Inspiration for a large transitional open plan dining in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Dining Room

Kim Kendall Interiors

Mary Parker Architectural Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in DC Metro with multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Award Winning Custom New Home

Superior Construction Services

Lydia Cutter
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in DC Metro with a stone fireplace surround, beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Turtle Creek Timeless

Ashby Collective

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Dallas with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and medium hardwood floors.

Born & Bred Studio - Open Plan Living, Upminster

Born & Bred Studio

Photo Credits: Anna Stathaki
This is an example of a mid-sized modern dining room in London with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Colony Project

Thermally Broken Steel USA

Wrap-around windows and sliding doors extend the visual boundaries of the kitchen and dining spaces to the treetops beyond. Custom windows, doors, and hardware designed and furnished by Thermally Broken Steel USA. Other sources: Chandelier by Emily Group of Thirteen by Daniel Becker Studio. Dining table by Newell Design Studios. Parsons dining chairs by John Stuart (vintage, 1968). Custom shearling rug by Miksi Rugs. Custom built-in sectional sourced from Place Textiles and Craftsmen Upholstery.

Notting Hill Apartment

Megan Griffin Interiors

Mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in London with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Red Butte

Aspen Design Room

Design ideas for a large contemporary dining room in Denver with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Island Retreat

Loon Architects, LLC

Steven Mooney Photographer and Architect
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Casa Stresa

zero6studio

This is an example of a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Rome with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Open Plan Kitchen and Dining Room

Stickland Wright Architects + Interiors

open plan kitchen dining table rattan chairs rattan pendant marble fire place antique mirror sash windows glass pendant sawn oak kitchen cabinet door corian fronted kitchen cabinet door marble kitchen island bar stools engineered wood flooring brass kitchen handles feature fireplace mylands soho house wall colour home bar

Project Escape, East London

CCASA Architects

The refurbishment include on opening up and linking both the living room and the formal dining room to create a bigger room. This is also linked to the new kitchen side extension with longitudinal views across the property. An internal window was included on the dining room to allow for views to the corridor and adjacent stair, while at the same time allowing for natural light to circulate through the property.

Madison Street Addition and Remodel

Marina Rubina, Architect

View of dining area and family room from the kitchen. Light filled space facing the back yard. photo by Todd Mason, Halkin Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional open plan dining in Philadelphia with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

The Carriage House at Olde Bulltown

Stoltzfus Enterprises Ltd

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in Philadelphia with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

The Lake House - Dining Room

Noble Interiors Inc.

Landmark Photography
Large traditional separate dining room in Minneapolis with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Dining room

Capitol Design

Mahogany and cherry cabinetry with olive ash burl accents.
Photo of a large traditional separate dining room in DC Metro with dark hardwood floors, beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Barton Court

Talie Jane Interiors

Converted unutilized sitting area into formal dining space for four. Refinished the gas fireplace facade (removed green tile and installed ledger stone), added chandelier, paint, window treatment and furnishings.

Old World Deer Lodge Estate

James McNeal Architecture and Design

Beautiful Lodge Style Home in Minneapolis. Dark Hardwood Flooring, Dining Room, Two Toned Kitchen, Open Concept, Tufted Dining Room Chair, U Shaped Sectional Couch, Dining Room Chandelier, Dining Table Wood, Rustic Style Home, Barn Door TV Unit, Stone Fireplace.

Montecito

Indian Wells Interiors

sublime Italianate dining room.
Photo of a large separate dining room in Other with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, vaulted and panelled walls.

Elegant Meets Rustic — A Great Room Combo That Works

Ellen Kurtz Interiors

Photo via 618 Creative of Waterloo, IL. From this angle, you can see how the atrium acts as a transition point between the dining room and great room.

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Stone Fireplace Surround 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!