Photo of a large contemporary dining room with brown walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country open plan dining in Austin with beige walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Pastel Perfection

Life Interiors

Citizens of Style
Photo of a mid-sized scandinavian dining room in Sydney with beige walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Pinemeadow House

Outlaw Design Company

This kitchen is open to the dining room, but the timber framing creates visual definition.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Remodelers Showcase - Fall 2012

Kristin Therese Designs, LLC

Staging done for remodeled dining room in Roseville, MN.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with yellow walls, concrete floors and brown floor.

Monaghan-O’Rourke Residence

David Goldman Environmental Architecture

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Other with beige walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Midlothian Light & Airy Rustic Transformation

MTK Design Group

When these homeowners approached us, they were tired of their home feeling dark and ready to freshen up the college-days furniture. Room by room we worked to lighten and brighten the spaces with fresh new paint colors, light fixtures, furnishings and decor that were kid-friendly and comfortable for entertaining. We just loved the end result that incorporated touches of rustic class and nature-inspired personality, a perfect compliment to their peaceful backyard view. Megan Kranz

Antoinette French-1111

Manuel Builders, LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in New Orleans with grey walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

INMUEBLE CALELLA

IMMA HOME

This is an example of a beach style separate dining room in Other with white walls, concrete floors and brown floor.

Woodthrush Dining Room

Brittany Lyons Interiors

Design: Brittany Lyons Art and Interiors instagram: @brittanylyonsart Photos: John Bautista Photography instagram: @johnbautista.dtx
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Dallas with blue walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

STONE DESIGN

Ecla USA

Stone effect interior/exterior walls with lime or acrylic paint handmade by italian artist with italian decorative paints. We custom colors and textures for each walls and any commercaial, residential and hospitality spaces. Experience Italian Artistry

Rustic Elegance Custom Home

J Marhofer Construction Inc.

Mid-sized traditional open plan dining in Austin with beige walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Forever Home

Solluna Builders, LLC

The dining table was custom made using old, reclaimed wood that homeowner had saved many years before. Photography by Wayne Jeansonne
Large country open plan dining in Austin with white walls, concrete floors and brown floor.

Kitchen Remodel

PB General Contractors

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional dining room in Dallas with concrete floors and brown floor.

Morrison

russell and russell design studios

This is an example of a large contemporary open plan dining in Calgary with white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Premier on Portage Bay

Joie Gowan | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Seattle with yellow walls, concrete floors and brown floor.

Rush Creek Ranch Log Home and Addition (L12667)

Real Log Homes

This is an example of an expansive open plan dining in Other with concrete floors, brown floor, exposed beam and wood walls.

Projet terminus

Ocareye Intérieur

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Lille with yellow walls, concrete floors, a wood stove, a metal fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

David Farmhouse-428

Manuel Builders, LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized country open plan dining in New Orleans with blue walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Dammuso, Pantelleria

User

This is an example of an expansive asian separate dining room in Other with beige walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and vaulted.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Concrete Floors and Brown Floor

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!