Designer: Tamsin Design Group, Photographer: Alise O'Brien, Builder REA Homes, Architect: Mitchell Wall
Large contemporary open plan dining in St Louis with a tile fireplace surround, white walls, a two-sided fireplace and white floor.

Lake Independence Homestead

Aspect Design Build

Intimate dining functions great as a daily eating spot, but can also accommodate holiday get togethers. Two sided fireplace connects dining room to great room.

Bel AIr

Blackband Design

Interior Design by Blackband Design Photography by Tessa Neustadt
Inspiration for a large contemporary separate dining room in Orange County with white walls, limestone 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.

Prairie Modern Dining Room

Oliver Max Inc.

Photos by Beth Singer Architecture/Build: Luxe Homes Design & Build
Design ideas for a large modern open plan dining in Detroit with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Transitional Modern Design

Design DCA

Expansive transitional open plan dining in Houston with white walls, porcelain floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and grey floor.

Capistrano Bluff Remodel

maison blue design group

Jeri Koegel
Mid-sized mediterranean kitchen/dining combo in Orange County with beige walls, terra-cotta floors, a two-sided fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Golf Course residence - Waunakee, WI

Mader Designs

Mid-sized mediterranean kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and vaulted.

Casual Dining by the Fire

Steve Eccher Design & Planning

Casual dining at its best with lighting for every occasion. Romantic dinner by the fireplace or entertaining guests with connecting bar in the kitchen. Durango, CO | Marona Photography

The "Chateau"

User

Merle Prosofky Photography Ltd.
Inspiration for a large transitional open plan dining in Edmonton with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Bel AIr

Blackband Design

Interior Design by Blackband Design Photography by Tessa Neustadt
Large contemporary separate dining room in Orange County with white walls, limestone floors, a two-sided fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Bungalow Renovation

Bruce Johnson & Associates Interior Design

Dustin Mifflin Photography
Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Calgary with grey walls, a tile fireplace surround and a two-sided fireplace.

Martin House

bg architecture

Shannon McGrath
Mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Melbourne with white walls, concrete floors, a two-sided fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Greenbush Residence

Hsu McCullough

Dining Room with outdoor patio through left doors with Kitchen beyond
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, beige floor and decorative wall panelling.

South Bham Mod

Margeaux Interiors - Margaret Skinner

Inspiration for a small contemporary separate dining room in Detroit with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, yellow floor and wallpaper.

Modern Custom Home Build

Sprucehill Custom Homes & Renovations

This is an example of a large modern open plan dining in Vancouver with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and beige floor.

#skimmerptreno

Popa Construction

Large transitional open plan dining in Tampa with grey walls, porcelain floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and white floor.

Bold Black and White

Blackdoor Design by Tamra Coviello

Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean open plan dining in San Diego with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Contemporary Dining Room

Photo of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Los Angeles with grey walls, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and grey floor.

Cliffbrook Contemporary Whole House Conversion

Alair Homes Plano

Our clients were living in a Northwood Hills home in Dallas that was built in 1968. Some updates had been done but none really to the main living areas in the front of the house. They love to entertain and do so frequently but the layout of their house wasn’t very functional. There was a galley kitchen, which was mostly shut off to the rest of the home. They were not using the formal living and dining room in front of your house, so they wanted to see how this space could be better utilized. They wanted to create a more open and updated kitchen space that fits their lifestyle. One idea was to turn part of this space into an office, utilizing the bay window with the view out of the front of the house. Storage was also a necessity, as they entertain often and need space for storing those items they use for entertaining. They would also like to incorporate a wet bar somewhere! We demoed the brick and paneling from all of the existing walls and put up drywall. The openings on either side of the fireplace and through the entryway were widened and the kitchen was completely opened up. The fireplace surround is changed to a modern Emser Esplanade Trail tile, versus the chunky rock it was previously. The ceiling was raised and leveled out and the beams were removed throughout the entire area. Beautiful Olympus quartzite countertops were installed throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry with white Chandler cabinets and Grace 4”x12” Bianco tile backsplash. A large two level island with bar seating for guests was built to create a little separation between the kitchen and dining room. Contrasting black Chandler cabinets were used for the island, as well as for the bar area, all with the same 6” Emtek Alexander pulls. A Blanco low divide metallic gray kitchen sink was placed in the center of the island with a Kohler Bellera kitchen faucet in vibrant stainless. To finish off the look three Iconic Classic Globe Small Pendants in Antiqued Nickel pendant lights were hung above the island. Black Supreme granite countertops with a cool leathered finish were installed in the wet bar, The backsplash is Choice Fawn gloss 4x12” tile, which created a little different look than in the kitchen. A hammered copper Hayden square sink was installed in the bar, giving it that cool bar feel with the black Chandler cabinets. Off the kitchen was a laundry room and powder bath that were also updated. They wanted to have a little fun with these spaces, so the clients chose a geometric black and white Bella Mori 9x9” porcelain tile. Coordinating black and white polka dot wallpaper was installed in the laundry room and a fun floral black and white wallpaper in the powder bath. A dark bronze Metal Mirror with a shelf was installed above the porcelain pedestal sink with simple floating black shelves for storage. Their butlers pantry, the added storage space, and the overall functionality has made entertaining so much easier and keeps unwanted things out of sight, whether the guests are sitting at the island or at the wet bar! The clients absolutely love their new space and the way in which has transformed their lives and really love entertaining even more now!

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Two-sided Fireplace and 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!