Small transitional kitchen/dining combo in Salt Lake City with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Baker's Kitchen

Haus Interior Design

Before renovating, this bright and airy family kitchen was small, cramped and dark. The dining room was being used for spillover storage, and there was hardly room for two cooks in the kitchen. By knocking out the wall separating the two rooms, we created a large kitchen space with plenty of storage, space for cooking and baking, and a gathering table for kids and family friends. The dark navy blue cabinets set apart the area for baking, with a deep, bright counter for cooling racks, a tiled niche for the mixer, and pantries dedicated to baking supplies. The space next to the beverage center was used to create a beautiful eat-in dining area with an over-sized pendant and provided a stunning focal point visible from the front entry. Touches of brass and iron are sprinkled throughout and tie the entire room together. Photography by Stacy Zarin

Coastal Modern

Lindye Galloway Interiors

Chad Mellon Photographer
Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style open plan dining in Orange County with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

Industriel Salle à Manger

Design ideas for an industrial open plan dining in New York with grey walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Palm Valley on Intracoastal

Glenn Layton Homes

Glenn Layton Homes, LLC, "Building Your Coastal Lifestyle"
Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style kitchen/dining combo in Jacksonville with green walls, medium hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Silicon Valley Ranch

Lindsay Pincus Design

Lauren Anderson
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in San Francisco with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Pittsboro Addition + Renovation

BuildSense

Lissa Gotwals Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in Raleigh with beige walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Pop of Color

Cottage Company of Harbor Springs

Design ideas for a small beach style kitchen/dining combo in Other with beige walls and medium hardwood floors.

Herring Creek Farmhouse

Patrick Ahearn Architect

Photo of a large country open plan dining in Boston with white walls and medium hardwood floors.

Whitefish, Montana Private Historic Cabin Remodel

Montana Creative architecture + design

© Heidi A. Long
Photo of a small country open plan dining in Jackson with brown walls, medium hardwood floors and no fireplace.

Neue Liebe

arc interior

This is an example of a transitional dining room in Berlin with beige walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Яркая квартира с классическими элементами

Вероника Князева/Дизайнер интерьера

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen/dining combo in Moscow with beige walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Cole Valley Flat

Gast Architects

Inspiration for a traditional dining room in San Francisco with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Traditional Style Dining in a private residence. Options A and B

VA Renderings

3D rendering of an open living and dining area in traditional style.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional open plan dining in Houston with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, coffered and wallpaper.

Modern Mediterranean

Model Remodel

Mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and exposed beam.

Sterling Kitchen and Dining

down2earth Interior Design, LLC.

It is not uncommon for down2earth interior design to be tasked with the challenge of combining an existing kitchen and dining room into one open space that is great for communal cooking and entertaining. But what happens when that request is only the beginning? In this kitchen, our clients had big dreams for their space that went well beyond opening up the plan and included flow, organization, a timeless aesthetic, and partnering with local vendors. Although the family wanted all the modern conveniences afforded them by a total kitchen renovation, they also wanted it to look timeless and fit in with the aesthetic of their 100 year old home. So all design decisions were made with an eye towards timelessness, from the profile of the cabinet doors, to the handmade backsplash tiles, to the choice of soapstone for countertops, which is a beautiful material that is naturally heat resistant. The soapstone was strategically positioned so that the most stunning veins would be on display across the island top and on the wall behind the cooktop. Even the green color of the cabinet, and the subtle green-greys of the trim were specifically chosen for their softness so they will not look stark or trendy in this classic home. To address issues of flow, the clients really analyzed how they cook, entertain, and eat. We went well beyond the typical “kitchen triangle” to make sure all the hot spots of the kitchen were in the most functional locations within the space. Once we located the “big moves” we really dug down into the details. Some noteworthy ones include a whole wall of deep pantries with pull outs so all food storage is in one place, knives stored in a drawer right over the cutting boards, trash located right behind the sink, and pots, pans, cookie sheets located right by the oven, and a pullout for the Kitchenaid mixer. There are also pullouts that serve as dedicated storage next to the oven for oils, spices, and utensils, and a microwave located in the island which will facilitate aging in place if that becomes an objective in the future. A broom and cleaning supply storage closet at the top of the basement stairs coordinates with the kitchen cabinets so it will look nice if on view, or it can be hidden behind barn doors that tuck just a bit behind the oven. Storage for platters and a bar are located near the dining room so they will be on hand for entertaining. As a couple deeply invested in their local community, it was important to the homeowners to work with as many local vendors as possible. From flooring to woodwork to tile to countertops, choosing the right materials to make this project come together was a real collaborative effort. Their close community connections also inspired these empty nesters to stay in their home and update it to their needs, rather than relocating. The space can now accommodate their growing family that might consist of children’s spouses, grandkids, and furry friends alike.

Antiqued Elegance in Willowcreek Ranch

By Design Interiors, Inc.

The dining room share an open floor plan with the Kitchen and Great Room. It is a perfect juxtaposition of old vs. new. The space pairs antiqued French Country pieces, modern lighting, and pops of prints with a softer, muted color palette.

English Cottage

Amanda George Interior Design

A whimsical English garden was the foundation and driving force for the design inspiration. A lingering garden mural wraps all the walls floor to ceiling, while a union jack wood detail adorns the existing tray ceiling, as a nod to the client’s English roots. Custom heritage blue base cabinets and antiqued white glass front uppers create a beautifully balanced built-in buffet that stretches the east wall providing display and storage for the client's extensive inherited China collection.

Modern Farmhouse

Brad Ramsey Interiors

Large country separate dining room in Nashville with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, coffered and wallpaper.

Warm Farmhouse Kitchen - Basking Ridge, NJ

KraftMaster Renovations

Warm farmhouse kitchen nestled in the suburbs has a welcoming feel, with soft repose gray cabinets, two islands for prepping and entertaining and warm wood contrasts.

Dining Room Design Ideas with Medium Hardwood Floors and Bamboo Floors

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!