Beautiful kitchen diners
Kitchen diner ideas – 11 ways to create a true social hub for family time |
(Image credit: Future)
Modern kitchen diner ideas are all about space. Space to cook, space to entertain and space for the whole family to gather, to eat, to socialize and to just be. In response, the average kitchen project has become so much more than new look cabinetry and appliances.
It is estimated that one in five households in the US have now removed a downstairs wall in the past ten years while many were already enjoying the benefits of open plan kitchen-dining. The big appeal is for the kitchen and cook to be part of the action when entertaining and, on a day to day basis, for the whole family to be together – in this time-pressed age, it’s a real boon to be able to offer help with homework while preparing the evening meal; and to be able to keep on eye on tots and teens while managing other tasks.
‘People have become generally less formal and so are more willing to share cooking, dining and relaxing areas,’ says Tim Higham of Higham Furniture. ‘When throwing a party or entertaining friends, it is seen as sociable to cook, dine and entertain all in one room, and at the same time. Families also want to share the space so that they can multi-task while preparing food.’ And in the warmer months, a kitchen dining space really comes into its own. The majority of contemporary kitchen ideas, kitchen diners and open plan schemes include large amounts of glass to let in the light and have easy access to the garden or porch, which vastly expands living and entertaining space.
Kitchen diner ideas – eat, drink and be merry in the heart of your kitchen
Take dining into the kitchen to create an informal kitchen diner that will not only create a social hub for family life, but will also provide a space to show off our culinary skills and put guests at ease.
1. Extend your kitchen diner out
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Not an option for the cash poor, but adding an extension is undoubtedly the most effective way to achieve a really decent size open-plan kitchen diner.
Do weigh up the costs and compare with the value it will add to your property to ensure it won’t push you into negative equity.
If you have a small kitchen, a simple side return extension can transform a narrow galley kitchen into a wider, brighter kitchen, without reducing usable garden space. This type of extension is particularly effective if you install a glazed roof or skylights in the new structure.
If your property is on a sufficient size plot, the most popular option is a single-storey rear extension. Another option is a conservatory or orangery-style extension, which is a great way to add a light-filled seating or dining area to your existing kitchen.
‘Ideally the kitchen designer should be involved before the new building is drawn-up, as the layout needs to be planned before doorways and windows are set in stone,’ says Richard Moore of Martin Moore . ‘The kitchen plan should also determine where the services – plumbing, lighting, electrics and drainage will be sited and these must be agreed before building.
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2. Plan a sociable kitchen diner layout
(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)
While a regular kitchen layout focuses on creating a fine-tuned cooking space, with everything positioned for ease and efficiency, planning a kitchen diner is a whole new ball game. Adding provisions for dining – casual and formal – plus soft seating, children’s playtime and maybe an office area, requires every inch to be plotted with meticulous care.
Think about sightlines from the heart of the cooking space – will the chef truly be able to chat and cook, what will be on view from the dining table, are you making the most of any garden scenes?
You also need to consider the views from and to the dining table, breakfast bar and any other areas you’ll want to linger. As a general rule, the dining table shouldn’t be too far from the kitchen – to keep travel between the two areas to a minimum at mealtimes.
The fridge and wine store should also be easily accessible from the dining table for keeping drinks refreshed during dinner.
Try to carve a direct route from the table to the dishwasher to make it easy to clear away after you’ve eaten. Take a similar approach to the breakfast bar, storing cereals and breakfast supplies nearby if that’s where you intend to start your day.
3. Create flow in an open-plan kitchen diner
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Work with your interior designer to achieve a logical flow through the space that avoids obstructions and provides the best access to the most frequently used areas like the fridge or bins. A route to the garden that passes in front of the television will quickly prove unpopular, as will any small kitchen layout that hinders the chef in full-flow.
‘An island unit can be a real saviour in an open-plan design, as it aids traffic flow and provides the perfect link between the kitchen and living-dining areas, and the garden beyond,’ adds Andrew Hayes of Smallbone of Devizes .
Allow at least a 90-110cm wide walkthrough in high traffic areas, and don’t forget that dining chairs need to be pulled out during use, and drawers, fridges and dishwashers all need extra space for opening and access.
4. Maintain order in a kitchen diner
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Zoning the room into distinct areas for cooking, dining and relaxing, is a popular technique that can help maintain order in a large multi-use kitchen diner.
Using different flooring, decorative light fittings or kitchen color ideas to help define the role of each zone can be very effective but don’t lose sight of the overall design cohesion.
‘Establishing similar shapes, materials or textures across the space – for example coordinating the dining table top with the worktops – will visually unite the room and help keep it simple and uncluttered,’ says kitchen designer Laurence Pidgeon .
5. Don't let lighting be an afterthought
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Kitchen lighting should be planned as early as possible in a kitchen diner. Ensure each zone – cooking, dining, relaxing – is on separate controls and include task and ambient lighting throughout.
LED lighting is the most energy-efficient but make sure you use bulbs with the same color temperature, preferably a warm spectrum, everywhere to achieve a uniform glow.
Flexible fittings, such as pendants on extendable flex or wall lights that fold outwards are great for targeting specific areas when required.
Lighting can also be used as a design feature to link or define the different zones in your kitchen diner. Look for lighting collections that include different style fittings in the same design for easy coordination. Don’t forget natural light and the direction the room faces, adding skylights or glazed doors if sunlight is poor. Planning multifunctional lighting can be complex so consider employing a professional lighting designer.
6. Think about heating and air conditioning
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Keeping a large kitchen diner comfortably warm isn’t easy, especially if the ceilings are high or even vaulted. Underfloor heating is a good solution, and leaves walls free for furniture and glass. Vertical radiators are also more space-efficient and can be used to make a design statement. Heated towel rails will prove useful for drying tea towels, while a wood burner in the seating area is another great feature piece and will keep the room cozy in winter months.
Do measure your kitchen diner to calculate the heat output required – radiator manufacturers often have a heat output calculator on their website, or your heating engineer will advise.
A heavily-glazed space may benefit from air conditioning in the summer, particularly if it’s south-facing, or consider skylights with remote controlled opening for extra ceiling ventilation. Wide folding or sliding doors can also be left open to help keep the interior cool on hot days.
7. Keep control of clutter in a kitchen diner
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With everything on view, clutter is the nemesis of a kitchen diner – especially in an open-plan kitchen design – taking the joy out of dining, cooking and entertaining in your kitchen diner. It’s important to provide dedicated storage within each area – so that everything is close to hand but easy to stash away.
If you don’t relish the idea of being completely exposed while cooking, Richard Baker of Richard Baker Furniture suggests a raised breakfast bar or half-wall at the front of your island unit or peninsula.
‘This allows the chef to converse with guests, while concealing the cooking action and resultant messy surfaces,’ he says.
A large pantry within easy access to the heart of the kitchen diner, perhaps with an extra sink area or dishwasher, is another popular concept in open-plan rooms and provides ample space to hide unattractive kitchen essentials and dirty pots and pans. Consider making a really vast room more flexible by installing pocket or sliding doors between zones. The ability to close-down the soft seating area to create a cosier space, or shut away the children’s play area when you are dining, allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
8. Factor in sound and vision in an open-plan kitchen diner
(Image credit: Brent Darby / Future)
When you are adding kitchen island seating and entertaining to your kitchen diner, sound and vision can become vital ingredients. It’s worth calling in an audio-visual expert to draw-up wiring plans for your builder and talk through the options regarding cables or wireless integration, and the various types of control systems, at an early stage of the project.
For simple sound integration, check out LED light fittings with built-in speaker that streams music via Bluetooth. Designed for installation under wall cabinets, it connects wirelessly to your mobile device. For more complex music systems, installing flush fitting speakers into the ceiling or behind the walls is a discreet way to ensure the whole space is party-ready. It’s a good idea to zone your sound system so that speakers can be turned off and on in different areas, while wireless headphones will prove a sound investment for ensuring video-gaming teenagers are ‘seen but not heard’.
When planning your open-plan kitchen diner layout, think about the position of the television screen versus the flow of traffic through the space, and whether you want to be able to see it from the breakfast bar and dining room table as well as the sofa.
9. Visualize the space you want – and need
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The rise of the kitchen diner has had a huge impact on kitchen furniture design.
What used to be a simple choice of base cupboards and wall units has exploded into hundreds of permutations from tall cupboards to provide maximum storage and housings for appliances on limited wall space to generous islands that double as seating areas, sleek cooking tables with a hint of the professional kitchen and floating units that blend with your existing room furniture.
Paradoxically, kitchen layout seems to have got simpler. The old stalwarts of galley, double galley, U and L-shaped kitchen designs were designed to get the maximum storage into the room and to cut down on the distance travelled to get from sink to fridge to hob – the work triangle. These days we are used to seeing huge banks of storage with a parallel island not only defining the zone of the kitchen but, essentially, creating a double galley and maintaining that triangle.
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Try to coordinate the style of your kitchen with that of your dining furniture or bar stools.
For example, if you want to recreate the glamor and elegance of a more formal dining room, consider kitchen cabinets in rich timbers like walnut and Macassar ebony, topped in exotic stone.
For a more utilitarian look, simple painted Shaker units will work well with a robust, refectory-style table topped in bleached oak or wooden bar stools.
'If you're struggling to source a dining table that complements your kitchen consider commissioning a bespoke piece, which will allow materials, shapes and finishes to be precisely matched,' says Charlie Borthwick, founder of joinery service Cue & Co .
11. Put comfort first
(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)
Whether your dining space is at a breakfast bar, table, or both, comfort is essential for encouraging a relaxed meal with guests that are happy to linger. Bar stools should have back rests and a padded or shaped seat if possible, and dining chairs need to be ergonomically designed for long term comfort.
Then use layered lighting to set the right mood and atmosphere.
'The simplest solution is to install dimmer switches that transform task lighting into ambient when the action has moved from cooker to table,' says Kerry Baulch, head of product management at Häfele.
Is a kitchen diner a good idea?
Who doesn’t love the idea of open-plan kitchen diner? Moving beyond the classic kitchen-diner, a modern open-plan space ditches the formal dining room and kitchen in favor of one large, multifunctional space, with entertainment at its heart.
‘The main motivation for creating an open-plan kitchen diner is to be more sociable. Parents can prepare meals while interacting with their children, perhaps helping them with homework or a project, and monitor TV or internet use,’ says Robert Burnett of Holloways of Ludlow Kitchens.
‘When entertaining friends, the hosts can interact with their guests while preparing food and drinks, and the removal of walls provides additional space for people and furnishings.
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There are also many secondary benefits of cooking, dining and living in one room, such as the sheer freedom and joy of spending time in a sunnier, airier space with plenty of room to manoeuvre. Combining existing rooms allows you to utilize space that was previously reserved for entertaining and holidays. Adding an extension often brings the garden into the loop, expanding the social lifestyle outdoors. Heating and lighting one space rather than several can also help reduce your energy bill. The list goes on.
‘From a design angle, open-plan spaces allow you to unify the details, textures and materials across the entire room to achieve really impressive results,’ adds Jamee Kong of DesignSpace London . The only real question is, given the opportunity, why wouldn’t you go for an open-plan kitchen diner?
How do I build a kitchen diner?
An expensive kitchen extension is not the only option for gaining space. A first step should always be to see if there is more potential in the space you already have for instance, a little-used dining room, part of a hallway, a garage.
It’s worth calling in the professionals at this early stage as a trained eye will see solutions you simply won’t, and will have the experience and know-how o get the very best of the space.
Find an architect in your area that specialises in residential projects. Alternatively, consider using an interior designer who can oversee the whole project from structural alterations to finished decor or a good kitchen designers.
With so many homeowners reconfiguring space for the sole purpose of creating a kitchen diner, many kitchen designers are very experienced at seeing the bigger picture and often have good contacts with local builders. ‘Your kitchen designer may also know of an architect who has undertaken a similar project,’ says Katy Paul, designer at Richard Baker Furniture .
A hard-working space will need the right framework in place – again something that needs addressing at the start of the project and where a good designer can help. ‘An interior designer is different from an interior decorator who chooses colors and cushions,’ says designer John Osborn.
‘A good interior designer should understand the technical aspects of drainage, electrics, water supply and waste, pipework, plumbing, cables and lighting circuits – all the structural elements required to realise the best design. An electrician will put sockets and switches wherever is easiest, not necessarily where they look most attractive while an interior designer will create something that works functionally and aesthetically.’ This is especially challenging in an open-plan kitchen diner where a range of services are required.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two..jpeg)
Country kitchen diner ideas: 28 pretty country kitchen diners
(Image credit: Future)
A quintessential country kitchen diner carries food and eating at its very heart, whether that’s a large wooden table at its center, on which to both prepare food and dine, a smaller butcher’s block, or an island with a place to perch for a casual family meal.
'The saying "the kitchen is the heart of the home" is never more relevant than in a country kitchen diner. We are often asked to create multiple dining zones within one kitchen, whether that be an island, banquette window seating or more traditional dining at a table,' reveals Rebecca Hughes at Rebecca Hughes Interiors.
If it’s a cozy country feel you’re after then a long planked kitchen table in oak or pine is a good choice. 'If room allows, including a traditional dining table will complete your country kitchen diner and enable the family to enjoy meals together in comfort,' says George Forsyth, director at Drew Forsyth & Co.
If space is at a premium and you are looking for clever kitchen ideas, consider placing a bench or banquette seating to one side, and add storage below for extra table settings.
Country kitchen diner ideas
For more modern country kitchen diner ideas, a smart expandable design, with elegant dining chairs will provide a chic but cozy place to sit, whether the party is big or small. Where possible, reclaimed pieces will give country kitchen ideas a more authentic feel.
1. Consider your color choices
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A dining area brings an additional dimension to a kitchen, which makes your choice of color even more important. As well as being an attractive workspace, your country kitchen diner may be a place to entertain both during the day and at night.
If you love the thought of yellow kitchen ideas, but haven't had the courage to decorate in this sunny palette, this inspiring scheme may well convince you. Warm colors are having something of a revival, so perhaps now is the time to decorate 'sunny side up'.
These earth-centric hues bring a calming, serene feel to a kitchen-diner space. You can choose to paint an entire room or add splashes of earthy colors through textiles, furniture and soft furnishings.
2. Paint the ceiling a bold shade
(Image credit: Crown Paints)
Painting the ceiling in a bright shade – like this standout yellow – is a brilliant country kitchen diner idea, as it brings character and personality to the space.
Cover the entire ceiling area with your color of choice, bringing the paint shade down to the top of the wall to 'join' the surfaces.
If a strong color falls outside your comfort zone, consider introducing a softer or darker hue to your ceiling instead. A deep shade will make the ceiling appear lower, adding an intimacy to the space. Meanwhile, a warm pastel such as blush pink will reflect any natural light to cast a gentle glow.
3. Add a natural table setting
(Image credit: Iconic Lights)
How you dress your kitchen-diner is key to making this a space you will want to stay to enjoy a meal.
Soft lighting, considered tableware and linen all play their part in your kitchen styling ideas.
'Country kitchen diners are by their nature warm and comfortable. You can enhance the atmosphere by choosing accessories that give a nod to the rustic feel, such as reclaimed oak chopping boards and aged terracotta pots,’ suggests designer Jojo Bradley, founder of Jojo Bradley Interior Design .
‘For the table, add a soft linen runner and napkins in earthy tones.’
4. Include wooden furniture
(Image credit: Casey H/Decorilla)
If the appeal of a country-style home is its connection with nature, then it makes sense to establish this in your kitchen diner through your choice of surfaces and accessories – especially natural wood.
‘Not only do natural materials in the home help reinforce our connection with nature, typically they last much longer than synthetic materials,’ says Catherina Björkman from Contura. ‘Consider a pre-owned wooden dining table – the visual wear and tear will only add to its charm and beauty.
Replacing cupboard handles with wooden or metal alternatives, and introducing woven reed or rattan baskets, is another way to incorporate natural accents into your home.
Even without the typical kitchen table, wood can be the defining element of your scheme – as in this kitchen diner design from Casey H at Decorilla . The wooden cooker hood and wishbone bar stools naturally enhance the plank floor and architectural timber beam.
5. Paint a dark wall
(Image credit: Harvey Jones)
Painting the wall behind your kitchen table or island is a great way to define the dining area in a multipurpose kitchen – even if it's a half wall or reverse of your cabinets, as in this design with banquette seating ideas.
‘A good way to introduce a dark shade in your home is by painting just a section of a wall to create a zone within a room. This works very well in open concept living spaces, and it’s perfect for a country kitchen-diner,’ says Justyna Korczynska, Senior Designer at Crown .
‘By painting just a smaller section of the room, you can go really brave or dark with your chosen color.’
6. Mix in vintage pieces
(Image credit: Vivian Johnson)
There's an easy elegance to country kitchen diner ideas that successfully mix the new and the old, or contrast grander items with more homely pieces.
'A great start for your country kitchen diner ideas are Shaker style cabinets in a neutral hue, with natural flooring and worktop materials,’ says interior designer Jojo Bradley.
‘And don’t be afraid to repurpose or reclaim some pre-loved elements, such as a distressed wooden dining table and chairs, or a vintage chandelier above a table.’
7. Follow color trends
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Keep your country kitchen diner ideas up to date by repainting walls or cabinetry for a seasonal or yearly refresh. Colors of nature, such as earthy beige, warm clay and all shades of green, are a firm favourite as nature has become even more important to us,’ says Justyna Korczynska, Senior Designer at Crown.
‘The outdoors has been an escape, and we now want to channel that feeling in our home too.
‘Watery grays are airy and dreamy and will give a feeling of spaciousness,’ continues Korczynska. ‘Grays are hugely versatile – from cool off-white shades, through warmer neutral midtones, to the very deep and mysterious, which is why gray kitchen ideas are so popular.
'A monochrome scheme of black and white is more unforgiving than one of shades of slate and clay, which will change subtley with the light throughout the day, giving them personality and character.'
8. Combine multiple seating zones
(Image credit: Cortney Bishop/Katie Charlotte Photography)
A large kitchen diner gives you the opportunity to play with your seating ideas and really consider how, when and where you want to eat.
Bar seating at an island is the perfect pitstop for snacks and breakfast time, while cafe-style seating is idea for easy evening mealtimes when you don't want the formality of the traditional dining room.
By providing a mix of built-in seating, dining chairs and stools, you have all options covered.
(Image credit: The Refined Group)
Created by Phoenix-based interior designer Dana Lyon of The Refined Group , this elegant country kitchen diner combines high-level bar seating for snacks and chatting with the chef, with a separate table for dinners.
'We are known for delivering polished, luxurious and liveable homes,' shares Lyon, and this space combines all of those qualities.
Creating a subtle shift in materials, between the natural wood of the table and the crisp white of the kitchen surfaces, helps to delineate the dining spaces.
10. Use tile to add interest
(Image credit: The National Trust Tile Collection)
One of the joys of a country kitchen diner is its easy informality – after all, you're not retreating to a separate dining room to enjoy your mealtime.
Tile can be used to encode this laid-back approach, as seen in this image from The National Trust's new tile collection, produced in partnership with Ca'Pietra .
As well as a mix of subway and hexagonal tiles, the flooring actually comes in a range of random patterns to create a unique layout every time.
11. Add a shot of color
(Image credit: Alison Kandler Interior Design)
While your cabinetry may be monochrome, a dining area in your kitchen is an opportunity to introduce character and color to your space.
'Don't be afraid to mix in bold colors,' says Californian interior designer Alison Kandler , who created this cheerful breakfast area.
Take a tip from your favorite bistro or coffee shop and introduce café-style chairs to upgrade your morning caffeine spot.
12. Incorporate a china cabinet
(Image credit: Patricia Wells/Kasha Paris)
Position a separate glazed unit for tableware, glasses and ceramics close to your dining area, keeping the main cabinetry for functional kitchenware and utensils. This will make your kitchen diner a more practical space – no more getting in the chef's way while trying to lay the table – but also help to zone the eating and cooking areas.
Kitchens are no longer hidden in the back of the house; they have become integrated with the rest of the home, and therefore must work aesthetically as well as practically,' agree Alon and Betsy Kasha from Kasha Paris .
'Attention to detail is key. Opt for handpainted cabinets with molding over the flat, factory-painted cabinets and invest in high-quality stone countertops that will elevate the kitchen diner from a functional room to the social center of your home.
'We also love to use traditional farm tables, as they accommodate a lot of guests, add a lot of charm, and act as extra counter space.'
13. Celebrate natural materials
(Image credit: Francis Amiand/Stéphanie Coutas)
When you're considering ideas for your country kitchen diner, think about integrating natural materials such as stone, granite and marble into your design – our farmhouse kitchen Island Ideas has more inspiration.
The best schemes will create a happy balance between functionality and beauty – the slab surface of an island, peninsular, or integrated table, for example, can showcase the veining and coloration of your chosen stone.
'A kitchen island is essential for a good kitchen diner, as it's the perfect design for open spaces. It brings family and friends together, allowing some to sit with a glass of wine at the island and others to cook but still feel present in the conversation.,' explains interior designer Stéphanie Coutas .
14. Maximize your living space
(Image credit: Francis Amiand/Studio MHNA)
'A good kitchen diner is a real living room, where you can combine different layouts to include an old buffet, an inherited family table and collected antiques,' suggest Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet from Studio MHNA . The result is a clever mix of tradition and modernity.
'If there isn’t space for a full table, we will always have a shelf, a bar or a space where to perch on chairs or stools,' says Hertrich.
He also suggests making the most of all available space. 'Stack the pots and gather the utensils, double the wall shelves to exploit the smallest space with ingenuity and aesthetics,' he explains.
'It is also very important to use decorative lighting to make this place friendly and pleasant, whatever its size. It is attainable to create a delightful kitchen diner for family and friends in even compact spaces.'
15. Go low with lighting
(Image credit: Ikea)
Create the illusion of intimacy by dropping a pendant low above your dining area. When the time comes to eat, switch off task and other lighting, and instead use a dimmer to create an ambient glow above the table.
This will take the focus away from functional cabinets and appliances, and put the spotlight firmly on your companions the meal you are about to share.
16. Reinvent the kitchen island
(Image credit: Mowlem & Co)
In a large room, a separate kitchen island and dining area can appear disconnected and mean the space lacks a focal point to gather around. Yet an oversized block in the center of the room can dominate the space.
In this kitchen, designed by Mowlem & Co , the solution is to create two-material island that encompasses a workspace, informal bar-stool dining, and a huge prep area.
Pendant lights define each side of the structure and add a decorative element to the space.
17. Separate the dining table
(Image credit: Kitchen Makers)
'A formal kitchen dining area usually includes a table with low-level seating,' suggests Graeme Smith, Head of Retail & Commercial Design at Life Kitchens . 'This is often best kept completely separate from the main kitchen area to give it its own environment and atmosphere.'
Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may choose to have a table in place of an island. But if you have a large, open space, it’s often good to work with a 'broken plan' design to create a physical break between the kitchen preparation area and dining table. 'You could use a short peninsular or island to achieve this sense of separation,' says Smith.
In a country kitchen diner, a natural wood table will give a relaxed feel while retaining the formal dining room element.
18. Make the table the star
(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future)
If the table is the heart of your country kitchen diner, it's a smart idea to make it the star of the show.
Here, the U-shape of the cabinets frames the dining table, with low-slung pendant lights putting it firmly in the spotlight.
For a do-anything table like this, which functions as a work surface, dining area, desk and gathering space, it's essential to clear it of clutter between each task. Simply leave a basket or bowls of fruit and fresh flowers to bring the country look to your kitchen diner heartland.
19. Lower the dining surface
(Image credit: Harvey Jones)
If an island is part of your kitchen planning but you don't want to perch on a high stool to eat, having a split-level surface is the answer. These particularly suit country kitchen diners, as they suit the informal, warm feel of country-style homes. Just be sure that your dining chairs don't block the thoroughfare around your space.
20. Introduce color and pattern
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When you're looking for easy updates for your country kitchen diner ideas, color is your go-to.
These cabinets have been repainted a warm yellow tone, complemented with a checked rug in country colors.
Wallpaper is another way to bring a bold design element to your kitchen.
You can find out the designer secrets to getting the look right with our country kitchen wallpaper ideas.
21. Build in a booth to save space
(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)
'Built-in seating is an informal style of dining that lends itself well to the relaxed nature of country kitchen diners,' says Graeme Smith at Life Kitchens. 'It can also be a good space-saving design feature.'
Whether it backs into a corner, island or peninsular, you are instantly saving on the space that you would usually need behind traditional chairs. 'Without designated seats, you can usually fit more people around the table too,' Smith says.
22. Create a conversation corner
(Image credit: Herringbone Kitchens)
Seating at a kitchen island can often mean lining up so you can't see the face of your dining companion.
Placing stools around the top of the island instantly creates a more convivial atmosphere.
Keep the area beneath the worksurface free from cabinets and appliances, so that it acts almost as a raised table seamlessly extending from the working part of the island unit.
23. Soften sharp lines with curves
Chichester Kitchen, Neptune
(Image credit: Neptune)
While painted Shaker or Edwardian-style cabinetry is often a key component of country kitchens, it can feel slightly linear.
In this all-white scheme by Neptune, a sense of softness has been achieved by incorporating a round dining table rather than an oblong one and adding softly sculpted dining chairs dressed with soft calico covers.
24. Make room for more
Kitchen from Simon Taylor
(Image credit: Simon Taylor Furniture)
A small dining table with banquette seating serves two important functions, providing more seating space that takes up less room is of course the most important.
It can help with storage space, too by incorporating drawers beneath to store table linens, seating cushions and much more.
25. Pull up a seat
Bespoke handmade Kitchen by Charlie Kingham
(Image credit: Charlie Kingham kitchens)
Bar seating at a country-style wooden topped island is the perfect casual eating alternative to a formal dining table.
While it won’t accommodate all the family, bar stools can be used to give a central island an extra function and then be pushed neatly back under the worktop overhang to make space when they’re not in use.
You can discover the elements every country kitchen diner should have in How to create a country kitchen.
26. Add a touch of French country chic
Kitchen by Harvey Jones
(Image credit: Harvey Jones)
Situated in the centre of the room in place of a more modern choice of an island, this pale wood dining table with turned legs is the perfect look for a more formal French country kitchen.
Paired with high-backed, upholstered chairs and cool grey cabinetry it exudes grand country house elegance.
27. Get the light right
Mornington kitchen from PWS
(Image credit: Neptune)
The right kitchen lighting ideas can make all the difference to a workable kitchen design – both in terms of where you place it and what you use. This is particularly true when planning a dining space in a room where many functions are likely to be carried out.
In a country scheme, modern task lighting such as spots and LEDs in extractors should be teamed with more vintage style pendants over dining tables. Place them carefully to provide enough light, without impeding the diners’ vision or freedom of movement.
28. Make it natural
(Image credit: Drew Forsyth)
Don’t be afraid to mix it up when incorporating wood into a kitchen diner design.
A variety of timbers – including a dark oak plank table, original beams and pale wood worktops and bun handles – provide both warmth and interest to this country kitchen from Drew Forsyth & Co.
How do you zone a country kitchen diner?
To zone a country kitchen diner, you first need to look at the size of a space to see how it can be arranged into zones for food prep, cooking and eating.
Moving the table away from the cooking area will help to indicate purpose, as will placing beneath it a contrasting flooring to the working kitchen space.
Stone tiling works well to demarcate a preparation and cooking zone as it’s easy to keep clean, while something softer and warmer to the eye and touch, such as original or engineered wood planks will sit well beneath a dining table. Using similar, coordinating tones and textures throughout an open-plan kitchen diner will help to unite the spaces while at the same time keeping their functions separate and clear.
What are on trend dining set ups for a country kitchen diner?
There are a number of on trend dining set ups for a country kitchen diner. For example, large wooden table (if there’s room) sets the tone for a country kitchen diner perfectly.
'There’s nothing better than having a multi-purpose surface that will accommodate family meals, baking projects and homework, too,' agrees Karen Read, kitchen designer at Neptune Weybridge. 'And as your kitchen table bears the brunt of family life, it will take on the unique character of a piece of furniture that is an integral part of your day-to-day. We always encourage extendable tables so you have that flexibility to entertain larger groups without the fear of where everyone will sit.'
Also, using mismatched ladder-backed or vintage church chairs, perhaps painted in a range of colours reflected in fabrics used elsewhere in the room, will keep the look relaxed, preventing it from feeling too formal. Mismatched china will give the space a ‘grandma’s kitchen’ vibe, too.
Think Willow pattern blue and white partnered with lots of chintzy florals, or opt for modern china with wonderfully eclectic patters such as those from Emma Bridgewater, Sophie Allport or Burleigh.
What is a good color for a country kitchen diner?
If you're scouting for a good color for a country kitchen diner, there are no hard and fast rules. But bear in mind that pale colors, such as white, yellow, light green, light blue and neutrals will all create a country feel in your kitchen while also making the room feel as large and as bright as possible.
If yours is a modern country kitchen diner, you could look to bolder colors, such as deep red, dark blue or dark green – all these shades are on trend for the year ahead. However, our advice is to only pick these shades if your country kitchen has good natural daylight and good artificial lightings in the evening so that it feels bright for both aesthetic and practical reasons.
What is the best flooring for a country kitchen diner?
Now you've got your color sorted, it's time to think about the best kitchen flooring ideas for your space.
These kitchens are all about the celebration of natural materials.
If you want a tiled stone floor throughout, opt for rich, traditional terracotta tiles or rough-hewn limestone flagstones. For a more modern approach, try composite large format tiles or porcelain to replicate natural materials without the cleaning and maintenance issues.
Contrary to popular belief, wood is a good choice for a kitchen diner as long as it’s well sealed to fend off water ingress. It can particularly help to soften cabinetry painted in some of the darker shades popular right now.
'Country kitchens should be full of character and warmth. Engineered wood flooring is ideal for the kitchen environment too, as it can be used with underfloor heating and won’t be affected by humidity,' advises Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company.
Andrea has been immersed in the world of homes, interiors and lifestyle since her first job in journalism, on Ideal Home. She went from women's magazine Options to Frank. From there it was on to the launch of Red magazine, where she stayed for 10 years and became Assistant Editor.
She then shifted into freelancing, and spent 14 years writing for everyone from The Telegraph to The Sunday Times, Livingetc, Stylist and Woman & Home. She was then offered the job as Editor on Country Homes & Interiors, and now combines that role with writing for sister title homesandgardens.com.
Kitchen-dining room design – 135 photos of interiors of real kitchen-dining rooms and living rooms in apartments and private houses
Dark forest: a country house in the Moscow region
Design Point
Dining group, Bontempi. Kitchen set, Scavolini. Pendant lamps, Tom Dixon.
Design ideas for a large contemporary kitchen/dining room with brown walls and gray floors.
Tudor Country House
ItalProject
Dining area in the living room on the attic floor of a guest country house. The total area of the living room is 62 m2.
Photo of a large classic style kitchen-dining room with beige walls, porcelain stoneware floors, brown floors, vaulted ceilings, wooden ceiling and wooden walls honest house architecture.
The warm tone of the furniture veneer and the white wood beams give comfort even to such a large and open space as the kitchen-living room. Among the materials, the main role is assigned to a wild crushed stone of a dark red tone. It is used both in the interior and on the facade, penetrating the roof and stained-glass windows. Stone also consists of a double-sided fireplace, which combines two zones - a dining room and a living room.
House for a large family
Designer Yuliya Sakhno
Inspiration for home comfort: a neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen-dining room with gray walls, brown floors, panels on part of the wall and a multi-level ceiling without a fireplace
Wonder Park
Tatyana Khorosheva, Dmitry Khoroshev
The color of the stone became the main theme that everyone chose rest. In the bedroom, a couple consonant with him - wallpaper Cole & Son from the Fornasetti collection.
“In the showroom in Milan, we saw how they were cut into separate silhouette images and connected to a painted wall. Thus, the idea was born to dilute two cloud ridges with a strip of a real, bright sky. For a small apartment, unified solutions are needed, the authors of the project are sure. So, for example, the whole space is united by a single floor covering and accent classic blue, the one that Pantone announced color of the year. Another creative success - a mirrored border for the entire length of the wall - I want to look behind it, find out what will be on the other side. Reflections create a whole, solar volume, fill the whole space with air. This effect only enhances the monolithic color of the kitchen and its continuation in the living room. “Actually, they are assembled from IKEA modules, but no one knows about it!” adds Tatyana. The layout was changed only a little, without leaving outside wet areas. But in small spaces, it is precisely the nuances that are important, what happens at the micro level.
So, the bedroom was slightly reduced, and in the hallway it was possible to place a full-fledged closet, for which there was initially no room. Contrasting stripes and monochrome here are camouflage, they do not make it clear the real size of the room. “A well-designed storage system is what it’s worth think first. Otherwise, any interior in life would be completely impractical,” the architects say. Another experiment is connected with the almost complete absence of ceiling lights, reflected light is enough to illuminate the entire apartment.
Apartment 129m2
Tatyana Ivanova I Interior Designer & Decorator
Kitchen-dining room in the living room part with windows decorated with window portals and city view. On the wall - the author's painting in a modern style. The artist is Maria Veide. Florist - Evgenia Bezborodova. Kitchen with cabinets hidden behind sliding panels. Without an apron.
Apartment in the residential complex "House on Schukinskaya"
Yana Yakhina
Styling for interior photography of the apartment 120 sq.
m. in residential complex "House on Schukinskaya" Design: Elizaveta Volovich Photo: Natalia Vershinina
Stylish design: a large neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen-dining room with beige walls, beige floors and panels on the walls - the latest trend
Cozy minimalism 52 sq.m. medium-sized modern style with gray walls, medium-tone parquet floors, brown floors and wallpaper on the walls
Out of sight
Irina Kireeva
A fresh design idea: a medium-sized neoclassical kitchen-dining room ( modern classic) with gray walls, a horizontal fireplace, porcelain stoneware floors and beige floors - great interior photo
95 photos, beautiful interiors, zoning
Today, in huge country houses and small cozy apartments, you can increasingly find an open-plan design of the kitchen-dining room. Such a modern option is an excellent solution not only from an aesthetic, but also from a functional point of view.
The combination of the dining room and kitchen will definitely be the right choice in organizing a common space.
Features of the kitchen-dining room
The original open plan approach always includes some features. The lack of a dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room makes the space more open, which can appeal to outgoing extroverts. The main advantages of such a kitchen-dining room are:
1. The visual openness of the space, which makes it even more spacious and free.
2. Additional communication with family and friends while cooking.
3. Stylish and original type of room zoning.
4. Savings on the purchase of an additional dining table, TV and kitchen cabinets.
5. Possibility of using functional elements as additional decor. For example, a bar counter, a book wall or an aquarium.
6. Simplicity and time saving in organizing holidays and other events.
The peculiar disadvantages of the kitchen-dining room include fumes and smells that can affect the upholstery of furniture and the state of textiles, the sounds of technology and the inability to retire, which is not very suitable for introverts.
But even these disadvantages, with a strong desire, can be corrected with a high-quality hood, modern silent technologies and well-thought-out zoning of the recreation area.
Visual zoning options
The kitchen-dining room is not only a practical place for cooking delicacies, but also a place where you can serve them traditionally and with glamor. Good zoning can visually separate the working kitchen area from the dining area.
Zoning with a bright wall
This is a great idea for creative people who want to make their dining room stand out and make it more festive. The desired image can be easily created using contrasting wallpapers with geometric patterns or imitation of natural materials (stone, wood, glass). The rest of the walls can be decorated in neutral shades, which will further emphasize the bright accents of the dining room. Do not forget that wall coverings must be moisture resistant.
Zoning with decor
Simple and stylish design of the kitchen-dining room, which is always subject to additional changes.
The design of the dining area should include additional light sources (built-in lamps, LED strips), as well as be decorated with catchy paintings, unusual plants, decorative planters, hand-made souvenirs, bright textiles that can place the right accents between the kitchen and the dining room.
Zoning with screens and additional partitions
This is one of the most popular types of visual separation of two zones of one room. It solves the problem of isolation, and also fits perfectly into any style of interior. Partitions made of metal, wood, drywall or glass can act as a certain barrier. Screens can be folding and sliding, fabric or panel, bright or neutral. It all depends on the individual preferences of the owners and the overall design of the room.
Zoning with podium
An excellent opportunity to slightly change the geometry of the space, visually make the ceilings higher and "elevate" the dining or work area, thereby separating its location and design.
This is the best solution for a small kitchen.
Lighting zoning
A non-standard solution that will help create a cozy and smooth transition from the dining area to the kitchen. You can arrange the light points in different ways. The kitchen area can be equipped with spotlights or LED lamps, and the recreation area (dining room) with a chandelier or table lamps. Then the lighting will be soft, uniform and aesthetically pleasing.
Furniture zoning
The right combination of furniture arrangement can completely replace an additional partition. This type of visual separation of the kitchen and dining room is called an “island”, where wide book walls, cabinets, double-sided TV racks become the basis, which simultaneously perform their function and organically separate two different zones.
Color scheme for the kitchen-dining room
An optimally selected range of shades plays a significant role in the beautiful design of the kitchen-dining room, because in this way you can emphasize the overall design, highlight stylish elements, create a feeling of comfort and coziness.
White kitchen-dining room
Cream color can make the space even more open and bright, which can be a good solution for a small room. Such a noble shade fits perfectly into the style of minimalism, modern, country and Provence. It is universally combined with its counterparts and makes colorful accents even more harmonious. Ideal combinations for a spectacular separation of the kitchen and dining room are coffee and cream, white and lemon, blue and white and green and white. These variations will serve as the perfect backdrop for an open floor plan.
Lemon kitchen-dining room
Yellow accents can not only make the kitchen fresher and richer, but also visually give bulky furniture the right lightness. Lemon soft corner, light yellow curtains or furniture of such a juicy color will always dilute the overall finish and will be able to harmoniously separate the kitchen and dining room.
Green kitchen-dining room
Olive notes in the interior design of the kitchen look peaceful and stylish.
Green color goes well with white, yellow, peach, gray, blue. The kitchen wall can be green, decorated with wickerwork or shelving with earthenware, and the dining area wall can be neutral beige shades. Or vice versa.
Gray kitchen-dining room
This is a more practical and conservative option, but no less popular in the case of an open-plan kitchen. Colorists like to combine gray with white and yellow - it serves as an excellent background for decoration, textiles and furniture. It also looks harmonious and the basis of classic and modern interior design, especially if you dilute it with warm sandy colors.
Red kitchen-dining room
A juicy strawberry motif in kitchen design will suit extravagant people who are not afraid of bright accents. Cherry and light crimson colors will emphasize the overall tones of the finish, while rich garnet will be a beautiful backdrop for a white wall. White and red is one of the most successful and time-tested combinations.
Interior styles
The design can be designed strictly in one direction, or it can combine several different options. Such a solution is quite possible for an open-plan kitchen, which will be the perfect embodiment of practicality and creativity.
Contemporary kitchen-dining room
The choice of business people who know the value of every minute of their time. The special features of this design include conciseness, originality of the material and arrangement of furniture, a harmonious combination of innovative technologies and old traditions. For example, the separation of the dining and kitchen areas can be racks with antique souvenirs, baroque paintings or a designer seating area.
Classic kitchen-dining room
A good option for connoisseurs of refined gloss and expensive elegance. The main distinguishing elements are the exact symmetry of the arrangement of decor, appliances and furniture, natural finishing materials (at least one wall can be decorated with metal or wood), ceramic figurines and bulky lighting with precious metal inserts.
Provence style kitchen-dining room
Neutral beige furniture, animal motifs on textiles, chinaware, shelving with vibrant original flowers, weightless curtains and natural décor. This is how you can imagine the perfect kitchen-dining room in a gentle Provence style.
Kitchen-dining room in country style
A wonderful choice for people who value simplicity and comfort. Aged designer furniture, wood finishes, natural textiles and earthenware - this is what can give the kitchen-dining room a rustic chic and family cosiness that you so want to feel after a hard day's work.
Eclectic style kitchen-dining room
Ideal for an open-plan space, where it is possible to decorate individual areas of the room in completely different, but original styles, shades and architectural solutions. The abundance of extraordinary decor, a combination of different colors, textiles and furniture will perfectly fit into the overall atmosphere of the kitchen-dining room.
