When presented with the overall layout of the kitchen, this dining space called out for more interest than just your standard table. We chose to make a statement with a custom three-sided seated banquette. Completed in early 2020, this family gathering space is complete with storage beneath and electrical charging stations on each end. Underneath three large window walls, our built-in banquette and custom table provide a comfortable, intimate dining nook for the family and a few guests while the stunning oversized chandelier ties in nicely with the other brass accents in the kitchen. The thin black window mullions offer a sharp, clean contrast to the crisp white walls and coordinate well with the dark banquette, sprayed to match the dark charcoal doors in the home. The finishing touch is our faux distressed leather cushions, topped with a variety of pillows in shapes and cozy fabrics. We love that this family hangs out here in every season!

Transitional Lake Cottage

Lenox House Design

This great room allows for ease of entertaining, with open spaces each defined by light fixtures, cabinetry and ceiling beams.
Photo of a large traditional kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

Rising Glen

STYLELINE™ Door and Window Systems

Mark Singer
Inspiration for an expansive modern open plan dining in Los Angeles with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Edward Loewenstein (architect) remodel in Greensboro NC

Jessica Dauray Interiors/Elements Of Style

We labeled this spot the sitting room… It’s actually part of the dining room. The previous owners had a pine fireplace mantle We re-designed it with stacked polished travertine and a ribbon style fireplace. The charcoal glass added a lil splarkle instead of the tradidtional “log” option. to gives this pass through space a cozy “clean” look Furniture: We added two iconic Barcelona chairs and a modern lacquered table. The fireplace adds a beautiful decorative accent to the dining room just several feet away

Mountain Modern

Pearson Design Group

Design ideas for an expansive contemporary dining room in Other with beige walls, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Miami Shore

Luxe Design Studios

Large contemporary open plan dining in Miami with dark hardwood floors, multi-coloured walls, a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Penthouse Dreams

MAC Renovations LTD.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary dining room in Vancouver with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, beige floor and vaulted.

Modern Northwoods Residence Great Room & Balcony

Amy Carman Design

A wall of steel and glass allows panoramic views of the lake at our Modern Northwoods Cabin project.
Design ideas for a large contemporary dining room in Other with black walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, vaulted and panelled walls.

Dora Whitley Farmhouse

The Kingston Group - Remodeling Specialists

This is an example of a mid-sized country separate dining room in Nashville with blue walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wood.

Athletic Club Dr

Virtual Studio Innovations

Photo of a large traditional separate dining room in Atlanta with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Sugartown

Foley Hillestad Architecture

This was a complete interior and exterior renovation of a 6,500sf 1980's single story ranch. The original home had an interior pool that was removed and replace with a widely spacious and highly functioning kitchen. Stunning results with ample amounts of natural light and wide views the surrounding landscape. A lovely place to live.

2020 Showcase Home - Hidden Springs, Fredericksburg, TX

White Construction Company

Open concept, modern farmhouse with a chef's kitchen and room to entertain.
Inspiration for a large country kitchen/dining combo in Austin with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, grey floor and wood.

Second Home

Lume Architecture

Inspiration for a large midcentury open plan dining in Melbourne with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

Lake Tapps - Snag Island

Madera Furniture Company

Preliminary designs and finished pieces for a beautiful custom home we contributed to in 2018. The basic layout and specifications were provided, we designed and created the finished product. The 14' dining table is elm and reclaimed Douglas fir with a blackened steel insert and trestle. The mantel was created from remnant beams from the home's construction.

Chez moi, Fontagard

Adrien Granchere

This is an example of a large eclectic kitchen/dining combo in Other with brown floor, white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

F O R E S T H I L L S

Evensen Design

ado.photo@gmail.com
Inspiration for a large transitional separate dining room in Dallas with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Mandeville

Lewis / Schoeplein architects

Marisa Vitale Photography
Design ideas for a midcentury open plan dining in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Formal Dining Room Lighting

Fratantoni Luxury Estates Design/Build/Remodeling

Formal dining room with bricks & masonry, double entry doors, exposed beams, and recessed lighting.
Design ideas for an expansive country separate dining room in Phoenix with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam and brick walls.

Yellowstone Club Residence - 2015

North Fork Builders of Montana, Inc.

Design ideas for an expansive country dining room in Other with brown 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

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Tile Fireplace Surround and 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!