Ethan Allen accessories
Photo of a large transitional separate dining room in Cincinnati with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Brookline Rejuvenation

Oak Hill Architects

This is an example of a large separate dining room in Boston with metallic walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, black floor, exposed beam and wallpaper.

Warm Traditional Interior Renovation

Hofmann Design Build, Inc.

Inspiration for a traditional separate dining room in New York with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, beige walls and dark hardwood floors.

West Village Townhouse, New York, NY

Studio Geiger Architecture

Design ideas for a mid-sized separate dining room in Philadelphia with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Styling a Vintage Shop for a Pink Christmas Party

Laurel T. Colins Holistic Style and Design

Inspiration for a small traditional separate dining room in Vancouver with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Yellow Rhapsody: Kirkland living and dining area design

Interiors by Popov

This project is a great example of how small changes can have a huge impact on a space. Our clients wanted to have a more functional dining and living areas while combining his modern and hers more traditional style. The goal was to bring the space into the 21st century aesthetically without breaking the bank. We first tackled the massive oak built-in fireplace surround in the dining area, by painting it a lighter color. We added built-in LED lights, hidden behind each shelf ledge, to provide soft accent lighting. By changing the color of the trim and walls, we lightened the whole space up. We turned a once unused space, adjacent to the living room into a much-needed library, accommodating an area for the electric piano. We added light modern sectional, an elegant coffee table, and a contemporary TV media unit in the living room. New dark wood floors, stylish accessories and yellow drapery add warmth to the space and complete the look. The home is now ready for a grand party with champagne and live entertainment.

Dining Room Lighting

We Got Lites

Contemporary Dining room with Rectangular table, white chairs and drum shade lighting Also available with energy saving LED option
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary separate dining room in New York with black walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Saint Paul Prairie School Residence

David Heide Design Studio

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio -- Photos: Susan Gilmore
Inspiration for a traditional separate dining room in Minneapolis with brown walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Our Work

Pat Miller Baker Interior Designs

Mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Other with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and medium hardwood floors.

McLean Virginia Southern Plantation

Ann Kenkel Interiors DC PREMIERE DESIGN FIRM

Southern Plantation home in McLean Virginia decorated for Christmas house tour.
Design ideas for a large traditional separate dining room in DC Metro with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and multi-coloured floor.

Villa di prestigio con giardino

Santa Tecla Immobiliare

La sala da pranzo
Design ideas for a large traditional separate dining room in Milan with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and medium hardwood floors.

Remodel Whole House: Regency Court

Nico Interior Design

Mid-sized traditional separate dining room in Other with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Craftsman Update - Alameda, CA

Saikley Architects

We updated this 1907 two-story family home for re-sale. We added modern design elements and amenities while retaining the home’s original charm in the layout and key details. The aim was to optimize the value of the property for a prospective buyer, within a reasonable budget. New French doors from kitchen and a rear bedroom open out to a new bi-level deck that allows good sight lines, functional outdoor living space, and easy access to a garden full of mature fruit trees. French doors from an upstairs bedroom open out to a private high deck overlooking the garden. The garage has been converted to a family room that opens to the garden. The bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled the kitchen with simple, light, classic materials and contemporary lighting fixtures. New windows and skylights flood the spaces with light. Stained wood windows and doors at the kitchen pick up on the original stained wood of the other living spaces. New redwood picture molding was created for the living room where traces in the plaster suggested that picture molding has originally been. A sweet corner window seat at the living room was restored. At a downstairs bedroom we created a new plate rail and other redwood trim matching the original at the dining room. The original dining room hutch and woodwork were restored and a new mantel built for the fireplace. We built deep shelves into space carved out of the attic next to upstairs bedrooms and added other built-ins for character and usefulness. Storage was created in nooks throughout the house. A small room off the kitchen was set up for efficient laundry and pantry space. We provided the future owner of the house with plans showing design possibilities for expanding the house and creating a master suite with upstairs roof dormers and a small addition downstairs. The proposed design would optimize the house for current use while respecting the original integrity of the house. Photography: John Hayes, Open Homes Photography https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/classic-craftsman-update/

West Coast Flair

Ryland Witt Interior Design

Inspiration for a large midcentury separate dining room in Richmond with beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Period Country Lodge

Jenny Blanc

Atmospheric dining room in dark reds with matting and tapestry upholstered dining chairs.
This is an example of a country separate dining room in London with red walls, a wood stove, a brick fireplace surround and carpet.

Oceanfront Shingle Style

Lynn Hopkins Architects

This is an example of a large traditional separate dining room in Boston with brown walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Arts District Remodel

Laura Manchee Designs

Dining Room overlooking Living Room and Butler's Pantry. Dry bar with custom finish and lockable file drawer incorporated in Butler's Pantry | Photo Credit: Miro Dvorscak

Napoleon Fireplace Gallery

Walltek

Napoleon Ascent linear 46'' direct vent gas fireplace. Beach Fire Kit and Shore Fire kit with included 1'' trim. Up to 24,000 BTU's.
Inspiration for a separate dining room in Toronto with a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Montgomery addition

Connie Dean, Ethan Allen Retail, Inc.

Ethan Allen furnishings and accessories
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional separate dining room in Cincinnati with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Magnolia Spring Historic Estate

Erin E. Kaiser, Kaiser Real Estate Sales, Inc

Southern Charm and Sophistication at it's best! Stunning Historic Magnolia River Front Estate. Known as The Governor's Club circa 1900 the property is situated on approx 2 acres of lush well maintained grounds featuring Fresh Water Springs, Aged Magnolias and Massive Live Oaks. Property includes Main House (2 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, Lvg Rm, Dining Rm, Kitchen, Library, Office, 3 car garage, large porches, garden with fountain), Magnolia House (2 Guest Apartments each consisting of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Kitchen, Dining Rm, Sitting Area), River House (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Lvg Rm, Dining Rm, Kitchen, river front porches), Pool House (Heated Gunite Pool and Spa, Entertainment Room/ Sitting Area, Kitchen, Bathroom), and Boat House (River Front Pier, 3 Covered Boat Slips, area for Outdoor Kitchen, Theater with Projection Screen, 3 children's play area, area ready for 2 built in bunk beds, sleeping 4). Full Home Generator System. Call or email Erin E. Kaiser with Kaiser Sotheby's International Realty at 251-752-1640 / erin@kaisersir.com for more info!

Separate Dining Room Design Ideas with a Brick 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!