Inspiration for a country kitchen/dining combo in Houston with a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

This is an example of a transitional open plan dining in Minneapolis with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wood.

Wimbledon Home

Joy Flanagan Design

This drama filled dining room is not just for special occasions but is also used every day by the family. With its mirrored wall extending the space and reflecting the breathtaking chandelier this dining room is exceedingly elegant. The pop of orange-red with the chairs and artwork brings this elegant space to life and adds personality to the space.

Bay Cottage - Farmhouse

Visbeen Architects

Builder: Boone Construction Photographer: M-Buck Studio This lakefront farmhouse skillfully fits four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms in this carefully planned open plan. The symmetrical front façade sets the tone by contrasting the earthy textures of shake and stone with a collection of crisp white trim that run throughout the home. Wrapping around the rear of this cottage is an expansive covered porch designed for entertaining and enjoying shaded Summer breezes. A pair of sliding doors allow the interior entertaining spaces to open up on the covered porch for a seamless indoor to outdoor transition. The openness of this compact plan still manages to provide plenty of storage in the form of a separate butlers pantry off from the kitchen, and a lakeside mudroom. The living room is centrally located and connects the master quite to the home’s common spaces. The master suite is given spectacular vistas on three sides with direct access to the rear patio and features two separate closets and a private spa style bath to create a luxurious master suite. Upstairs, you will find three additional bedrooms, one of which a private bath. The other two bedrooms share a bath that thoughtfully provides privacy between the shower and vanity.

Roseberry Avenue, West Vancouver

Raveninside

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Vancouver with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Un appartement moderne & graphique aux tonalités naturelles

Atelier Germain

This is an example of a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Paris with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Downsized, not Downgraded

Wendy Glaister Interiors

The dining area is an extension of the kitchen and boasts storage for pantry items, china, serving vessels, and small appliances. Cabinetry surrounds the window and a buffet counter clad in statuario marble makes entertaining a snap.

Urban Dining Room

A Curated Room

Mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Atlanta with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Mineral Springs Farm | Newtown Square, PA

Period Architecture Ltd.

Angle Eye Photography
Design ideas for a large country dining room in Philadelphia with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Party Barn

Vernon Wentz

The lighting design in this rustic barn with a modern design was the designed and built by lighting designer Mike Moss. This was not only a dream to shoot because of my love for rustic architecture but also because the lighting design was so well done it was a ease to capture. Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery

K2 Ranch

Studio 133

David O. Marlow
Photo of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Denver with dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Top Honors & Award Winners from Pineapple House - ASID Design Excellence Winners

Pineapple House Interior Design

Marble, sand-blasted granite and mahogany define this spacious kitchen and dining room on the Intra Coastal Waterway in Florida. The restaurant-like wine display and banquet-size dining table are adjacent to a glass-topped bar with a silver hammered bar sink. To the right is the sprawling kitchen with two islands. The combined area offers comfortable dining spots for twenty guests. Scott Moore Photography

Dining room wallpaper ideas

Wallpaperdirect UK

A striking horizontal stripe effect wallpaper design, created from naturalistic lines of trees, with a hand painted style.
Inspiration for a scandinavian dining room in Sussex with green walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Wave House

Mark Dziewulski Architect

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Los Angeles with white walls, light hardwood floors and a stone fireplace surround.

New England Barn Home Farmhouse

ArtCraft Homes LLC

"Victoria Point" farmhouse barn home by Yankee Barn Homes, customized by Paul Dierkes, Architect. Open beamed dining area and open kitchen. Semi-custom Shaker-style Crown Select cabinets from Crown Point cabinetry finished in blue. Flooring of white oak. Doors and windows by Marvin. Teak-topped "tulip" dining table by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. "North Country" acrylic on canvas by Peter Drake.

Madison, Mississippi

Rivers Spencer

Design ideas for a transitional separate dining room in New Orleans with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and panelled walls.

Un appartement moderne & graphique aux tonalités naturelles

Atelier Germain

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Paris with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Hancock Bungalow

Jeanne Schultz Design Studio

Farrow and Ball Hague Blue walls, trim, and ceiling. Versace Home bird wallpaper complements Farrow and Ball Hague blue accents and pink and red furniture. Grand wood beaded chandelier plays on traditional baroque design in a modern way. Old painted windows match the trim, wainscoting and walls. Existing round dining table surrounded by spray painted Carnival red dining room chairs which match the custom curtain rods in living room. Plastered ram sculpture as playful object on floor balances scale and interesting interactive piece for the child of the house.

Dark Timber Street 1

SHELTER Custom-Built Living

This is an example of a mid-sized open plan dining in Charleston with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

The Westminster at Willow Creek Farms

Landmark Homes

This grand 2-story home with first-floor owner’s suite includes a 3-car garage with spacious mudroom entry complete with built-in lockers. A stamped concrete walkway leads to the inviting front porch. Double doors open to the foyer with beautiful hardwood flooring that flows throughout the main living areas on the 1st floor. Sophisticated details throughout the home include lofty 10’ ceilings on the first floor and farmhouse door and window trim and baseboard. To the front of the home is the formal dining room featuring craftsman style wainscoting with chair rail and elegant tray ceiling. Decorative wooden beams adorn the ceiling in the kitchen, sitting area, and the breakfast area. The well-appointed kitchen features stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry with decorative crown molding, Hanstone countertops with tile backsplash, and an island with Cambria countertop. The breakfast area provides access to the spacious covered patio. A see-thru, stone surround fireplace connects the breakfast area and the airy living room. The owner’s suite, tucked to the back of the home, features a tray ceiling, stylish shiplap accent wall, and an expansive closet with custom shelving. The owner’s bathroom with cathedral ceiling includes a freestanding tub and custom tile shower. Additional rooms include a study with cathedral ceiling and rustic barn wood accent wall and a convenient bonus room for additional flexible living space. The 2nd floor boasts 3 additional bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a loft that overlooks the living room.

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Stone Fireplace Surround

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!