This Dining Room continues the coastal aesthetic of the home with paneled walls and a projecting rectangular bay with access to the outdoor entertainment spaces beyond.

Dashing Duplex | Full renovation in Kensington, London, W8

Jemimah Barnett

Wall colour: Grey Moss #234 by Little Greene | Chandelier is the large Rex pendant by Timothy Oulton | Joinery by Luxe Projects London
Photo of a large transitional open plan dining in London with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, coffered and panelled walls.

Dining Room Feature Wall – Modern Farmhouse

CSI - All Things Stone

A rustic yet modern dining room featuring an accent wall with our Sierra Ridge Roman Castle from Pangaea® Natural Stone. This stone is a European style stone that combines yesterday’s elegance with today’s sophistication. A perfect option for a feature wall in a modern farmhouse. Click to learn more about this stone and how to find a dealer near you: https://www.allthingsstone.com/us-en/product-types/natural-stone-veneer/pangaea-natural-stone/roman-castle/

Cherry Hills Village Remodel

KGA Studio Architects, PC

Large traditional dining room in Denver with blue walls, a standard fireplace, brown floor, dark hardwood floors and a stone fireplace surround.

Lake O'Brien 4

Lands End Development - Designers & Builders

Design ideas for a large country separate dining room in Minneapolis with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

K2 Ranch

Studio 133

David O. Marlow
Photo of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Denver with dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Classic Transitional

MICHAEL WHALEY INTERIORS, INC

An unusual acid green Anglo Indian lantern casts its glow over the dining table. Photo by Phillip Ennis
Design ideas for a large transitional separate dining room in New York with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Dining Room

Siobhan Loates Interiors

Formal dining room
Large contemporary dining room in London with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Great Room

Angela Reynolds Designs

Expansive transitional open plan dining in Miami with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, exposed beam, wallpaper and beige walls.

Casa Stresa

zero6studio

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Rome with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Grand Homes by Fratantoni Interior Designers!

Fratantoni Interior Designers

World Renowned Interior Design Firm Fratantoni Interior Designers created this beautiful home! They design homes for families all over the world in any size and style. They also have in-house Architecture Firm Fratantoni Design and world class Luxury Home Building Firm Fratantoni Luxury Estates! Hire one or all three companies to design, build and or remodel your home!

Maryland Custom Dining Room

Chesapeake Systems Service, Inc.

Mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Baltimore with brown walls, dark hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Arcady II {Highland Park}

TATUM BROWN CUSTOM HOMES

Tatum Brown Custom Homes {Photography: Nathan Schroder}
Inspiration for a mediterranean separate dining room in Dallas with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Modern Solar Lake House

Kipnis Architecture + Planning

The view on axis with the entry door looking towards the Living Room and out to the Lake.
This is an example of a large country open plan dining in Chicago with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor and a standard fireplace.

King Street Mount Albert

Patti Wilson Design Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Toronto with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Mill Valley Kitchen and Master Bedroom Renovation + More

Rasmussen Construction

David Duncan Livingston
Photo of a mid-sized country open plan dining in San Francisco with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Beekman Creek Ranch

Todd Glowka Builder, Inc.

This is an example of an expansive country kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and multi-coloured floor.

Elk Ridge Lodge

Centre Sky Architecture Ltd

Like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/centresky Designed as a prominent display of Architecture, Elk Ridge Lodge stands firmly upon a ridge high atop the Spanish Peaks Club in Big Sky, Montana. Designed around a number of principles; sense of presence, quality of detail, and durability, the monumental home serves as a Montana Legacy home for the family. Throughout the design process, the height of the home to its relationship on the ridge it sits, was recognized the as one of the design challenges. Techniques such as terracing roof lines, stretching horizontal stone patios out and strategically placed landscaping; all were used to help tuck the mass into its setting. Earthy colored and rustic exterior materials were chosen to offer a western lodge like architectural aesthetic. Dry stack parkitecture stone bases that gradually decrease in scale as they rise up portray a firm foundation for the home to sit on. Historic wood planking with sanded chink joints, horizontal siding with exposed vertical studs on the exterior, and metal accents comprise the remainder of the structures skin. Wood timbers, outriggers and cedar logs work together to create diversity and focal points throughout the exterior elevations. Windows and doors were discussed in depth about type, species and texture and ultimately all wood, wire brushed cedar windows were the final selection to enhance the "elegant ranch" feel. A number of exterior decks and patios increase the connectivity of the interior to the exterior and take full advantage of the views that virtually surround this home. Upon entering the home you are encased by massive stone piers and angled cedar columns on either side that support an overhead rail bridge spanning the width of the great room, all framing the spectacular view to the Spanish Peaks Mountain Range in the distance. The layout of the home is an open concept with the Kitchen, Great Room, Den, and key circulation paths, as well as certain elements of the upper level open to the spaces below. The kitchen was designed to serve as an extension of the great room, constantly connecting users of both spaces, while the Dining room is still adjacent, it was preferred as a more dedicated space for more formal family meals. There are numerous detailed elements throughout the interior of the home such as the "rail" bridge ornamented with heavy peened black steel, wire brushed wood to match the windows and doors, and cannon ball newel post caps. Crossing the bridge offers a unique perspective of the Great Room with the massive cedar log columns, the truss work overhead bound by steel straps, and the large windows facing towards the Spanish Peaks. As you experience the spaces you will recognize massive timbers crowning the ceilings with wood planking or plaster between, Roman groin vaults, massive stones and fireboxes creating distinct center pieces for certain rooms, and clerestory windows that aid with natural lighting and create exciting movement throughout the space with light and shadow.

Deal, Kent

Luke Cartledge Photography

Luke Cartledge
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic separate dining room in Surrey with green walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Traditional Dining Room

Traditional dining room in DC Metro with blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Dark Hardwood Floors 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!