This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Toronto with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Ullapool Road

Atrium Homes

Striking and sophisticated, bold and exciting, and streets ahead in its quality and cutting edge design – Ullapool Road is a showcase of contemporary cool and classic function, and is perfectly at home in a modern urban setting. Ullapool Road brings an exciting and bold new look to the Atrium Homes collection. It is evident from the street front this is something different. The timber-lined ceiling has a distinctive stacked stone wall that continues inside to the impressive foyer, where the glass and stainless steel staircase takes off from its marble base to the upper floor. The quality of this home is evident at every turn – American Black Walnut is used extensively; 35-course ceilings are recessed and trough-lit; 2.4m high doorways create height and volume; and the stunning feature tiling in the bathrooms adds to the overall sense of style and sophistication. Deceptively spacious for its modern, narrow lot design, Ullapool Road is also a masterpiece of design. An inner courtyard floods the heart of the home with light, and provides an attractive and peaceful outdoor sitting area convenient to the guest suite. A lift well thoughtfully futureproofs the home while currently providing a glass-fronted wine cellar on the lower level, and a study nook upstairs. Even the deluxe-size laundry dazzles, with its two huge walk-in linen presses and iron station. Tailor-designed for easy entertaining, the big kitchen is a masterpiece with its creamy CaesarStone island bench and splashback, stainless steel appliances, and separate scullery with loads of built-in storage. Elegant dining and living spaces, separated by a modern, double-fronted gas fireplace, flow seamlessly outdoors to a big alfresco with built-in kitchen facilities.

The Back Road

Talie Jane Interiors

Jeff Dow Photography
Photo of a mid-sized country separate dining room in Other with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Élégante et décontractée

RénoDéco etc.

Lyne Brunet
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Other with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Pequeños y grandes detalles

Clysa

Kris Moya Estudio
Design ideas for a large contemporary open plan dining in Barcelona with grey walls, laminate floors, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Contemporary Mid-Century

Maggetti Construction Inc.

Kate Falconer
Photo of a large midcentury kitchen/dining combo in San Francisco with light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey walls.

Full House Re-Design

Irene Designs

This room is a part of full house renovation project.
Large transitional open plan dining in Bridgeport with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and brown floor.

Straw Bale Sanctuary

Cristee-Meade Building Company

Photo of a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Denver with ceramic floors, a two-sided fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, grey walls and beige floor.

Lewes Beach Residence

Archology, LLC

A view of the dining room to the left of the stairs as you come up with their clerestory windows catching the sunrise and the fireplace that helps to define the rooms with it's tile surround.

Highland Home

Karen Richani Design-LLC

A breathtaking architectural masterpiece!. This project is a custom home designed by Simonian Rosenbaum Architects. Located in the heart of Old Short Hills just blocks to NJ Transit Hoboken and NYC trains. Open concept floor plan with ultra-luxurious finishes and furniture selection.

Nest House

BEARprogetti

Uno degli aspetti più complessi nella progettazione di una mansarda è il sistema di illuminazione dello spazio. Una corretta illuminazione può fare la differenza e trasformare un appartamento ben arredato in un appartamento spettacolare. In questo progetto abbiamo deciso di utilizzare la trave di colmo quale "distributore" di illuminazione: oltre ad un sistema di strisce led che illumina il tetto in legno,da questo si diramano tutti i cavi che alimentano le lampade pendenti. In uno spazio molto alto è altresi importante evitare accuratamente la percezione di "spazio vuoto" e l'uso delle lampade pendenti scongiura questa eventualità. Ph. Andrea Pozzi

Farmhouse

K-studio Interior Design

This is an example of a large transitional open plan dining in Moscow with grey walls, porcelain floors, a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

Living at it's best

User

Small contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Denver with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Wilmette home remodel

Widler Architecture

Mike Kaskel
Mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Chicago with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Discovery Vista

Lara Hontzias Interior Design

Total main floor renovation - walls opened up to give this home a brighter feeling and open concept. New warm hardwood flooring throughout, new baseboards and casing brighten the spaces and bring a new crisp look to this two story home. Accent lighting adds warmth and rich layers to the space. Window treatments add final touches that enrich the spaces. Modern island fireplace floats in space and is shared with Kitchen, Dining Room and Living Room areas.

Winston Modern

Siena Signature Builders Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Calgary with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

Rainbow Place

Fong Concepts Interior Design

Small modern separate dining room in Los Angeles with grey walls, laminate floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and grey floor.

Dining Spaces

Jalice Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury separate dining room in Toronto with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and beige floor.

Modern Meets Industrial Chic - An Aptos Ranch Style Remodel

Urbana Design Studio

The homeowner demolished the existing brick fireplace and in it's place, we created a beautiful two sided modern fireplace design with a custom wood mantel and integrated cabinetry. Kate Falconer Photography

Woodbridge Main Floor Remodel

Sosna Inc

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Toronto with grey walls, a two-sided fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, grey floor and marble floors.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Grey Walls and a Two-sided Fireplace

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!