With the advent of open floor plans, the traditional dining room has taken a bit of a backseat in most modern homes. No longer do we have one separate room for dining purposes, and often the experience is combined with the living room or the kitchen to make it far more convenient and fun. But with this change in design approach also comes a necessity to shape the dining space as an extension of the living area itself. From style to color scheme, modern dining rooms borrow heavily from the spaces that surround them.
by splyce design
While designing a minimalist living room is a challenge in itself, carrying this theme over to the dining room is even more difficult. But minimalist dining rooms can combine both aesthetics and ergonomics in an effortless manner when done right. And as always, it is important to put practicality ahead of sheer picture-perfect visual appeal. Here are some fabulous dining rooms that embrace minimalism in a sensible fashion –
by Abramson Teiger Architects
by Denilson Machado – MCA Estudio
by Usona
by Amy Lau Design
A Subtle Blend of Styles
One of the first things that we always tell our readers is that they must surround themselves with colors and textures that they are comfortable with. While sticking to a coherent theme is indeed necessary, it does not mean you try to fashion a home that seems like a page out of a catalogue. Most people who create minimalist spaces are prone to making this mistake. Since the dining room is one area where the family gathers each evening to spend some quality time together, add a layer of visual softness to the room. Blend in a hint of industrial charm or add a touch of organic beauty to the minimal dining room to make it more warm and inviting.
by Koichi Torimura
by Ehrlich Architects
The many inspirational images here show you how to tread that fine line that balances modern minimalism with smart overtones borrowed from other styles. The table you pick and the dining chairs will largely set the tone for the remainder of the room. For a sleek, minimal appeal, square and rectangular tables are the preferred choice thanks to the simple, straight lines.
by CCS Architecture
by Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects
by Louise de Miranda
by Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture
by Elad Gonen
Classy and Contemporary
If you think a more contemporary approach to minimal style is your thing, then consider a dining room that is largely clad in black and white. Monochromatic backdrops enhance the minimal appeal of a space and instantly lend a sense of sophistication. While you might cut back on color, you can still make the space exciting with minimal wall art additions and smart lighting options. A snazzy cascading chandelier or an oversized pendant light can turn this minimal dining space in an open floor plan into an instant focal point. This also helps in demarcating the boundaries of the dining area in an effective and elegant fashion.
by Atmosphere Interior Design
by Arnal Photography
Remember that a minimal dining room is not just about picking a sleek dining table and chairs that seem like they have fallen out of the future. Minimalism is the art of living with less, and to truly embrace it, start cutting out the excess in your existing dining room. The unnecessary decorations, the ornate patterns and other frills that distract from the main purpose of the room need to go out the window. A simple contemporary credenza along with the dining unit is all you need at times!
by Ingenious Design & Furnishing
by Shaw Coates
by Chris Pardo Design – Elemental Architecture
Space-Conscious Designs
One inherent advantage of opting for minimal dining rooms is that they do tend to maximize space. While this is in no way a given and you can have an expansive and audaciously large dining space that embraces a minimal look, the style serves you especially well in small homes that need to be frugal with every available inch of foot room. One of the big changes you need to make, though, is to shift from a square or rectangular dining table to a round one, so as to make the small dining room even more ergonomic. Stick to round tables with acrylic or glass tops to keep in line with the minimal theme. In case you are in the mood for something more timeless, the classic Tulip dining table with its sleek base is a perennial favorite.
by Arnal Photography
Remember that minimalism is not just one universal style where everything is clad in glossy monochromatic tones. You can define your own idea of what a minimalist dining room should look like. Borrow from traditional Japanese design elements that look both serene and stylish when used in a minimal setup. If you are someone who is eco-friendly at heart, then these oriental touches would seem even more appealing. So, even as you embrace the “less is more” philosophy, do not hesitate to give it your own fun, personalized twist!
by Minosa
by Amy Lau Design
by Martin Marciano
by usona