Nina Siber
Photo of a small contemporary open plan dining in Frankfurt with concrete floors and grey walls.

Salle à Manger contemporaine

Photo of a small contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Paris with white walls and concrete floors.

Pella Windows & Doors

Timberline Windows & Doors

This is an example of a small contemporary open plan dining in Other with white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

Austin Downtown Condo - Staging

Studio M Designs

Photo of a small industrial open plan dining in Austin with beige walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

West One House, Fitzrovia, London

Francesco Pierazzi Architects

The proposal for the renovation of a small apartment on the third floor of a 1990s block in the hearth of Fitzrovia sets out to wipe out the original layout and update its configuration to suit the requirements of the new owner. The challenge was to incorporate an ambitious brief within the limited space of 48 sqm. A narrow entrance corridor is sandwiched between integrated storage and a pod that houses Utility functions on one side and the Kitchen on the side opposite and leads to a large open space Living Area that can be separated by means of full height pivoting doors. This is the starting point of an imaginary interior circulation route that guides one to the terrace via the sleeping quarter and which is distributed with singularities that enrich the quality of the journey through the small apartment. Alternating the qualities of each space further augments the degree of variation within such a limited space. The materials have been selected to complement each other and to create a homogenous living environment where grey concrete tiles are juxtaposed to spray lacquered vertical surfaces and the walnut kitchen counter adds and earthy touch and is contrasted with a painted splashback. In addition, the services of the apartment have been upgraded and the space has been fully insulated to improve its thermal and sound performance. Photography by Gianluca Maver

barrio historico house

HK ASSOCIATES

Bill Timmerman
Inspiration for a small modern open plan dining in Other with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace and a metal fireplace surround.

Dining Room

Real Estate Judge

Small transitional open plan dining in Phoenix with grey walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and brown floor.

Te Awanga Boutique Accommodation

User

Florence Charvin
Photo of a small transitional dining room in Napier-Hastings with white walls and concrete floors.

Cheltenham Road - Dining

Broswick Builders Ltd

Evolving from a distinctly traditional residence into a modern family home. Curated rooms comprise of contemporary forms sitting harmoniously within the architectural foundations of a 1910 villa. The clients wanted a glamorous, bespoke hotel vibe and to highlight their existing quirky art and use sculptural lighting and bursts of colour against muted tones and this will be seen in the visual and textural journey throughout the home mixing modern and traditional elements.

Madison Ave Kitchen + Patio

S P A C E is O B S O L E T E

Photo of a small modern dining room in New York with concrete floors and grey floor.

Rainbow House

Light House Architecture & Science

This is an example of a small contemporary open plan dining in Canberra - Queanbeyan with white walls, concrete floors and grey floor.

Mission Hills Residence

Carl Pallini LLC

Maha Comianos
Small midcentury kitchen/dining combo in San Diego with grey walls, concrete floors and grey floor.

West Hills ADU

TELFORD+BROWN STUDIO ARCHITECTURE

This 800 square foot Accessory Dwelling Unit steps down a lush site in the Portland Hills. The street facing balcony features a sculptural bronze and concrete trough spilling water into a deep basin. The split-level entry divides upper-level living and lower level sleeping areas. Generous south facing decks, visually expand the building's area and connect to a canopy of trees. The mid-century modern details and materials of the main house are continued into the addition. Inside a ribbon of white-washed oak flows from the entry foyer to the lower level, wrapping the stairs and walls with its warmth. Upstairs the wood's texture is seen in stark relief to the polished concrete floors and the crisp white walls of the vaulted space. Downstairs the wood, coupled with the muted tones of moss green walls, lend the sleeping area a tranquil feel. Contractor: Ricardo Lovett General Contracting Photographer: David Papazian Photography

Culver City - Complete Remodel

Luxe Remodel

Avesha Michael
This is an example of a small contemporary open plan dining in Los Angeles with white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

KAILANI HOME OFFICE

Bloomint

Margaret Stepien
Design ideas for a small mediterranean open plan dining in Barcelona with white walls and concrete floors.

Cabin in the Woods

Brothers Building Company Inc

Photo Credit: Susan Teare
Inspiration for a small contemporary kitchen/dining combo in Burlington with white walls, concrete floors, no fireplace and grey floor.

HANCOCK HOUSE

Erban Development

2 storey custom built home on rear ROW with open plan and outdoor living to suit clients coastal lifestyle. This modern home has a minimum 6 star energy rating and incorporates solar passive design with the latest construction materials including structural insulated roof panels (SIPs), exposed 'burnished' concrete slabs, cross ventilation using louvers, and use of engineered timbers as a themed finish throughout the home. PHOTOGRAPHY: F22 Photography

Balmain House

Melocco and Moore Architects

Timber storage units set into a concrete framework. Photography by Brett Boardman.
Inspiration for a small contemporary open plan dining in Sydney with grey walls, concrete floors and grey floor.

Winter Street Townhouse

Charles Maccora Design

Photo of a small contemporary dining room in Geelong with concrete floors, grey floor, white walls and vaulted.

Mission Coach Home - Inverted Elegance

Lacey Construction Ltd.

Dining space is framed by a stunning circular chandelier. Photos by Brice Ferre
Photo of a small modern open plan dining in Other with white walls, concrete floors and grey floor.

Small Dining Room Design Ideas with Concrete Floors

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!