Large traditional kitchen/dining combo in London with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Deering Ct. Kitchen, Living Room and Addition

Alair Homes Plano

Our clients wanted to increase the size of their kitchen, which was small, in comparison to the overall size of the home. They wanted a more open livable space for the family to be able to hang out downstairs. They wanted to remove the walls downstairs in the front formal living and den making them a new large den/entering room. They also wanted to remove the powder and laundry room from the center of the kitchen, giving them more functional space in the kitchen that was completely opened up to their den. The addition was planned to be one story with a bedroom/game room (flex space), laundry room, bathroom (to serve as the on-suite to the bedroom and pool bath), and storage closet. They also wanted a larger sliding door leading out to the pool. We demoed the entire kitchen, including the laundry room and powder bath that were in the center! The wall between the den and formal living was removed, completely opening up that space to the entry of the house. A small space was separated out from the main den area, creating a flex space for them to become a home office, sitting area, or reading nook. A beautiful fireplace was added, surrounded with slate ledger, flanked with built-in bookcases creating a focal point to the den. Behind this main open living area, is the addition. When the addition is not being utilized as a guest room, it serves as a game room for their two young boys. There is a large closet in there great for toys or additional storage. A full bath was added, which is connected to the bedroom, but also opens to the hallway so that it can be used for the pool bath. The new laundry room is a dream come true! Not only does it have room for cabinets, but it also has space for a much-needed extra refrigerator. There is also a closet inside the laundry room for additional storage. This first-floor addition has greatly enhanced the functionality of this family’s daily lives. Previously, there was essentially only one small space for them to hang out downstairs, making it impossible for more than one conversation to be had. Now, the kids can be playing air hockey, video games, or roughhousing in the game room, while the adults can be enjoying TV in the den or cooking in the kitchen, without interruption! While living through a remodel might not be easy, the outcome definitely outweighs the struggles throughout the process.

Cowan Heights

MID

Mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Orange County with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

St Anns

Anderson Homes Pty Ltd

Design ideas for a large modern open plan dining in Other with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Appartamento Montesacro

AE Studio

Il desiderio di un ambiente intimo e rilassante di una committenza innamorata del mare e dei viaggi ha guidato la ristrutturazione di questa residenza signorile e contemporanea. L’amore per il mare viene tradotto nelle scelte cromatiche e nell’accostamento con le calde tonalità del parquet dal colore e formato ricercato. Lo spazio non viene frazionato ma unificato con lo scopo di abbracciare in un solo sguardo tutto il living. A completare il segno architettonico sono posizionate ad hoc illuminazioni iconiche e per riscaldare ulteriormente l’atmosfera è possibile, con un gesto, accendere il bio-camino.

Tamarack Custom Design Home

A.R.P Dezign

Inspiration for a large midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Edmonton with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and a hanging fireplace.

Une maison de vacances

Bleu-Nacré

La verrière entre la cuisine et le salon permet de laisser passer la lumière. Un meuble sur mesure est créer pour l'espace TV, avec rangements et banquette.

Maryland Custom Dining Room

Chesapeake Systems Service, Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Baltimore with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Caswell

Jova Management Inc.

Intimate sitting area for the family to have tea and discuss.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional dining room in Toronto with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Blue House

Koho

Magdalena Brzostowska
Design ideas for a large contemporary separate dining room in Amsterdam with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Paradis

whitewhale52

Modern kitchen/dining combo in DC Metro with grey walls, a hanging fireplace and brown floor.

The Cloisters Condo

Constructive Design Services

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Tampa with a hanging fireplace, porcelain floors, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Gorgeous Grays & Geometric Dining

Nemo Tile + Stone

The homeowners of this ultra-chic NJ home worked with Philip M Rossillo, RA Principal of PRDG architecture + design for both the architecture and the interior design to create a gorgeous home environment. The large format Sahil Direto limestone in 12×24 was used on the dining room feature wall to beautifully compliment the in-wall gas fireplace and add a soft bright hue to the space. Set with no grouted joints, Rossillo had the stone stacked with mitered corners to give the appearance of each piece sitting on top of each other for a monolithic impression. According to the architect designer, “Marble or mosaic would have been out of place in this space. Sophisticated limestone in a gentle way was the intent.”

Rue de Clichy

Atelier Maureen Karsenty

Photo of a large contemporary open plan dining in Paris with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

La Rassembleuse

Melyssa Robert Designer

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Montreal with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Home Remodel - San Clemente

Bourke Construction Inc.

Design ideas for a large contemporary open plan dining in Orange County with beige walls, concrete floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Maryland Custom Dining Room

Chesapeake Systems Service, Inc.

Mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Baltimore with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Montreal Home Makeover

Laurie Yapp Design

Photography by Alex McMullen
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Montreal with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Open plan dining room

AZ INTERIORS - Interior Design

Family dining room with solid wood furniture. Photo Credit: Anthony Harrison. Interior design: Alicia Zimnickas for Amberth.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Cambridgeshire with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

S68

Estudio Arquesta

Arquitectos: David de Diego + David Velasco. Fotógrafo: Joaquín Mosquera.
Inspiration for a large transitional open plan dining in Madrid with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace and brown floor.

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Hanging Fireplace and Brown Floor

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!