A visual artist and his fiancée’s house and studio were designed with various themes in mind, such as the physical context, client needs, security, and a limited budget. Six options were analyzed during the schematic design stage to control the wind from the northeast, sunlight, light quality, cost, energy, and specific operating expenses. By using design performance tools and technologies such as Fluid Dynamics, Energy Consumption Analysis, Material Life Cycle Assessment, and Climate Analysis, sustainable strategies were identified. The building is self-sufficient and will provide the site with an aquifer recharge that does not currently exist. The main masses are distributed around a courtyard, creating a moderately open construction towards the interior and closed to the outside. The courtyard contains a Huizache tree, surrounded by a water mirror that refreshes and forms a central part of the courtyard. The house comprises three main volumes, each oriented at different angles to highlight different views for each area. The patio is the primary circulation stratagem, providing a refuge from the wind, a connection to the sky, and a night sky observatory. We aim to establish a deep relationship with the site by including the open space of the patio.

Butler's Pantry with Dining Room Beyond

DeBaker Design Group, Ltd.

This is an example of a small transitional separate dining room in Chicago with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Built-in Dry Bar

VMAX LLC

Photography Anna Zagorodna
Small midcentury separate dining room in Richmond with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround and brown floor.

Entertaining Great Room

The Phinery

Converted this small room off the kitchen into a hip entertaining space. The counter height console table from Restoration Hardware works well for displaying appetizers and having casual meals. Room also functions well for kids - providing a great space near the kitchen for doing homework. Custom artwork was painted to pull in the colors of the brick fireplace surround and beige/gray tones of the draperies and floors. A vintage pendant light, greenery, and candles complete the space.

Shepherdstown, Contemporary, Modern Farmhouse in the forest

Fine Line Home Design LLC

Small contemporary open plan dining in DC Metro with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Rustic Cottage by Sisson Dupont and Carder

SISSON DUPONT & CARDER INC

Dining and living of this rustic cottage by Sisson Dupont and Carder. Neutral and grays.
Photo of a small country open plan dining in Other with grey walls, painted wood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and brown floor.

DuPont Circle

User

East Coast designer Samantha Friedman transformed a 100-year-old Washington, D.C. home with a Heat & Glo COSMO gas fireplace insert.
Inspiration for a small transitional separate dining room in DC Metro with beige walls, medium hardwood floors and a standard fireplace.

EAST VILLAGE - 350 SQ/FT APARTMENT

Natasha Habermann Studio

NATASHA HABERMANN & NANCY MITCHELL
Inspiration for a small eclectic separate dining room in New York with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Majestic Breck

Apex Mountain Homes

Another moss rock fireplace is the focal point for the casual eating area and kitchen. It's cozy warmth provides just the right touch on cold winter days and chilly spring and fall mornings.

Contemporary Dining Room

Inspiration for a small contemporary kitchen/dining combo in London with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

13th Street Residence

(re)work architecture & design

This is an example of a small transitional open plan dining in Philadelphia with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Open plan kitchen dining room

Mia Karlsson Interior Design Ltd

This is an example of a small contemporary kitchen/dining combo in London with medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and multi-coloured walls.

Living / Dining areas

ACM Interiors

Because the apartment was too small for a dedicated dining area and home office space, we custom-designed a long, acrylic console to flank the back of the couch, where tenants can enjoy meals and work on their laptops. A patchwork cowhide rug warms the space, and separates the living and dining areas. Clients chose to keep all the walls in this space a flat white color in case they needed to make quick touchups down the road.

Charming Bungalow

Adams + Beasley Associates

Eric Roth Photography
Design ideas for a small midcentury kitchen/dining combo in Boston with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Succès immobilier

Sonia Daigle / Vivre Ici Décor

Inspiration for a small modern kitchen/dining combo with white walls, porcelain floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and white floor.

Peace in Point

Evenflow Interiors

This is an example of a small beach style open plan dining in New York with white walls, laminate floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, grey floor and exposed beam.

Sugar House Condominium

Living Home Construction

Scott Zimmerman
This is an example of a small modern open plan dining in Salt Lake City with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and brown floor.

Shepherdstown, Contemporary, Modern Farmhouse in the forest

Fine Line Home Design LLC

This is an example of a small contemporary open plan dining in DC Metro with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround and brown floor.

Sugar House Condominium

Living Home Construction

Scott Zimmerman
Design ideas for a small modern open plan dining in Salt Lake City with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround and brown floor.

Raeburn Signature - Modin Rigid LVP Collection Customer Space

Flooret

Raeburn Signature from the Modin LVP Collection: Inspired by summers at the cabin among redwoods and pines. Weathered rustic notes with deep reds and subtle grays.

Small Dining Room Design Ideas with a Standard Fireplace

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!