Entertaining is a large part of these client's life. Their existing dining room, while nice, couldn't host a large party. The original dining room was extended 16' to create a large entertaining space, complete with a built in bar area. Floor to ceiling windows and plenty of lighting throughout keeps the space nice and bright. The bar includes a custom stained wine rack, pull out trays for liquor, sink, wine fridge, and plenty of storage space for extras. The homeowner even built his own table on site to make sure it would fit the space as best as it could.

Bellevue Contemporary

Baluco

Photo of a large contemporary open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, light hardwood floors, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Saddle Hill English Inspired Renovation

Walczak Design And Build

Prior to the renovation, the dining room was closed off and natural light was unable to filter through to the kitchen. We solved that by created a new opening from the kitchen to the dining room providing immediate and easy access to this area. We continued the custom cabinetry in the same style and finish into the dining room creating a beverage bar. Beams were added into the dining room as a connective design element to the kitchen and great room.

KK50

Brusa Nerini Architetti

This is an example of a large open plan dining in Bologna with green walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, exposed beam and decorative wall panelling.

Organic Modern, Cordillera Ranch

NR Interiors

We fully furnished this open concept Dining Room with an asymmetrical wood and iron base table by Taracea at its center. It is surrounded by comfortable and care-free stain resistant fabric seat dining chairs. Above the table is a custom onyx chandelier commissioned by the architect Lake Flato. We helped find the original fine artwork for our client to complete this modern space and add the bold colors this homeowner was seeking as the pop to this neutral toned room. This large original art is created by Tess Muth, San Antonio, TX.

Australian Minimalist Ground-Up

Cathie Hong Interiors

This Australian-inspired new construction was a successful collaboration between homeowner, architect, designer and builder. The home features a Henrybuilt kitchen, butler's pantry, private home office, guest suite, master suite, entry foyer with concealed entrances to the powder bathroom and coat closet, hidden play loft, and full front and back landscaping with swimming pool and pool house/ADU.

Dining Room

Tindall Architecture Workshop

Photo of a large kitchen/dining combo in Other with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

Mulholland Drive- Bel Air

Rande Leaman Interior Design

The formal dining room looks out to the spacious backyard with French doors opening to the pool and spa area. The wood burning brick fireplace was painted white in the renovation and white wainscoting surrounds the room, keeping it fresh and modern. The dramatic wood pitched roof has skylights that bring in light and keep things bright and airy.

Newport

Elton R Construction

The dining room is one of the crowning jewels of this entire design. The wood furnishings are accented by the hand-blown lights suspended above, along with the backdrop of wine racks on one side and nature to the other.

Four Wheeler

Amy Storm & Company

Design ideas for a large transitional open plan dining in Chicago with white walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and exposed beam.

South Sutton, NH Lake Home

Timberpeg

Breakfast Nook
Photo of a large country dining room in Other with medium hardwood floors and exposed beam.

French Chateau-Style Traditional Estate Home

PlaidFox Studio

For this 9,000 square-foot, timber-frame home we designed wholly traditional elements with natural materials, including brushed brass, real chequered marble floors, oak timbers, stone and cast limestone—and mixed them with a modern palette of soft greys and whites. We also juxtaposed traditional design elements with modern furniture: pieces featuring rounded boucle shapes, rattan, Vienna straw, modern white oak chairs. There’s a thread of layered, European timelessness throughout, even though it’s minimalist and airy.

Fabrica

Mcmahon and Nerlich

The client selected a symphony of beige and terracotta Moroccan tiles in the soaring space of the kitchen
Mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Melbourne with light hardwood floors, beige floor and exposed beam.

Secret Door

Tom Maxwell Furniture & Cabinetry Ltd

Design ideas for a mid-sized country dining room in Other with beige walls, beige floor and exposed beam.

The Ashanti

Susan Semmelmann Interiors- Award Winning Designer

Design ideas for a large modern kitchen/dining combo in Dallas with white walls, light hardwood floors and exposed beam.

Cortes Island Main Living

Parker&Harlow Inc.

Remote luxury living on the spectacular island of Cortes, this main living, lounge, dining, and kitchen is an open concept with tall ceilings and expansive glass to allow all those gorgeous coastal views and natural light to flood the space. Particular attention was focused on high end textiles furniture, feature lighting, and cozy area carpets.

DeWinton Ranch

New Century Design Inc.

Large kitchen/dining combo in Calgary with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and exposed beam.

Master Suite Addition & Interior Renovation - Dunwoody

Innovative Design Build

Our design team listened carefully to our clients' wish list. They had a vision of a cozy rustic mountain cabin type master suite retreat. The rustic beams and hardwood floors complement the neutral tones of the walls and trim. Walking into the new primary bathroom gives the same calmness with the colors and materials used in the design.

Neo-Trad Stately San Franciscan

Banner Day Interiors

This is an example of a large transitional separate dining room in San Francisco with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, exposed beam and wallpaper.

Great Room Fireplace

Fratantoni Luxury Estates Design/Build/Remodeling

Great room coffered ceiling, custom fireplace surround, chandeliers, and marble floor.
Photo of an expansive mediterranean open plan dining in Phoenix with beige walls, marble floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, multi-coloured floor and exposed beam.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Exposed Beam

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!