Originally built in 1955, this modest penthouse apartment typified the small, separated living spaces of its era. The design challenge was how to create a home that reflected contemporary taste and the client’s desire for an environment rich in materials and textures. The keys to updating the space were threefold: break down the existing divisions between rooms; emphasize the connection to the adjoining 850-square-foot terrace; and establish an overarching visual harmony for the home through the use of simple, elegant materials. The renovation preserves and enhances the home’s mid-century roots while bringing the design into the 21st century—appropriate given the apartment’s location just a few blocks from the fairgrounds of the 1962 World’s Fair.

House on Taylor's Branch

Ashby Collective

This is an example of an expansive midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Austin with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, brown floor, vaulted and brick walls.

Bright + Modern Craftsman in Upper Rockridge

studio D

This is an example of a large midcentury open plan dining in San Francisco with grey walls, light hardwood floors and a two-sided fireplace.

Mid Century Interior Renovation

KOSS design+build, pllc

View of great room from dining area. Rick Brazil Photography
This is an example of a midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Phoenix with concrete floors, a tile fireplace surround, grey floor, white walls and a two-sided fireplace.

Long Dune Lane, Truro

Hammer Architects

Peter Vanderwarker
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Boston with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, light hardwood floors, a concrete fireplace surround and brown floor.

Classic and Cool

exactly.

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury dining room in Detroit with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Lato Signature - Modin Rigid LVP Collection Customer Space - CA

Flooret

Lato Signature from the Modin Rigid LVP Collection - Crisp tones of maple and birch. The enhanced bevels accentuate the long length of the planks.
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in San Francisco with grey walls, vinyl floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and yellow floor.

North Oaks Mid-Century Modern

Megan Dent, AKBD

Scott Amundson
Design ideas for a large midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Minneapolis with green walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor and medium hardwood floors.

Beacon Hill Mid-Century

Ore Studios

Lauren Colton
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Sycamore Canyon Interiors & Exteriors

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Galley Kitchen and Dining room with a Corner Fire Place and a Nano Door to give that great Indoor/Outdoor living space that we absolutely love here in Santa Barbara

Highland Park Mid Century Remodel

Jennifer Garner Interiors

Photography: Michael Hunter
Design ideas for a large midcentury separate dining room in Austin with a standard fireplace, grey walls, medium hardwood floors and a concrete fireplace surround.

Bridle Trails Remodel

SHED Architecture & Design

Mark Woods
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Seattle with medium hardwood floors, white walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and brown floor.

lake-house- Dining Room

Mary Anne Smiley Interiors

Danny Piassick
Inspiration for a large midcentury open plan dining in Dallas with beige walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and grey floor.

Montecito Mid-Century Craftsman

Giffin & Crane General Contractors, Inc.

Jim Bartsch
Photo of a midcentury dining room in Santa Barbara with white walls, light hardwood floors and a ribbon fireplace.

Mid-Century Modern, Whole House Renovation in Spring Mill Indianapolis

WrightWorks, LLC

The dining table was custom made from solid walnut, with live edges. The original brick veneer fireplace was kept, as well as the floating steel framed hearth. Photo by Christopher Wright, CR

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.

San Diego Mid-century modern home staging

HomeScapes Home Staging San Diego

This mid-century modern home features tons of natural light, wonderful hardwood floors and an open concept with lots of outdoor living area and a large pool

Mid Century Modern ADA Remodel

Corinthian Fine Homes

We designed and renovated a Mid-Century Modern home into an ADA compliant home with an open floor plan and updated feel. We incorporated many of the homes original details while modernizing them. We converted the existing two car garage into a master suite and walk in closet, designing a master bathroom with an ADA vanity and curb-less shower. We redesigned the existing living room fireplace creating an artistic focal point in the room. The project came with its share of challenges which we were able to creatively solve, resulting in what our homeowners feel is their first and forever home. This beautiful home won three design awards: • Pro Remodeler Design Award – 2019 Platinum Award for Universal/Better Living Design • Chrysalis Award – 2019 Regional Award for Residential Universal Design • Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards – 2019 Bronze Award for Universal Design

Mid Century Modern Home

Candace Nordquist Interiors

This mid century modern home has sleek lines and a functional form. This was a large remodel that involved vaulting the ceiling to create an open concept great room.

Knollwood Cove

Mosier Luxury Homes

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury open plan dining in Austin with white walls, concrete floors, a ribbon fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and beige floor.

All Fireplaces Midcentury Dining Room Design Ideas

A midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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 midcentury 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!