Photo of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Sydney with white walls, light hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Flinders , Sailors Whisk

Mermaid Bay Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style kitchen/dining combo in Melbourne with light hardwood floors, white walls, a concrete fireplace surround and planked wall panelling.

Cliffside Farmhouse // Modern Farmhouse

Younger Homes

Design ideas for a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, brown floor, exposed beam and planked wall panelling.

Modern Medina Two-Story

Swanson Homes

The dining space and walkout raised patio are separated by Marvin’s bi-fold accordion doors which open up to create a shared indoor/outdoor space with stunning prairie conservation views. The outdoor patio features a clean, contemporary sawn sandstone, built-in grill, and radius stairs leading down to the lower patio/pool at the walkout level.

Bel Aire Chinoiserie Mural

MuralSources

For the Richmond Symphony Showhouse in 2018. This room was designed by David Barden Designs, photographed by Ansel Olsen. The Mural is "Bel Aire" in the "Emerald" colorway. Installed above a chair rail that was painted to match.

WESTVIEW CIRCLE

Total 360 Interiors

This is an example of a transitional kitchen/dining combo in Dallas with light hardwood floors, beige walls, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Acucraft Residential Custom Gas Fireplaces

Acucraft Fireplaces

Acucraft custom gas linear fireplace with glass reveal and blue glass media.
Expansive modern kitchen/dining combo in Boston with white walls, travertine floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and grey floor.

Modern Mountain Cabin

HMH Architecture + Interiors

Dining rooms don't have to be overly formal and stuffy. We especially love the custom credenza and the Sarus Mobile ©David Lauer Photography
Mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Denver with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace surround.

Urban Dining Room

A Curated Room

Mid-sized transitional kitchen/dining combo in Atlanta with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Modern Warmth - Energy Efficient New Construction with Open Modern Design

The Chuba Company

Dining Room
Mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

The Bedford House

Lori Dennis Interior Design

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.

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.

Mid Century Modern Remodel

Chuckanut Builders

The dining room and kitchen flow seamlessly in this mid-century home. The white walls and countertops create visual space while the beautiful white oak cabinets provide abundant storage. Both the exposed wood ceiling and oak floors were existing, we refinished them and color matched new trim as needed.

Pacific NW Modern Dwelling

User

A modern glass fireplace an Ortal Space Creator 120 organically separates this sunken den and dining room. A set of three glazed vases in shades of amber, chartreuse and olive stand on the cream concrete hearth. Wide flagstone steps capped with oak slabs lead the way to the dining room. The base of the espresso stained dining table is accented with zebra wood and rests on an ombre rug in shades of soft green and orange. The table’s centerpiece is a hammered pot filled with greenery. Hanging above the table is a striking modern light fixture with glass globes. The ivory walls and ceiling are punctuated with warm, honey stained alder trim. Orange piping against a tone on tone chocolate fabric covers the dining chairs paying homage to the warm tones of the stained oak floor. The ebony chair legs coordinate with the black of the baby grand piano which stands at the ready for anyone eager to play the room a tune.

18 T St

The Singing Stager

Small transitional kitchen/dining combo in DC Metro with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

Myrtle Tree House

Basis Builders

Design ideas for a modern kitchen/dining combo in Melbourne with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Transitional Farmhouse

Vanguard Studio Inc.

Fine Focus Photography
Large country kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, dark hardwood floors and a stone fireplace surround.

Transitional Farmhouse

Vanguard Studio Inc.

Fine Focus Photography
Inspiration for a large country kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Bainbridge

NGD Interiors, Inc.

A family breakfast nook receives a powerful punch of color & style.
Inspiration for a small midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Philadelphia with dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and green walls.

Berkeley Brown Shingle

AND Interior Design Studio

Peter Lyons
Photo of a mid-sized traditional kitchen/dining combo in San Francisco with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and brown floor.

All Fireplace Surrounds Kitchen/Dining Combo Design Ideas

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!