Dining Room & Kitchen Layout Ideas

A functional kitchen is essential for those who love to cook. When deciding upon which layout works best for you, consider how much space you have to work with and your design preference. Dining rooms can be tricky to configure but are easy to change, so you have more freedom in decorating this room.

If you don’t have a lot of space but like the feel of an open kitchen, it's best not to add an island. Islands work well in larger L-shaped kitchens where the space is open to a family room. In smaller spaces, try to keep clutter to a minimum. Keep the stove, refrigerator and sink within 6 feet of one another. This is known as the kitchen triangle; the fewer feet you have between the three main areas, the easier it is to navigate.

The size of the dining room is the biggest variable that affects its arrangement. If you have a large space, center the dining room table in the room, preferably below the main light fixture. This allows you space around the table and walls for your accessories and other pieces. Place a hutch, which holds dining room essentials like napkins and plates, in a corner of the room. On the opposite wall, if you have adequate space, try two large mirrors hanging side by side on the wall. Mirrors open up spaces and create ambiance in rooms where you gather.

If you don’t have a formal dining room, but instead an eat-in kitchen, consider built-in benches on one of the walls. Benches don’t take up a lot of space under windows and can provide extra storage. Placing your dining room table opposite the bench makes an attractive arrangement. Adding accessories such as bold light fixtures and mirrors can also create a dramatic statement.

Some homes have breakfast nooks or other areas where you can set up a more informal dining space. This area is typically small but serves as the main eating area. A solution for this small space would be to build two rows of built-in seats with a table in the middle. This would provide a lot of seating as well as space for doing homework or weekend projects.