DINING ROOMS WITH A TWIST

What was once a rectangular box and classic in design has now been opened up to new possibilities and creativity. There are so many design elements bringing this artistic dining room together – a vaulted wood ceiling, the built-in buffet used as an art gallery, a modern mid-century lighting fixture, an eggplant accent wall and the contemporary dining table and chairs all pull together to create this picturesque still life. Designer – Cecily Mendell; Photo – John Merkl

European homes often find the dining “room” in the middle of the kitchen. The cook is never left out of the conversation and good food experience. Photo: found on Pinterest

Another European kitchen expresses the multiple uses of their dining space – part kitchen – part eating space – part gallery – and part library. Photo: FrenchyFancy.com

Rather than place a table and chairs in the middle of a small space, why not use every square foot you can? This beautiful yellow banquette and table make the most of this space as well as creating an inviting area for conversation, homework, or playing games – in addition to eating!  Photo:  HGTV

I included this quaint dining space because we don’t all have a separate dining room in our home. Besides, I have a small drop leaf antique table like this in my storage…and I intend to use it in my new home later this year! This was a brilliant reminder of how cute it will be! 🙂 Photo: Frenchyfrench blog, Design *Sponge

A new trend I’m seeing is the expanded island which includes an actual “table” built into it as this photo shows us. In my opinion, this is even better, if you have the room, than the typical ledge along one side of the island, as it enables everyone to have a conversation face-to-face! Love, love, love. I also love the well placed and unique wall sconces which add texture and depth to this sleek gray and white palette. Photo: Homedit

Here we see another version of the dining table as an extension to the kitchen island. The color palette is basically black and white with the natural elements of wood added to the mix. Notice the chevron tile goes up to the top of the windows and cabinets adding even more height and dimension to this luscious space. Do you also see the lighting trend throughout many of the photos I’ve shared? Photo: Simo Design

The warmth and openness of this mid-century modern dining room are exquisite – especially with the wall-to-wall windows and view to the backyard! Even the pine cone like chandeliers draw nature indoors! This is definitely not your grandmother’s box of a dining room. Photo: DesireToInspire.net, Jamie busch – designer

From an open and updated mid-century dining room we take you to this updated contemporary (yet still classic) dining space. The lead glass side panels expand the room into the rest of the house yet keeps the traditional elegance contained. The modern celery green walls are a nice contrast to the intricate molding and crystal chandeliers of days gone by. Photo: Roy Timm; Design: Regina Sturrock

Lighting has become a focus for many interior design plans nowadays. 1-2-or 3 pendant lights over an island or table can change the whole look and feel of the room or even the home’s overall feel. Chandeliers or pendant lights are no longer just functional, but have become a key component in home decor. Photos: L – 101ideer.se; R – Kouboo

With the trend for outdoor living, dining rooms have even moved to sunrooms, patios and indoor/outdoor rooms. Gathering around the table has never been so much fun! Photo: Pinterest