Design ideas for a large contemporary open plan dining in Wollongong with white walls, light hardwood floors and a two-sided fireplace.

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.

Barton Hills Residence

FLUX COLLABORATIVE

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and vaulted.

Cliffside Farmhouse // Modern Farmhouse

Younger Homes

Design ideas for a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

WESTVIEW CIRCLE

Total 360 Interiors

This is an example of a transitional kitchen/dining combo in Dallas with light hardwood floors, beige walls, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Modern Farmhouse New Build in Newbury, MA

BK Classic Collections Home Stagers

Inspiration for a large country kitchen/dining combo in Boston with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, beige floor and vaulted.

Contemporary Glazed Addition to Grade II Listed Property

Croft Architecture

The design has created a high-quality extension to their home that is sleek, spacious, flexible, and light. The clean lines of the extension respect the existing house and it sits comfortably within its surroundings. They now have an open plan space that unites their friends and family, whilst seamlessly connecting their home with the garden. They couldn’t be happier.

Japandi Apartment

VORBILD Architecture

Photo of a mid-sized open plan dining in London with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and brown floor.

Fovero RLM Gooseneck Light Fixtures

HTM Lighting Solutions

Design ideas for a mid-sized country dining room in Tampa with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, beige floor and planked wall panelling.

Coastal Farmhouse

Stephen Alexander Homes & Neighborhoods

Design ideas for a large country open plan dining in Other with green walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, grey floor and planked wall panelling.

Westerham House

Room&Roof

Mid-sized modern dining room in Surrey with grey walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and panelled walls.

Edwards Residence

Geoff Chick & Associates

This is an example of a large beach style open plan dining in Other with white walls, painted wood floors, a standard fireplace, beige floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Eagle Mountain Custom Contemporary New Build

Icon Projects Ltd.

Homes are generally built to monopolize views around living rooms, master bedrooms, and even bathrooms. But what about the dining area? This open concept dining room has panoramic views of Mount Baker and Eagle Mountain Park. The dining area features a front balcony and the large windows bathe the room with sunlight and warmth.

NA - Vitoria

DesignIN | Design Studio

Diseño de comedor acogedor, versátil y con suficiente espacio para compartir. El estilo rústico añade detalles en color y con texturas y acabado que generan esa calidez interior.

Terrasse Armand

Unique Home Solutions Inc.

This beautiful totally renovated 4 bedroom home just hit the market. The owners wanted to make sure when potential buyers walked through, they would be able to imagine themselves living here. A lot of details were incorporated into this luxury property from the steam fireplace in the primary bedroom to tiling and architecturally interesting ceilings. If you would like a tour of this property we staged in Pointe Claire South, Quebec, contact Linda Gauthier at 514-609-6721.

Fontana, WI

Heartstone Custom Builders

This is an example of an open plan dining in Chicago with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor, vaulted and planked wall panelling.

Westerham House

Room&Roof

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern dining room in Surrey with grey walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and panelled walls.

155 Melville Ave. San Anselmo

meisdesign

Inspiration for a large country kitchen/dining combo in San Francisco with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and brown floor.

Farmhouse Dining Room

Meyer Design

Farmhouse dining room view of the kitchen and butler's pantry. Stunningly simple glass bubble chandelier.
Inspiration for a mid-sized country open plan dining in Chicago with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor and exposed beam.

Harpswell, ME

John Libby Construction

Mid-sized beach style kitchen/dining combo in Portland Maine with medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and exposed beam.

All Fireplaces Shiplap 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!