First impression count as you enter this custom-built Horizon Homes property at Kellyville. The home opens into a stylish entryway, with soaring double height ceilings. It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And that’s literally true with this home. With the kitchen in the centre of the ground floor, this home provides ample formal and informal living spaces on the ground floor. At the rear of the house, a rumpus room, living room and dining room overlooking a large alfresco kitchen and dining area make this house the perfect entertainer. It’s functional, too, with a butler’s pantry, and laundry (with outdoor access) leading off the kitchen. There’s also a mudroom – with bespoke joinery – next to the garage. Upstairs is a mezzanine office area and four bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite with dressing room, ensuite and private balcony. Outdoor areas were important to the owners of this knockdown rebuild. While the house is large at almost 454m2, it fills only half the block. That means there’s a generous backyard. A central courtyard provides further outdoor space. Of course, this courtyard – as well as being a gorgeous focal point – has the added advantage of bringing light into the centre of the house.

Yarrawarrah Private Residence

Michelle Viret Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Sydney with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Summit Hill Residence

David Heide Design Studio

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio -- Photos: Susan Gilmore
Traditional open plan dining in Minneapolis with yellow walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Panama House

Terra Studio

A window seat was added to the front window and the existing fireplace was transformed dramatic porcelain tiles and a gas insert. The vertical oak slats separate the entry door and hold a pair of floating wood drawers. Below is a shoe cabinet - making sure all clutter is hidden behind modern finishes. Photograph: Jeffrey Totaro

House Beautiful featured Luxury Remodel of Classic Palmolive Condo

Summer Thornton Design, Inc

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional open plan dining in Chicago with multi-coloured 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.

Milton Renovation

New River Building Co.

Photo Credit: David Cannon; Design: Michelle Mentzer Instagram: @newriverbuildingco
This is an example of a mid-sized country separate dining room in Atlanta with brown walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, beige floor and a tile fireplace surround.

Dining Room

Karen Kempf Interiors

Reagan Taylor Photography
Photo of a transitional dining room in Milwaukee with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Villa Firenze

Richard Manion Architecture Inc.

This is an example of a mediterranean separate dining room in Los Angeles with white walls, terra-cotta floors, a tile fireplace surround and orange floor.

Suivez le Guide : Chez Sophie

Jours & Nuits

Jours & Nuits © 2016 Houzz
Design ideas for a country dining room in Montpellier with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and ceramic floors.

Lakewood----Dallas, Tx

Montgomery Custom Homes

Shoot 2 Sell
This is an example of a large transitional open plan dining in Dallas with a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, white walls and light hardwood floors.

Upper West Side Apartment

State Of The Art Wood Floor Gallery Corp

Inspiration for a large eclectic separate dining room in New York with white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Downtown Industrial Loft

White Crane Construction

Jill Greer
Design ideas for an industrial open plan dining in Minneapolis with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Bungalow Renovation

Bruce Johnson & Associates Interior Design

Dustin Mifflin Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary open plan dining in Calgary with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a tile fireplace surround and a two-sided fireplace.

Victorian Revival

Fia & Company

Photos by: Bohdan Chreptak
Traditional dining room in Toronto with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a tile fireplace surround and a standard fireplace.

Dining Room

SINGLEPOINT DESIGN BUILD INC.

Another shot of the Dining Room.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean open plan dining in San Francisco with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Kitchen

Rachel Reider Interiors

Design ideas for a traditional kitchen/dining combo in Boston with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Hudson River Views

Darci Hether New York

With four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a revamped family room, this gut renovation of this three-story Westchester home is all about thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail. The dining area, with its refined wooden table and comfortable chairs, is perfect for gatherings and entertaining in style. --- Our interior design service area is all of New York City including the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, as well as the Hamptons, Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Rye, Rye City, Edgemont, Harrison, Bronxville, and Greenwich CT. For more about Darci Hether, see here: https://darcihether.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://darcihether.com/portfolio/hudson-river-view-home-renovation-westchester

Estates at Southgate Showhome

Homes of Distinction, Inc.

• SEE THROUGH FIREPLACE WITH CUSTOM TRIMMED MANTLE AND MARBLE SURROUND • TWO STORY CEILING WITH CUSTOM DESIGNED WINDOW WALLS • CUSTOM TRIMMED ACCENT COLUMNS

Park Slope Brownstone

Linda Cava

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in New York with green walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Tile 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!