A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

Réhabilitation complète d'une maison de maitre près d'Apt

Inspirations d'Intérieurs • Agence & Boutique •

Photo of a large mediterranean open plan dining in Marseille with white walls, travertine floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, beige floor and exposed beam.

Mid-Century Modern Sacramento Home

Benning Design Construction

Photo of a midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Sacramento with grey walls, porcelain floors, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and grey floor.

Meant to Be(ach)

GLDESIGN

Photo of a large beach style separate dining room in Other with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, brown floor and planked wall panelling.

The Bedford House

Lori Dennis Interior Design

Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Backyard Patio. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier. Floor to ceiling windows and modern sliding glass doors expand the living space to the outdoors.

Eclectic Arts + Crafts Dining Room with Fireplace + Round Marble Top Table

Jennifer Gustafson Interior Design

• Craftsman-style dining area • Furnishings + decorative accessory styling • Pedestal dining table base - Herman Miller Eames base w/custom top • Vintage wood framed dining chairs re-upholstered • Oversized floor lamp - Artemide • Burlap wall treatment • Leather Ottoman - Herman Miller Eames • Fireplace with vintage tile + wood mantel • Wood ceiling beams • Modern art

Appartement Bara - Paris 06

KAST DESIGN

Design ideas for a large contemporary open plan dining in Paris with white walls, a standard fireplace and wood walls.

ZONA GIORNO DAL MOOD SCANDINAVO

Andrea Vertua Architetto

Zona giorno open-space in stile scandinavo. Toni naturali del legno e pareti neutre. Una grande parete attrezzata è di sfondo alla parete frontale al divano. La zona pranzo è separata attraverso un divisorio in listelli di legno verticale da pavimento a soffitto. La carta da parati valorizza l'ambiente del tavolo da pranzo.

Cotswolds House

STEPHEN FLETCHER ARCHITECTS

Inside the contemporary extension in front of the house. A semi-industrial/rustic feel is achieved with exposed steel beams, timber ceiling cladding, terracotta tiling and wrap-around Crittall windows. This wonderully inviting space makes the most of the spectacular panoramic views.

Rénovation complète d'une maison

CT Architecture d'intérieur

La cuisine, ré ouverte sur la pièce de vie
Inspiration for a large contemporary dining room in Paris with black walls, light hardwood floors, a wood stove, white floor, timber and panelled walls.

Hilltop Spanish Mediterranean Home

Allen Construction

Beautiful Spanish tile details are present in almost every room of the home creating a unifying theme and warm atmosphere. Wood beamed ceilings converge between the living room, dining room, and kitchen to create an open great room. Arched windows and large sliding doors frame the amazing views of the ocean. Architect: Beving Architecture Photographs: Jim Bartsch Photographer

Mulholland Drive- Bel Air

Rande Leaman Interior Design

The formal dining room looks out to the spacious backyard with French doors opening to the pool and spa area. The wood burning brick fireplace was painted white in the renovation and white wainscoting surrounds the room, keeping it fresh and modern. The dramatic wood pitched roof has skylights that bring in light and keep things bright and airy.

Two sisters

Cellar Ridge Construction

This is an example of a contemporary dining room in Portland with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, beige floor, vaulted and wood.

REFORMA INTEGRAL E INTERIORISMO REYES

SMG Arquitectura y Reformas

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Madrid with white walls, multi-coloured floor, panelled walls, ceramic floors, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Mount Vernon View

Wiedemann Architects LLC

View of living area and dining area from kitchen. The windows in this space provide a 270 degree views of the river.
This is an example of a large country dining room in DC Metro with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and exposed beam.

Old Oyster Retreat House in Palmetto Bluff South Carolina

Allison Ramsey Architects

Country open plan dining in Atlanta with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Wohn-Esszimmer mit Sitzfenster

Heerwagen Design Consulting

Wohn-Esszimmer mit Sitzfenster
Inspiration for a large contemporary open plan dining in Munich with white walls, plywood floors, a corner fireplace and beige floor.

Butler's Pantry with Dining Room Beyond

DeBaker Design Group, Ltd.

This is an example of a small transitional separate dining room in Chicago with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Breakfast Nook Double-Sided Fireplace

Eldan Homes

This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts open plan dining in New York with grey walls, a two-sided fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Pinnacle Road

Bernardo Pozas Residential Design

Photo of a contemporary open plan dining in Austin with grey walls, a ribbon fireplace and grey floor.

All Fireplaces Dining Room Design Ideas

A 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 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 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 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!