Dining rooms don't have to be overly formal and stuffy. We especially love the custom credenza and the Sarus Mobile ©David Lauer Photography

Bayfield Cottage

Rehkamp Larson Architects, Inc.

Scott Amundson Photography

Long Dune Lane, Truro

Hammer Architects

Peter Vanderwarker

Tongass Ledge

Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

The main space is a single, expansive flow outward toward the sound. There is plenty of room for a dining table and seating area in addition to the kitchen. Photography: Andrew Pogue Photography.

Yellowstone Club Residence - 2015

North Fork Builders of Montana, Inc.

Nelson Cabin

CAST architecture

Heron Cottage

Winkelman Architecture

Modern Patriot

Locati Architects

Modern Patriot Residence by Locati Architects, Interior Design by Locati Interiors, Photography by Gibeon Photography

East Hamptons: Kitchen & Dining Room

Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors: The Hamptons

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 completed by New York interior design firm Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors, which serves 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/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.bettywasserman.com/spaces/hamptons-estate/

Balwyn Art Deco

Colour Confidence Interiors

Original Tudor Revival with Art Deco undertones has been given new life with the client's love for French Provincial, the stunning French Oak double herringbone parquetry floor and the open plan kitchen. This fireplace is one of three in this home and originally had a collection of built-ins above it which were removed to simplify the space as a walk-way through to the new open-plan kitchen/living area. the original fireplace surround was kept with most of the brick now painted a crisp white and new black marble hearth still waiting to arrive. I imagine many family meals had in this now open and light space with easy access to the Kitchen and Butlers Pantry and overlooking the Alfresco and Pool-house.

The Perfect Game Room: Robeson Design

Robeson Design

This is the perfect game room for a family, the concrete stamped stone fireplace offers personalized details and adds visual interest to this warm space.

Frahm Interiors - Burlington ON

ATICO FAMILIAR EN ELCHE

David Mérida

Zona de comedor enmarcada con el papel pintado. Destaca en este espacio tan iluminado la estupenda mesa de madera.

Duplex familial rénové aux dernières tendances - Projet Saint-Ouen

Mon Concept Habitation

Ce duplex de 100m² en région parisienne a fait l’objet d’une rénovation partielle par nos équipes ! L’objectif était de rendre l’appartement à la fois lumineux et convivial avec quelques touches de couleur pour donner du dynamisme. Nous avons commencé par poncer le parquet avant de le repeindre, ainsi que les murs, en blanc franc pour réfléchir la lumière. Le vieil escalier a été remplacé par ce nouveau modèle en acier noir sur mesure qui contraste et apporte du caractère à la pièce. Nous avons entièrement refait la cuisine qui se pare maintenant de belles façades en bois clair qui rappellent la salle à manger. Un sol en béton ciré, ainsi que la crédence et le plan de travail ont été posés par nos équipes, qui donnent un côté loft, que l’on retrouve avec la grande hauteur sous-plafond et la mezzanine. Enfin dans le salon, de petits rangements sur mesure ont été créé, et la décoration colorée donne du peps à l’ensemble.

Armadale House

Tom Robertson Architects

Lillie Thompson

Contemporary Dining Room

Dining Room Design Ideas with a Concrete Fireplace Surround and a Metal 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!