Dining in pure contemporary coastal style with a touch of rustic charm. This home was outdated, dark and uninviting. I combined a bright color palette with hues reminiscent of the ocean. Troy Campbell Photography. Krista Watterworth Alterman, designer. Krista Watterworth Design Studio, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Prior Lake Custom Home

AMEK Custom Builders

Contemporary open plan dining in Minneapolis with white walls and medium hardwood floors.

East Hamptons: Dining Room

Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors

The kitchen and breakfast area are kept simple and modern, featuring glossy flat panel cabinets, modern appliances and finishes, as well as warm woods. The dining area was also given a modern feel, but we incorporated strong bursts of red-orange accents. The organic wooden table, modern dining chairs, and artisan lighting all come together to create an interesting and picturesque interior. Project Location: The Hamptons. Project designed by interior design firm, Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors. From their Chelsea base, they serve clients in Manhattan and throughout New York City, as well as across the tri-state area and in The Hamptons. For more about Betty Wasserman, click here: https://www.bettywasserman.com/

Sunset View - Cottage With Room To Grow

Visbeen Architects

Packed with cottage attributes, Sunset View features an open floor plan without sacrificing intimate spaces. Detailed design elements and updated amenities add both warmth and character to this multi-seasonal, multi-level Shingle-style-inspired home. Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins throughout add a sense of Old World craftsmanship. Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and a curved booth that seats up to eight at a time. When space is needed for a larger crowd, furniture in the sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs. On the other side of the fireplace, expansive lake views are the highlight of the hearth room, which features drop down steps for even more beautiful vistas. An unusual stair tower connects the home’s five levels. While spacious, each room was designed for maximum living in minimum space. In the lower level, a guest suite adds additional accommodations for friends or family. On the first level, a home office/study near the main living areas keeps family members close but also allows for privacy. The second floor features a spacious master suite, a children’s suite and a whimsical playroom area. Two bedrooms open to a shared bath. Vanities on either side can be closed off by a pocket door, which allows for privacy as the child grows. A third bedroom includes a built-in bed and walk-in closet. A second-floor den can be used as a master suite retreat or an upstairs family room. The rear entrance features abundant closets, a laundry room, home management area, lockers and a full bath. The easily accessible entrance allows people to come in from the lake without making a mess in the rest of the home. Because this three-garage lakefront home has no basement, a recreation room has been added into the attic level, which could also function as an additional guest room.

Berkeley Vale Home

AMA Studio Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized beach style open plan dining in Sydney with white walls, concrete floors and grey floor.

Chic Fishers Renovation: Living Room

Everything Home

This home renovation project transformed unused, unfinished spaces into vibrant living areas. Each exudes elegance and sophistication, offering personalized design for unforgettable family moments. In this living area, opulence meets functionality with luxurious furnishings, complemented by a central table and open shelves adorned with decor. In the breakfast area, a cozy ambience invites leisurely mornings. A charming table and chairs offer a perfect spot for enjoying breakfast or casual gatherings with loved ones. Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/fishers-chic-family-home-renovation/

Espace salle à manger

La Compagnie de la Maison

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open plan dining in Paris with light hardwood floors, a corner fireplace and decorative wall panelling.

Lincoln Park Japandi Loft

Devon Grace Interiors

Above the dining table, we dropped oversized, sculptural globes that act as a light fixture to bring the ceiling down a bit above the table, but also become an art installation in the space.

MAC House - Living & Kitchen

Davide Gratteri Architetto

Tavolo Chiuso: il tavolo in legno massello appoggiato alla penisola è l’elemento polivalente di questo ambiente, che muta in base alle esigenze dei clienti, trasformandosi da comoda penisola a tavolo capace di accogliere ospiti intorno ad esso.

Tribeca Family Condo

Lucy Harris Studio

Key decor elements include: Henry Dining table by Egg Collective, Ch20 Elbow chairs by Hans Wegner, Bana triple vase from Horne, Brass candlesticks from Skultuna, Agnes 10 light chandelier powder coated in black and brass finish by Lindsey Adelman from Roll and Hill

Apartamento G47

FFWD Arquitectes

Design ideas for a small traditional open plan dining in Barcelona with white walls.

niguel west mid-century modern

Moss Yaw Design studio

a formal dining room acts as a natural extension of the open kitchen and adjacent bar
Design ideas for a mid-sized country open plan dining in Orange County with white walls, light hardwood floors, beige floor, vaulted and wood walls.

Maison GLP

Olivier Chabaud Architecte - Paris & Luberon

Salle à manger contemporaine rénovée avec meubles (étagères et bibliothèque) sur mesure. Grandes baies vitrées, association couleur, blanc et bois.
Design ideas for a contemporary open plan dining in Other with green walls and beige floor.

Banqa Apartamento Escipió

Merce Gost Photo

Inspiration for a contemporary open plan dining in Barcelona with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Joven y actual

Slow & Chic - Interiorismo

Photo of a small contemporary open plan dining in Madrid with white walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Project Waverton - Dining room

desculpto

Within this contemporary dining room, one is greeted by the breathtaking Sydney city views that serve as a backdrop to an elegant living space. This thoughtfully designed area features a practical shelving unit, which gracefully divides the dining area from a cozy study nook. Anchoring the scene is a sizable pendant light fixture, casting a warm and inviting glow over the dining table and chairs. It not only illuminates the space but also adds a touch of modern sophistication.

Homey Project

Blue Copper Design

Photo of a small country open plan dining in Phoenix with white walls, laminate floors and beige floor.

Magnolia Transitionaldi

Morning Star Builders LTD

Photo of a large transitional open plan dining in Houston with white walls, laminate floors, grey floor and recessed.

Atwater Village Craftsman

Julia Chasman Design

Although we kept the wall between the kitchen and dining room, we opened the casing as far as possible to see into the kitchen. The original Craftsman hutch looks more modern painted white, and restored with new glass doors, and brass and wrought-iron hardware. Rug: DWR.

Congress Park Forever Home

Classic Homeworks

Design ideas for a contemporary open plan dining in Denver with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

White Open Plan Dining Design Ideas

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!