick Fireplace Surround

A country 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 country 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 country 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 country 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!