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.

Brianne's Condo

Wow Great Place

This condo was a blank slate. All new furnishings and decor. And how fun is it to get light fixtures installed into a stretched ceiling? I think the electrician is still cursing at us. This is the view from the front entry into the dining room.

Home Remodel- Dix Hills, New York

Long Island Creative Contracting

Ship Lap Ceiling, Exposed beams Minwax Ebony. Walls Benjamin Moore Alabaster

Parade of Homes 2020

Aimee Walker Interiors

Open floor plan dining room featuring a custom vaulted ceilings and antique reclaimed wood beams.

Dream Cottage with a View

Mary Hannah Interiors

Contemporary Home Remodel

Soundesign Group Architects, PLLC

Iconic Modern

LTW Design

Claro Dining

Collector's Specialty Woods

Formal Dining Room

Chesler Construction, Inc.

Traditional formal dining, moldings, fireplace, marble surround gas fireplace, dark hardwood floors

Country Living

Aspen Builders and Remodelers

Hillside MCM Residence

Studio Bergtraun AIA

Treve Johnson

Greenspring Valley Makeover

Penza Bailey Architects

Former clients of Penza Bailey Architects purchased this property in Greenspring Valley because of the expansive views of the adjacent rolling hills, which were protected by an environmental trust. They asked PBA to design an attached garage with a studio above, a new entrance vestibule and entry foyer, and a new sunroom in the rear of the property to take advantage of the commanding views. The entire house was extensively renovated, and landscape improvements included a new front courtyard and guest parking, replacing the original paved driveway. In addition to the 2 story garage enlargement, PBA designed a tall entrance providing a stronger sense of identity and welcome, along with a 1 1/2 story gallery, allowing light to graciously fill the interior space. These additions served to break up the original rambling roofline, resulting in a thoughtfully balanced structure nestled comfortably into the property. Anne Gummerson Photography

422 Green St

PS & Daughters

Jaime Alvarez

Dog Trot House, Charlottesville, VA

Hays + Ewing Design Studio

Open plan living room has high clerestory windows that vent hot air providing a passive cooling effect. Photo by Prakash Patel

Caisson Studios– Interior Designer Los Angeles

Caisson Studios

Lovely in La Jolla

Margaret Dean at Design Studio West

Built in hutch designed by Margaret Dean, Design Studio West and supplied by Rutt Custom Cabinetry. Lighting and furniture by homeowner. Floor was existing and refinished.

Mid Century Modern Addition

Kipnis Architecture + Planning

This is the addition to a early 1960's split level. The addition encloses a family room and dining room. The dining room is defined by the higher ceiling. Daylighting is brought further into the interior by the use of a light shelf, which bounces the daylighting off of it and reflects it up onto the ceiling of the taller space. The overhang that the light shelf is made from blocks out the high summer sun, while still admitting the low winter sun for passive solar gain. The existing home's exterior was is located at the far left. http://www.kipnisarch.com Kipnis Architecture + Planning

MIll Valley in the Trees

Suzanne Childress Design

Espace de vie ouvert _ Open living space

Paule Bourbonnais Design

Cuisine noire intemporelle dans une aire ouverte _ Plancher de chêne naturel et mobilier en bois massif _ Les couleurs neutres et les matières naturelles permettent un heureux mélange du style industriel et contemporain _ Timeless black kitchen in an open living space _ Naturel oak flooring and massive wood furniture _ The neutral tones and natural materials allow a great mix between the industrial and contemporary styles _ Photo: Olivier Hétu de reference design Interior design: Paule Bourbonnais de Paule Bourbonnais Design et reference design Architecture: Dufour Ducharme architectes

Open Plan Dining 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!