Adding custom storage was a big part of the renovation of this 1950s home, including creating spaces to show off some quirky vintage accessories such as transistor radios, old cameras, homemade treasures and travel souvenirs (such as these little wooden camels from Morocco and London Black Cab).

MONO - Kreuzberg # Low Budget

Gleba+Störmer

monochrom: Wände, Fenster, Esstisch und sogar der Boden sind in demselben hellen Grauton gestrichen bzw. lackiert. (fotografiert von Hejm Berlin)
Design ideas for a small scandinavian dining room in Berlin with white walls and linoleum floors.

MONTELPARO VILLA - ITALY - ROY DAVID - רואי דוד

ROY DAVID ARCHITECTURE

Matteo Canestraro
This is an example of a large mediterranean open plan dining in Tel Aviv with white walls and brick floors.

Wood Stove in Stone Alcove

Fire Works Fireplace

Jotul Oslo Wood Stove in Blue/Black Finish, Alcove in Hillstone Verona Cast Stone, Floor in Bourbon Street Brick, Raised Hearth in Custom Reinforced Concrete, Wood Storage Below Hearth

Retro Kitchen Remodel

Lauten Construction

Dan Kozcera
This is an example of a small midcentury kitchen/dining combo in DC Metro with beige walls, linoleum floors and no fireplace.

Pavillon style loft

MSD Interior Designer

Small contemporary open plan dining in Toronto with white walls, brick floors and no fireplace.

2017 ARDA - Custom Homes - Royal Oaks Design

AIBD - American Institute of Building Design

The client’s coastal New England roots inspired this Shingle style design for a lakefront lot. With a background in interior design, her ideas strongly influenced the process, presenting both challenge and reward in executing her exact vision. Vintage coastal style grounds a thoroughly modern open floor plan, designed to house a busy family with three active children. A primary focus was the kitchen, and more importantly, the butler’s pantry tucked behind it. Flowing logically from the garage entry and mudroom, and with two access points from the main kitchen, it fulfills the utilitarian functions of storage and prep, leaving the main kitchen free to shine as an integral part of the open living area. An ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Royal Oaks Design Designer: Kieran Liebl From: Oakdale, Minnesota

Haus S12

be_planen Architektur GmbH

This is an example of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Munich with white walls, linoleum floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

Totalrenovering #4

DEKÅ Entreprenad AB

Henrik Nero
Design ideas for an eclectic separate dining room in Stockholm with yellow walls and brick floors.

Dining Room Addition

Dibello Architects, PLLC

We used 11’ tall steel windows and doors separated by slender stone piers for the exterior walls of this addition. With all of its glazing, the new dining room opens the family room to views of Comal Springs and brings natural light deep into the house. The floor is waxed brick, and the ceiling is pecky cypress. The stone piers support the second floor sitting porch at the master bedroom. Photography by Travis Keas

Extensive Home Remodel - Magnolia, TX

Morning Star Builders LTD

Kolanowski Studio
This is an example of a large mediterranean kitchen/dining combo in Houston with brick floors, beige walls and brown floor.

Marmoleum Modular

Green Building Supply

Mid-sized industrial kitchen/dining combo in Chicago with grey walls, linoleum floors and no fireplace.

Parklands Road, Chichester

User

Richard Chivers
Mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Sussex with white walls, linoleum floors and a stone fireplace surround.

Adamsleigh Estate

Furnitureland South

Photo of a traditional dining room in Charlotte with brick floors.

Manhattan Residence

Emily Kandel Design

Susan Fisher Photography
Photo of a large traditional separate dining room in New York with yellow walls, linoleum floors and beige floor.

Modani Homes

Modani Furniture

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room in Miami with linoleum floors.

Saint Peter House

Cafeina Design

Designed from a “high-tech, local handmade” philosophy, this house was conceived with the selection of locally sourced materials as a starting point. Red brick is widely produced in San Pedro Cholula, making it the stand-out material of the house. An artisanal arrangement of each brick, following a non-perpendicular modular repetition, allowed expressivity for both material and geometry-wise while maintaining a low cost. The house is an introverted one and incorporates design elements that aim to simultaneously bring sufficient privacy, light and natural ventilation: a courtyard and interior-facing terrace, brick-lattices and windows that open up to selected views. In terms of the program, the said courtyard serves to articulate and bring light and ventilation to two main volumes: The first one comprised of a double-height space containing a living room, dining room and kitchen on the first floor, and bedroom on the second floor. And a second one containing a smaller bedroom and service areas on the first floor, and a large terrace on the second. Various elements such as wall lamps and an electric meter box (among others) were custom-designed and crafted for the house.

Southern Parisian

The Guest House Studio, ASID

Design ideas for a large beach style open plan dining in Charleston with blue walls, brick floors, no fireplace and multi-coloured floor.

Intimate Dining Area

Desert Star Construction

This formal dining room is the perfect place for an intimate dinner or entertaining friends. Sitting before a beautiful brick fireplace, the dark wooden table is surrounded by luxuriously covered chairs. Candles placed along the mantle provide soft light from the wrought iron chandelier above. This space, with rugged flagstone flooring and high arched ceilings, simply exudes elegance.

West End Remodel

The Kingston Group - Remodeling Specialists

Leslie Brown
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Nashville with blue walls, brick floors, no fireplace and white floor.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Linoleum Floors and Brick Floors

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!