© Dave Butterworth | EyeWasHere Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Other with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

De Beauvoir, Hackney - Full house renovation

Emilie Fournet Interiors

The Breakfast Room leading onto the kitchen through pockets doors using reclaimed Victorian pine doors. A dining area on one side and a seating area around the wood burner create a very cosy atmosphere.

VIVIENDA MUNTANER

The Room Studio

Proyecto realizado por Meritxell Ribé - The Room Studio Construcción: The Room Work Fotografías: Mauricio Fuertes
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean kitchen/dining combo in Barcelona with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a brick fireplace surround and beige floor.

North Oaks Mid-Century Modern

Megan Dent, AKBD

Scott Amundson
Design ideas for a large midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with green walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor and medium hardwood floors.

Dining Rooms

Viscusi Elson Interior Design - Gina Viscusi Elson

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional separate dining room in San Francisco with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and green walls.

Oyster Pond Estate

User

This is an example of an expansive traditional separate dining room in Boston with green walls, carpet, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Open Concept Main Level Flowing into Living Room, Dining Space, and Kitchen

Powell Homes & Renovations

The living room and dining room are connected, allowing people to move freely.
Inspiration for a large arts and crafts open plan dining in Seattle with green walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Arts & Crafts Bungalow

Troy Spurlin Interiors

Agnes Lopez
Photo of an arts and crafts dining room in Jacksonville with green walls, medium hardwood floors and a brick fireplace surround.

Newton Mearns

AdesignStorie

Colour and connection are the two elements that unify the interior of this Glasgow home. Prior to the renovation, these rooms were separate, so we chose a colour continuum that would draw the eye through the now seamless spaces. . We worked off of a cool turquoise colour palette to brighten up the living area, while we shrouded the dining room in a moody deep jewel. The cool leafy palette extends to the couch’s upholstery and to the monochrome credenza in the dining room. To make the blue-green scheme really pop, we selected warm-toned red accent lamps, dried pampas grass, and muted pink artwork.

Global Eclectic Game Room

The Iconic Space

This renovation centered on creating a family gathering space. What better way to highlight the purpose of the space than to draw one’s vision to straight to family photos framed gallery style. DaubmanPhotography@Cox.net DaubmanPhotography@Cox.net

Fairfax cottage

meisdesign

Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style open plan dining in San Francisco with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Client Kitchen

Denise Fogarty Interiors

Alise O'Brien Photography
This is an example of a large beach style kitchen/dining combo in Other with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a brick fireplace surround and a standard fireplace.

Mill Valley Historical Charmer

Rasmussen Construction

Mid-sized traditional separate dining room in San Francisco with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Moya Living Portfolio

Moya Living

Inspiration for a contemporary dining room in Orange County with green walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

The Baker House

Phelps Investments

This is an example of a mid-sized country open plan dining in Orange County with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and decorative wall panelling.

Exposed Chimney from Living Room

DallaVerde Construction, LLC

Looking toward the Dining Room & Kitchen from the Living Room, featuring the exposed chimney. We repurposed the casings removed from the kitchen entrance (see BEFORE pic) to frame the door on the left.

Open Concept Main Level Flowing into Living Room, Dining Space, and Kitchen

Powell Homes & Renovations

The dining room allows for easy access to the kitchen, but still offers privacy from the hustle and bustle of cooking.
Large arts and crafts kitchen/dining combo in Seattle with green walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

De Beauvoir, Hackney - Full house renovation

Emilie Fournet Interiors

House renovation

Demi Whitehead

- Dark green alcove hues to visually enhance the existing brick. Previously painted black, but has now been beautifully sandblasted and coated in a clear matt lacquer brick varnish to help minimise airborne loose material. - Various bricks were chopped out and replaced prior to work due to age related deterioration. - Dining room floor was previously original orange squared quarry tiles and soil. A damp proof membrane was installed to help enhance and retain heat during winter, whilst also minimising the risk of damp progressing. - Dining room floor finish was silver-lined with matt lacquered engineered wood panels. Engineered wood flooring is more appropriate for older properties due to their damp proof lining fused into the wood panel. - a course of bricks were chopped out spanning the length of the dining room from the exterior due to previous damp present. An extra 2 courses of engineered blue brick were introduced due to the exterior slope of the driveway. This has so far seen the damp disappear which allowed the room to be re-plastered and painted. - Original features previously removed from dining room were reintroduced such as coving, plaster ceiling rose and original 4 panel moulded doors.

Dining

Ware Architecture Studio

This is an example of a large modern open plan dining in Dallas with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Green Walls and a Brick 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!