Modern Dining Room in an open floor plan, sits between the Living Room, Kitchen and Backyard Patio. The modern electric fireplace wall is finished in distressed grey plaster. Modern Dining Room Furniture in Black and white is paired with a sculptural glass chandelier. Floor to ceiling windows and modern sliding glass doors expand the living space to the outdoors.

Whole Home Design

Diedre Shaw Interiors

Mid-sized transitional separate dining room in San Francisco with white walls, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, no fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Urban Oasis

Interior Inspirations

Mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Calgary with a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, purple walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Castleknock ¦ Contemporary Classic ¦ Private Residence

Wall Morris Design

Overview shot of open-plan kitchen/dining/living with pyramid rooflight.
Inspiration for a large contemporary open plan dining in Dublin with dark hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

"After" - Dining Room

Michelle Anaya Architects

We brought the floor to be at the same level as the new living room. We transformed the existing library / study into the dining room.
Photo of a large transitional separate dining room in Los Angeles with light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, white walls and beige floor.

Form Marries Function

Ashley Campbell Interior Design

Layers of texture and high contrast in this mid-century modern dining room. Inhabit living recycled wall flats painted in a high gloss charcoal paint as the feature wall. Three-sided flare fireplace adds warmth and visual interest to the dividing wall between dining room and den.

Schöner abgetrennter Essbereich mit Schiebetür

Viebrockhaus

Mit Blick auf das Kaminfeuer lädt der große Esstisch zu geselligen Runden ein.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Other with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, black floor and a plaster fireplace surround.

Azure Penthouse

James Rixner, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional open plan dining in New York with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

Offener Holzkamin in romantisch, rustikalem Ambiente

Design- und Kaminmanufaktur Schinharl

Design ideas for an expansive country open plan dining in Munich with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, brown floor and a plaster fireplace surround.

Modern Two Sided Fireplace - An Aptos Modern Ranch 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

Brooklyn Townhouse

Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors LLC

Photo by Adam Kane Macchia
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional open plan dining in New York with a standard fireplace, white walls, dark hardwood floors, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Schliersee J 30

Lebensraum Holz GmbH

Foto: Michael Voit, Nussdorf
Design ideas for a mid-sized scandinavian open plan dining in Munich with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Mullan Trail Road, Coeur d'Alene

Nest Designs

For the living room, we chose to keep it open and airy. The large fan adds visual interest while all of the furnishings remained neutral. The wall color is Functional Gray from Sherwin Williams. The fireplace was covered in American Clay in order to give it the look of concrete. We had custom benches made out of reclaimed barn wood that flank either side of the fireplace.

Студия White

Leytan Design

Анастасия Розонова
Inspiration for a mid-sized kitchen/dining combo in Novosibirsk with white walls, vinyl floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and white floor.

Living Room Mantle

Southampton Gallery of Marble and Tile

Mid-sized traditional separate dining room in New York with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Mediterranean with A Venetian Flair

Wesley-Wayne Interiors (LA)

Large mediterranean separate dining room in Los Angeles with yellow walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and brown floor.

Haus U Frankfurt

Zamel Krug Architekten

This is an example of a large contemporary open plan dining in Dortmund with white walls, a two-sided fireplace and a plaster fireplace surround.

St. Lawrence Loft

High Street Design

http://downtownphotos.ca | This light, airy two floor loft space was purchased in 2012 as both a home and a potential investment. Our Client was therefore interested in furnishings that could remain should he decide to rent the space. Not looking to keep any of the existing items he owned, we developed a virtual plan and began executing by looking for key pieces. The end result is a vintage modern gallery like space with vintage inspired furnishings and strategic pops of colour throughout. In addition to furnishings, a few structural changes helped ensure a better flow and use of the space. Favourite pieces include the bright orange vintage inspired chair balanced by the hint of orange in the large Monet canvas (a reflection of his french European heritage) as well as the vintage modern console table accentuated by the over sized monochromatic clock above.

Icking S 2

Lebensraum Holz GmbH

Foto: Michael Voit, Nußdorf
This is an example of an expansive contemporary open plan dining in Munich with white walls, a corner fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround and grey floor.

Private Residence

NWI Contracting Ltd.

This custom dining table is great place for friends and family to gather. The Bocci light fixture is another great focal point in this room. Mike Chatwin Photography

Grey Dining Room Design Ideas with a Plaster 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!