Double-height dining space connecting directly to the rear courtyard via a giant sash window. The dining space also enjoys a visual connection with the reception room above via the open balcony space.

Traditionl Hand Painted Framed Kitchen

Tulip

Classic Contemporary Orangery Kitchen | Ashurst House

Humphrey Munson

The key design goal of the homeowners was to install “an extremely well-made kitchen with quality appliances that would stand the test of time”. The kitchen design had to be timeless with all aspects using the best quality materials and appliances. The new kitchen is an extension to the farmhouse and the dining area is set in a beautiful timber-framed orangery by Westbury Garden Rooms, featuring a bespoke refectory table that we constructed on site due to its size. The project involved a major extension and remodelling project that resulted in a very large space that the homeowners were keen to utilise and include amongst other things, a walk in larder, a scullery, and a large island unit to act as the hub of the kitchen. The design of the orangery allows light to flood in along one length of the kitchen so we wanted to ensure that light source was utilised to maximum effect. Installing the distressed mirror splashback situated behind the range cooker allows the light to reflect back over the island unit, as do the hammered nickel pendant lamps. The sheer scale of this project, together with the exceptionally high specification of the design make this kitchen genuinely thrilling. Every element, from the polished nickel handles, to the integration of the Wolf steamer cooktop, has been precisely considered. This meticulous attention to detail ensured the kitchen design is absolutely true to the homeowners’ original design brief and utilises all the innovative expertise our years of experience have provided.

Family Farmhouse

Alexandra Rae Design

This blue and white dining room, adjacent to a sitting area, occupies a large enclosed porch. The home was newly constructed to feel like it had stood for centuries. The dining porch, which is fully enclosed was built to look like a once open porch area, complete with clapboard walls to mimic the exterior. The 19th Century English farm table is from Ralf's antiques. The Swedish inspired Louis arm chairs, also 19th Century, are French. The solid brass chandelier is an 18th Century piece, once meant for candles, which was hard wired. Motorized grass shades, sisal rugs and limstone floors keep the space fresh and casual despite the pedigree of the pieces. All fabrics are by Schumacher.

Dining Space with Lake View

Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction

Like the entry way, the dining area is open to the ceiling more than 20 feet above, from which LED pendants are hung at alternating intervals, creating a celestial glow over the space. Architecture and interior design by Pierre Hoppenot, Studio PHH Architects.

Dining Room and Kitchen

Hastings Construction Inc

The open floorplan concept works extremely well in this narrow space. New limestone tile flooring brings the Dining, Kitchen, and Family rooms together.

Taylor Lombardo Architects

Living & Dining Room

Moda Interiors

Light filled combined living and dining area, overlooking the garden. Walls: Dulux Grey Pebble 100%. Floor Tiles: Milano Stone Limestone Mistral. Tiled feature on pillars and fireplace - Silvabella by D'Amelio Stone. Fireplace: Horizon 1100 GasFire. All internal selections as well as furniture and accessories by Moda Interiors. Photographed by DMax Photography

Portola Valley Modern

Noel Cross+Architects

Frank Paul Perez, Red Lily Studios

BeautyOnTheBeach

Details In Design LLC

Custom Build Transitional Farmhouse

Red Leaf Interiors, LLC

Delray Beach Residence

Hubley Design Interiors, LLC

Breakfast Area

Villa di pietra nelle colline umbre

Arkproject Camaiti & Cangi

Contemporary

Tierra Concepts

Photo by Wendy McEahern

Project 2

Kitchen Culture

Dining room fireplace

Ancient Surfaces

Ancient Dining Room Stone Fireplaces by Ancient Surfaces. Phone: (212) 461-0245 Web: www.AncientSurfaces.com email: sales@ancientsurfaces.com The way we envision the perfect dining room is quite simple really. The perfect dining room is one that will always have enough room for late comers and enough logs for its hearth. While It is no secret that the fondest memories are made when gathered around the table, everlasting memories are forged over the glowing heat of a stone fireplace. This Houzz project folder contains some examples of antique stone Fireplaces we've provided in or next to dining rooms. We hope that our imagery will inspire you to merge your dining experience with the warmth radiating from one of our own breathtaking stone mantles.

Farmhouse Views

Artisans of Devizes

This Jersey farmhouse, with sea views and rolling landscapes has been lovingly extended and renovated by Todhunter Earle who wanted to retain the character and atmosphere of the original building. The result is full of charm and features Randolph Limestone with bespoke elements. Photographer: Ray Main

Shelly Harrison

Simon Maxwell

Balboa Island - Casual French Influence

Saxony Design Build

Open Plan Dining Design Ideas with Limestone 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!