Dining Rooms Archives - Inspired Home Ideas

Small Dining Room Ideas

Small Dining Room Ideas That Make Of A Small Dining Space

There’s something familiar, warm and special in having a specific place to enjoy your meals with friends and family members.

Creating dining room designs for small spaces can often be challenging, but it needn’t be and living in a smaller house or apartment often doesn’t leave any possibility for a dining room.

Well, there’s a way to change this and create a truly modern and functional dining area that would even inspire you to spend more time looking into healthy and tasty recipes to try.

If you think that it’s impossible for you to add to the overall home design with adequate dining area, think again.

With following tips, you can make use of all the space you have, even if it’s not all that much.

Choose The Dining Table Carefully

The star of the dining room is its table.

Therefore, you should pay a lot of attention to your perfect choice.

A small table is definitely something that first comes to mind but if it’s too small, it may not be the most practical dining surface there is.

In that respect, you should definitely look at extendable dining tables.

That way, you can save the space when you’re not using the dining room and still have enough room for everyone when it’s time for lunch.

If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to bother with getting dining tables that match your style with design and pattern – with the help of some interesting DIY projects, you can easily transform your plain-looking table into a modern centerpiece of the entire room.

Utilize the Wall Space

Are things really that cramped when you have bare walls just waiting to be used?

In order to effectively organize your small dining space and still have an efficient layout, it’s important that you think vertically.

All those walls can do a lot more than simply having a painting or two hanging on there.

If you install some hanging cabinets, you can easily store all your kitchen stuff and thus make room for your dining area.

On the other hand, if new cabinets are not something you’re willing to spend your money on, you can opt for the easier and more affordable solution – shelves.

Sleek wall-hanging shelves aren’t difficult to install even if you’ve never done that before but they significantly add to the modern vibe of the entire room.

Not to mention the storage options they provide.

A Mirror is Always Handy

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You probably heard about the mirror trick when it comes to making the space appear visually bigger.

Well, it’s true and you can try it in your own dining room project. A mirror surface is definitely a staple for modern and urban interiors so you can really play with different mirror positioning to your heart’s content.

Decorating your kitchen elements with mirrors is definitely a sign of a unique layout.

Also, you can use the space between the hanging kitchen elements and floor units to add that reflection.

You might think that these will be really troublesome to clean but with special mirror finishes and polish, this task won’t bother you at all.

Accessorize With Lights and Plants

In a small dining room area you should stay away from clutter.

Still, no living space should be completely devoid of personality and this is especially important for modern interior design.

Therefore, the most important decorative staple can be your lighting.

Recessed lighting solutions are truly great for small spaces but if you want to make your creativity shine both literally and figuratively, make sure to try some of the interesting DIY lighting projects for chandeliers.

When it comes to statement pieces that would add a special touch to your small dining room, there really isn’t anything better than finding that one great element.

You can search for different types of homeware that can be found online and make a difference with the most suitable decorations.

What’s more, plants are a must have in any modern household. In that respect, green up your dining room corner with plants of your choice and place them in colorful pots that would complete the entire look of this space.

Perfect Seating Solutions

Table, storage and décor are all important pieces in creating your modern dining room, but what to do when it comes to seating arrangement?

Small space implies that having a lot of chairs is practically impossible to pull off. Well then, say goodbye to chairs.

If your dining area is really small, bring in the outdoor vibe! Dining benches that you usually have on your patio can serve their respective purpose in your dining room as well.

These are really practical since they can be easily moved under the table when you finish with your meal and create extra space when you need it.

Not to mention the endless possibilities you have when it comes to decorating these benches.

On the other hand, if your dining area is small, but not too cramped and impossible to have a sofa fit in, you can really play with that modern look by getting yourself a smaller angled sofa.

Stick to the overall color scheme when picking out your angled sofa for the dining room but feel free to add pops of color with cushions.

These are definitely the smartest investment you can make if you want to have a stylish dining room without the trouble of moving chairs or bench every time you’re done with your meal.

With the possibility to resort to various DIY projects, your small dining room doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

It’s essential that you make good use of the space you have, so analyze all your options and take measures in every corner of the said space.

Even the smallest dining room can make a difference when it comes to home interior.

If you’re not sure how to go about the most efficient layout, don’t be reluctant to ask for professional help.

You don’t need to hire an interior designer bit having someone estimate the best possible space utilization is always useful.

Take your time to enjoy some inspiration search online and home design magazines so that the outcome will truly suit your personality and style.

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Detailed Guidelines on Choosing Laminate Flooring

Guidelines on Laminate Flooring in a lounge

Here are some guidelines on laminate flooring for those living in colder climes, where stone and tile are not the best choices in flooring. Wood has always been the traditional flooring material in such areas but now you have an even better option that not only looks great but remains warm and gives you a lot more choices in colors, shapes and textures, this material for flooring is laminate. If you are giving your home a makeover or buying a new one, then you could give first preference to laminate floors. Before you go off and place your order get to know laminates and their advantages.

What is laminate plank flooring?

Laminate plank flooring is engineered hardwood. As opposed to real timber, this material is made from shaved veneers of hardwood glued together with resin under high pressure and temperature with a longitudinal grain pattern.?

Advantages:

This confers excellent strength, uniformity, durability as well as resistance to termites and moisture. It is also tough and durable.
The surface can have a plain color look or veneer laminate to mimic real hardwood in looks, texture and appearance.
For use in flooring the material has a backing layer, a composite fiberboard base and a printed design overlaid by hard wearing heat cured melamine or other phenolic resin. Resins are impervious to water and chemicals. They are also resistant to stains and scratches.
Engineered woods are less susceptible to warps, cracks and shrinking. Natural wood may have knots; a drawback absents in engineered laminate flooring.
Since wood is the primary material used in this flooring, it acts as insulation.
Available in kits as tiles with tongue and groove assembly, this flooring can be laid down easily and quickly over existing flooring.
Cleaning the laminated floors is easy as compared to other hard surfaces such as hardwood floors.

Types and Rating:

You can buy a variety of laminate flooring in thickness ranging from 7 mm to 12 mm which includes the core, topcoat and backing. Thicker is always better, but may not always be suitable. However, the material is given a rating that gives you an idea about its wear resistance. They are graded this way:

AC1: For areas with low traffic.
AC2: For areas with medium traffic.
AC3: For use in high footfall areas like drawing room, kitchen and foyers.
AC4: For use in all traffic areas.
AC5: For use in commercial areas with high traffic such as stores and offices.

Higher the AC rating, tougher the tile so it is good to select at least AC4 rated laminate floor tiles. You can select tiles with a sound absorbing underlayer. If tiles do not have such pads, then you can select a suitable underlayment as a moisture and sound barrier.

Texture:

Flooring with a smooth, uniform surface can look unnatural unless it is tiles, granite or marble. Wood always appears attractive with a texture. You can select laminate flooring in a range of textures:

Embossed in Register: In this the embossing is done along with the length of the grain to simulate the texture of real wood.
Embossed: This is plain embossing without any specific direction or pattern.
Hand scraped: Actually machine scraped, this type gives the feel of raw hardwood flooring.
High gloss: If you like mirror finish, this is the type with a polished smooth surface with high reflectivity.

Care:

Even the best laminate flooring made from selected hardwood material is not immune to damage. You will need to keep in mind the following:

Keep the floor free from dust and dirt to prevent scratches.
Clean spills immediately.
Use protective pads under furniture legs.
Do not slide heavy objects on the floor.
Use only specified cleaner and avoid the use of water.

Now you are ready to order your laminate flooring online as per your requirement and budget.

Christmas Party Table Decorations Ideas

Organizing your Christmas party table decorations ideas can be a busy hectic time so write a checklist in order of things to do and cross them off as you complete each task. Plan ahead and prepare as much as you can in advance.

Cakes and Puddings can be made months in advance and you should start to think about your table color theme now, so that there isn’t a mad panic when it comes to decorating your Christmas tree and setting up your Christmas party table theme.

Christmas time is often a time when you get drop in visitors, so make sure you have something in the tins, like slices, biscuits, nuts and chocolates. Start buying extra things at the supermarket well in advance, so it’s not such a big shopping list (or a mad panic rush) close to Christmas. Wine and sparkling drinks can be bought now and put away for the big day.

Check that all your crockery and cutlery are in good order and that you have enough for everyone on the day. If you have a large group coming and don’t have enough of everything don’t be afraid to ask friends or family if you can borrow a few bits and pieces.

A decorated Christmas dining table with champagne glasses and Christmas tree in background. The small present wrapped in white paper and a gold bow is a lovely touch to this pretty table.

Why not think about making some of your gifts this year? Jams and chutneys are always lovely gifts to give and to receive and you can decorate the tops and personalise the labels. If you sew, consider making your own tablecloths and napkins, buy a good length of Christmas material and run up the size of table cloth you need and sew some matching napkins.

This table setting is beautiful with the delicate pink of the flowers in the middle of the table and the upright white candles gleaming against the dinner and crystal glassware. The Christmas tree in the background of the table setting helps complete this Christmas setting.

Make up some Christmas hampers, put in small packets of homemade biscuits and cakes, add your jam and or chutney and tuck in a bottle of wine or sparkling drink, then wrap it all up with either colored or transparent cellophane and put a big bow and ribbons on it and voila, you have a lovely gift. A little bit of advance preparation and planning will make the festive season a happy one. Enjoy!

A festive Christmas holiday table setting with silver and purple theme. The antique wine glasses sparkle against the white tablecloth and napkins.

A contemporary Christmas table setting with presents and champagne in a crisp purple, white and silver theme.

Elegantly lit holiday dinner table with wine glasses and white ribbon gift with a touch of green in this theme with the Christmas tree in the background.

A golden Christmas theme here. The winner of this gold theme is the elegant plates with the black and gold decoration on the edges it states luxury like nothing else will.

The star of this table setting is the bright red and green poinsettia tablecloth . The light green dishes are a lovely touch and the candle as a centrepiece.

A table prepared for christmas party with red napkins and blue transparent glasses and white and gold rimmed plates. Christmas lights on in the background give it a festive look.

The silver Christmas tree cookie cutter is a perfect way to provide the Christmas spirit in this pretty table setting. The red handle cutlery and wine glasses are perfect with the white tablecloth and napkins.

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Modern Dining Room Design and Elegant Dining Room Ideas

The above image shows a vintage mansion but with a modern dining room design with an open fireplace, two toned striped wallpaper, tall glass display cabinet, sensational crystal chandelier, timber flooring and an antique styled dining table with chairs.

A dining room is one of the most common rooms in a home, however when it comes to creating a modern dining room design, it doesn’t have to involve the redecorating or changing the decor of the room insomuch as you can instead choose to use many elegant dining room ideas and furnishings to make your dining room one of the more desirable and attractive rooms in your home. Some homes are fortunate enough to have both a formal as well as an informal dining room area, and yet others also possess a breakfast nook (often in addition to the normal dining area), and yet others will often double a large kitchen island bench as their dining area.

Whatever decision you make around your dining area, it needn’t be one of the most boring functional rooms in your home. It doesn’t take much or even a lot of investment to make this room a real standout. Great furnishings, appropriate curtains and drapes, well chosen flooring, whether this be carpet, wooden, or tiles, you are best to spend a little time researching some options before you blast ahead and decide.

Then the flow from your kitchen to your dining area should be considered. Other things to contemplate are do you like the ‘casual look’, where you can have friends and family over for a bit of fun and games and maybe some casual food and drinks, or are you the more ‘formal’ type, who likes to have tables and chairs all set out appropriately, with food service being the highlight of an evening? Any which way you like it, you’ll be sure to find plenty of inspiration in this gallery of modern dining room design ideas.

Here we have an urban apartment dining room with a dark stained wooden table with eight leather upholstered chairs. Luxurious curtains and stylish overhead lights provide an elegant feel to this dining room space.

Above shows an elegant prepared table in a sophisticated and stylish dining room, finished with sheer curtains and luxurious drapes, a light colored timber floor and an eight piece set of chairs.

Beautifully co-ordinated style and color with this modern dining room setting of eight chairs and a dark colored table. Offset with sheer curtains and an outside patio area with flowering wisteria

A truly elegant luxury house with a regal sophisticated dining room consisting of ornate eight piece white leather chair setting matched beautifully with a white painted dining table. The overhead chandelier, the neutral wall color and a marble tiled floor contribute to this sensational looking room

The above shows a high-end dining table setting with fine antique styled cutlery, glassware including a spun glass candle holder, cloth napkins, rustic placemats and a rustic timber table top. The table is ornately decorated with plates of vegetables and a large central glass candle holder

A luxurious home dining area with an eight piece setting consisting of elegant brown leather chairs, an antique styled table, ruched curtains, a central planting feature of indoor plants adjacent to the stairs, and a rich neutral toned marble floor

This room shows a stunning example of a modern design dining room with timber flooring, a long elegant minimalist style table with ten large padded upholstered cream colored chairs offset against the exposed painted brick feature wall and a couple of amazing hanging lights overseeing the whole area.

Another stunning example of a modern design dining room area in an upmarket urban apartment building. The elegance of this room cannot be overstated. It is simple, refined, and sophisticated in quite a humble way. The long table, the triple overhead designer light fittings, the large floor rug, the match of dark and light tonings create an amazing room with an amazing distant urban view.

Interior design of a modern and elegant but also quite simple dining room. Using the features of the room, such as the large wall mirrors, the timber flooring and the semi see-through modern blinds gives a fair amount of flexibility in the type and style of furniture to choose to make this room something special.

The above dining table is situated in a very stylish dining room area, with beautiful flowing curtains, cloth tablecloth and napkins, wine bucket and a bright ambiance.

The wooden table in this dining room is modern, elegant and refined. Simple table settings display some sophistication with quality furnishings and background decor.

An example of a simple breakfast nook in a craftsman’s home with beautiful hardwood floors, wooden sitting bench. A couple of tables provide dining options for a home with limited occupant numbers

This photo shows a modern dining room set off to the side an adjacent kitchen. It is complete with a floating sideboard for storing all those essential dining room table furnishing items that you don’t use everyday. A six seater dark wood table and six padded upholstered chairs with matching wooden legs and all set on a light tile floor f=give this room a modern comfortable look.

This shows a nicely decorated luxury dining room with a large eight seater dark wood dining table and eight matching upholstered chairs, situated in a room with classical traditional and a few antique style decor furnishing items.

A dining room interior within a modern apartment. A beautiful set of window curtains and drapes set this room off beautifully. A feature timber sideboard sits beyond the dining table and matches the wooden tones of the timber floor and the modern timber dining table as well as the nicely matching eight upholstered dining chairs.

A simple classic dining room showing just how a traditional classical luxury dining interior of one of the styles of rooms should look. Dark timber abounds in all the furnishings, a large floor rug covers the much fancied parquet floor and the wallpaper finish just adds to the completeness of this style of dining room.

A large luxury elegant old dining room with four windows. This room shows your typical blank canvas that provides unlimited opportunity to create the look you want with furniture and soft furnishings. Sparsely decorated like above creates a feeling of space and uniqueness.

Above shows a classic, but elegant dining room with a nearby living room. The high ceiling and large window, along with the overhead classic styled chandelier set this dining room off superbly. A simple six seater table in a mahogany look with the an eclectic fabric mix for the six chairs creates a warm ambiance for this dining room.

A beautiful white minimalist styled dining room area with massive dining table and matching white leather padded chairs with seating for eight. White decor with a timber floor and some plant greenery add to a great modern looking room.

This dining room is from a luxurious opulent home. Finished with a distinct regal look with the elegant antique style dining room furniture and table place settings and matched with a divine crystal chandelier and expensive curtains and drapes.

Awesome modern designed dining room, with an overall decor of a light colored timber finish which includes the ten dining chairs, the solid but simple timber table and the light colored wooden flooring. A beautiful light fitting and a stunning view out over a distant metropolis frames this dining room perfectly.

Here we see a standard dining room space that has been turned into something really special with its beautifully designed dining room furnishing, like the six piece setting consisting of blue upholstered antique styled chairs, a classic timber dining table in matching style, an ornate antique side board with glamorous wall mirror and rich neutral toned carpet flooring

Outdoor Dining Areas and Outdoor Alfresco Ideas

Outdoor Dining Areas -Suburban under cover backyard with outdoors dining table setting and swimming pool

Above we have a modern suburban home with an under cover backyard with stunning outdoor dining areas and an outdoors park bench style dining table setting, a nicely manicured lawn and a glass fenced swimming pool.

Having an area set aside at your home where you can dine and entertain outdoors via either a specific outdoor dining area or with one of the many interesting outdoor alfresco ideas, will create a additional area where you can maximize the use of your overall home space. There’s nothing more beautiful than enjoying a late summer evening meal with family or friends and enjoying the last of the summer sun. whether it overlooks a swimming pool, a lush garden or a small backyard, the satisfaction of being able to relax and enjoy a a drink or a meal in the outdoors of your home adds the overall sense and feeling of relaxation.

An outdoors area for entertaining, dining or just having a few cocktails isn’t necessarily something that takes a lot of thought, design or effort to create. You can create any number of interesting outdoor dining areas by simply laying either a few paving stones, a timber deck, and then just placing your table and chairs. In fact, as you’ll see in this gallery, there are even examples where people have just placed their table and chairs straight onto their back lawn, and often thats good enough.

When it comes to coming up with outdoor alfresco ideas for your home, this gallery will hopefully show you examples to help your prompt your own ideas and creativity. You don’t need to think complex designs and styles if you want to create a simple situation where you can sit outdoors and enjoy the sun and the fresh air. As mentioned above, all it often takes is a table and some chairs. On the other hand, if you really want to develop something with style and pizzazz, then check out these ideas below, and get thinking about the style or setting that you’d love to create at your own home.

A beautiful terrace lounge with outdoor dining table and chairs and a separate seating area situated under a slat roofed pergola providing a dappled sun effect with timber deck and distant views.

This image shows outdoor stylish living with modern chairs and a trestle table set in a garden patio.

This is a summer patio area on a timber deck with table and chairs, umbrella and large tree for shade, all set in a private walled garden.

A backyard patio area with white outdoors table and adirondack Cape Cod chairs overlooking a lush green lawn area and trees in the background.

This under cover patio area is equipped with table, chairs and outdoor gas heater on a walkout deck overlooking a distant scenic view

Backyard paved courtyard area with six setting chairs and table and carefully planted edging wall

Stunning outdoors setting with a cedar garden table and chairs with cushions set on a lush lawn beside a relaxed in-ground swimming pool with paved surroundings.

Outdoors dining setting with cedar table and chairs furniture, sitting on a rock pavement and beside by a swimming pool

Brown cane rattan chairs and table set on an outdoors paved patio in the morning with a background lawn and garden

An old rustic wooden table made from recycled logs and timber slabs in the garden

An example of how simplae and easy setting up an outdoors dining area can be with a simple cedar wooden table and chairs sitting on the lawn in a backyard garden

Outside dining table and wooden chairs beside a luxury designed paved swimming pool

Outdoor patio cedar wooden deck area at the rear of a home with white ‘picket style’ balustrading surround enhanced with a mature bush background

Outdoor simple white garden table and chairs on crafted paved patio in the backyard area of a home

Outdoor entertaining and dining area on a paved patio area with distinct indoor outdoor flow to a beautiful lawn area and fenced swimming pool in a modern stylish home

A modern backyard area with a glass fenced swimming pool and an undercover outdoor cedar dining table on a paved patio area

Modern backyard of a luxury home with an under cover entertaining dining area and pool

A well planned outdoor open air patio area with a gas BBQ, concrete kitchen counter with sink and a six setting dining table on a paved area with a lawn outlook

Outdoor private patio dining seating area in a well planted small courtyard

A wooden table and chairs in a tropical undercover patio setting with a bush background

Unique outdoor eco style log dining table and chairs set on a paved patio and with an interesting unique timber log railing fence.

Beautiful under cover outdoor dining and sitting area with sunlit lawn and a distant pool area and mountain view

Simple outdoor dining table and chairs with green cushions on a timber deck area

Beautiful modern indoor outdoor terraced lounge and dining with pergola and distant scenic view

Outdoor dining area with six piece dining setting on a covered patio

Outdoor dining table setting for an outdoor garden party with another example of how a great dining area can be established by simply placing a table and chairs on a lawn area, near the house and ideally with the outlook of a nearby garden area.