We fully furnished this open concept Dining Room with an asymmetrical wood and iron base table by Taracea at its center. It is surrounded by comfortable and care-free stain resistant fabric seat dining chairs. Above the table is a custom onyx chandelier commissioned by the architect Lake Flato. We helped find the original fine artwork for our client to complete this modern space and add the bold colors this homeowner was seeking as the pop to this neutral toned room. This large original art is created by Tess Muth, San Antonio, TX.

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.

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.

Riverbend

CLB Architects

In the main volume of the Riverbend residence, the double height kitchen/dining/living area opens in its length to north and south with floor-to-ceiling windows. Residential architecture and interior design by CLB in Jackson, Wyoming – Bozeman, Montana.

Solana Beach Residence

Friehauf Architects Inc.

Design ideas for a large beach style kitchen/dining combo in San Diego with white walls, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and wood.

Big Fir Vineyard

Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

A feature unique to this house, the inset nook functions like an inverted bay window on the interior, with built-in bench seating included, while simultaneously providing built-in seating for the exterior eating area as well. Large sliding windows allow the boundary to dissolve completely here. Photography: Andrew Pogue Photography.

Estate - Park City (46)

Magleby Construction

Inspiration for an expansive modern kitchen/dining combo in Salt Lake City with brown walls, carpet, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, multi-coloured floor, wood and wood walls.

Madison Ave

Sarah Stacey Interior Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, wood, recessed, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

South Lamar New Build

CG&S Design-Build

Photographed by Andrea Calo 2018
Transitional kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, brown floor and wood.

2020 Showcase Home - Hidden Springs, Fredericksburg, TX

White Construction Company

Open concept, modern farmhouse with a chef's kitchen and room to entertain.
Inspiration for a large country kitchen/dining combo in Austin with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, grey floor and wood.

情熱と聡明の家／SESSION PIECE

株式会社シーフォーデザインレーベル

This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, plywood floors, no fireplace, beige floor, wood and wallpaper.

LUSSO A CAMPIGLIO

Corazzolla Arredamenti su Misura

Spazio open space con tavolo centrale nero e divano Baxter. Il legno avvolge a tutto tondo, soffitti e rivestimenti sono realizzati in legno antico, con nicchie e vani contenitivi celati

Coastal Mid-Century Vibe

BC Design Studio

Mid-sized midcentury kitchen/dining combo with white walls, porcelain floors, beige floor and wood.

Montagne Salle à Manger

Photo of a mid-sized country kitchen/dining combo in Other with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, beige floor, wood and wood walls.

オアシスのある棲み家／SESSION PIECE

株式会社シーフォーデザインレーベル

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Other with white walls, wood and wallpaper.

Now and Zen - Dining

Drewett Works

Ownby Designs commissioned a custom table from Peter Thomas Designs featuring a wood-slab top on acrylic legs, creating the illusion that it's floating. A pendant of glass balls from Hinkley Lighting is a key focal point. A Douglas fir ceiling, along with limestone floors and walls, creates a visually calm interior. Project Details // Now and Zen Renovation, Paradise Valley, Arizona Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Brimley Development Interior Designer: Ownby Design Photographer: Dino Tonn Millwork: Rysso Peters Limestone (Demitasse) flooring and walls: Solstice Stone Windows (Arcadia): Elevation Window & Door Table: Peter Thomas Designs Pendants: Hinkley Lighting https://www.drewettworks.com/now-and-zen/

Mid Century Modern Remodel

C&R Remodeling

This mid century modern home boasted irreplaceable features including original wood cabinets, wood ceiling, and a wall of floor to ceiling windows. C&R developed a design that incorporated the existing details with additional custom cabinets that matched perfectly. A new lighting plan, quartz counter tops, plumbing fixtures, tile backsplash and floors, and new appliances transformed this kitchen while retaining all the mid century flavor.

Aqua Verde Residence

Clark Richardson Architects

The living room flows directly into the dining room. A change in ceiling and wall finish provides a textural and color transition. The fireplace, clad in black Venetian Plaster, marks a central focus and a visual axis.

Oregon Beach House

Rehkamp Larson Architects, Inc.

Contractor: Kevin F. Russo Interiors: Anne McDonald Design Photo: Scott Amundson
Photo of a beach style kitchen/dining combo in Portland with white walls, light hardwood floors and wood.

Light-Filled Modern

AOME Architects

Cleverly concealed shades mitigate a double dose of light into this dining perch from undulating water mirroring changing skies // Image : John Granen Photography, Inc.

Kitchen/Dining Combo Design Ideas with Wood

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!