Our Brookmans Park project was a single storey rear extension. The clients wanted to open up the back of the house to create an open plan living space. As it was such a large space we wanted to create something special which felt open but inviting at the same time. We created several zones and added pops of colour in the furniture and accessories. We created a Shoreditch vibe to the space with Crittall doors and a huge central fireplace placed in exposed London brick chimney. We then followed the exposed brick into the glass box zone. We loved the result of this project!

The Art House

Joelle Uzyel

Large contemporary separate dining room in Los Angeles with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, a ribbon fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Private Apartment, Project: Ana Vale, AB Projectos, Distributor:Imporchama

Planika Fires

Contemporary open plan dining in New York with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

PH Tribeca

B Interior

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern open plan dining in New York with white walls, light hardwood floors and a ribbon fireplace.

Dining Room

SINGLEPOINT DESIGN BUILD INC.

Another shot of the Dining Room.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean open plan dining in San Francisco with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and a tile fireplace surround.

Open Plan Boston Contemporary Gets Defined

BK Classic Collections Home Stagers

Photo of a small contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Boston with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Hollywood House

INTENSION design

Modern new construction house at the top of the Hollywood Hills. Designed and built by INTESION design.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern open plan dining in Los Angeles with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and yellow floor.

Bellevue Mid-Modern

Lane Williams Architects

The hallway in the background leads to main floor bedrooms, baths, and laundry room. Photo by Lara Swimmer
Design ideas for a large midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, concrete floors, a ribbon fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Contemporary Ranch with Golf Course Views

Raugstad Inc.

As a builder of custom homes primarily on the Northshore of Chicago, Raugstad has been building custom homes, and homes on speculation for three generations. Our commitment is always to the client. From commencement of the project all the way through to completion and the finishing touches, we are right there with you – one hundred percent. As your go-to Northshore Chicago custom home builder, we are proud to put our name on every completed Raugstad home.

Kirby Road, Mclean, VA

Sidd Kashyap

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional open plan dining in DC Metro with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Modern Esszimmer

Inspiration for a large contemporary open plan dining in Berlin with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and concrete floors.

GATINEAU HILLS

Marvin

Architect: Rick Shean & Christopher Simmonds, Christopher Simmonds Architect Inc. Photography By: Peter Fritz “Feels very confident and fluent. Love the contrast between first and second floor, both in material and volume. Excellent modern composition.” This Gatineau Hills home creates a beautiful balance between modern and natural. The natural house design embraces its earthy surroundings, while opening the door to a contemporary aesthetic. The open ground floor, with its interconnected spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows, allows sunlight to flow through uninterrupted, showcasing the beauty of the natural light as it varies throughout the day and by season. The façade of reclaimed wood on the upper level, white cement board lining the lower, and large expanses of floor-to-ceiling windows throughout are the perfect package for this chic forest home. A warm wood ceiling overhead and rustic hand-scraped wood floor underfoot wrap you in nature’s best. Marvin’s floor-to-ceiling windows invite in the ever-changing landscape of trees and mountains indoors. From the exterior, the vertical windows lead the eye upward, loosely echoing the vertical lines of the surrounding trees. The large windows and minimal frames effectively framed unique views of the beautiful Gatineau Hills without distracting from them. Further, the windows on the second floor, where the bedrooms are located, are tinted for added privacy. Marvin’s selection of window frame colors further defined this home’s contrasting exterior palette. White window frames were used for the ground floor and black for the second floor. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Bi-Fold Door Marvin Sliding Patio Door Marvin Tilt Turn and Hopper Window Marvin Ultimate Awning Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door

Midvale Courtyard House

Bruns Architecture

Tricia Shay Photography
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Milwaukee with dark hardwood floors, white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

КП "Ромашки"

artELLE-design

Large scandinavian separate dining room in Moscow with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and a ribbon fireplace.

Fossil Creek Breakfast Area

Haven Design and Construction

This beautiful breakfast nook features a metallic cork wallpapered ceiling, a stunning sputnik chandelier, and contemporary artwork in shades of gold and blue.

Preisgekrönte Altbausanierung, fotografiert für das KAMINZIMMER in Kassel

Andreas Zapfe, Objektphotographie

Andreas Zapfe, www.objektphoto.com
Photo of a large contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Munich with white walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and beige floor.

Bellbrook Modern

Springhouse Architects, LLC

Kelly Ann Photos
Photo of a mid-sized modern kitchen/dining combo in Cincinnati with marble floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and white walls.

Modern Masterpiece

Branagh Development

Large separate dining room in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Wildridge Drive

Dawson Lupul Builders

Design ideas for a transitional dining room in Austin with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and grey floor.

Project Scenic

avenue design inc

Aia Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Toronto with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Dining Room Design Ideas with White Walls and a Ribbon 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!