The living room and dining room are two of the most important entertaining spaces in a home.
More and more homes today are doing away with formal dining rooms and instead opting for open concept living/dining room combos.
This layout creates a more casual, relaxed atmosphere perfect for everyday life as well as entertaining.
Combining the living room and dining room allows you to get more out of your valuable square footage.
It also creates a feeling of spaciousness and flow, while still allowing you to designate separate areas for lounging and dining.
When designed thoughtfully, a living/dining combo can be both stylish and highly functional.
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Mid-Century Modern Living/Dining Combo
Mid-century modern style is back in a big way, and it’s perfect for an open concept living and dining space.
The key features of this 630 square foot living/dining combo include:
– Neutral color palette of warm whites, tan and black.
This provides a calming, organic feel.
– Natural materials like wood, leather and stone for furniture, finishes and accents.
These bring texture into the space.
– Sculptural lighting like the orb pendant light over the oval dining table.
Lighting makes a statement.
– Organic shapes like the oval table and curved sofa.
These provide a retro vibe.
– Clean, simple lines.
There is little ornamentation for a pared back look.
– Indoor greenery.
The large potted tree in the corner and smaller plant on the console table bring life into the room.
To get this aesthetic in your own home, focus on a neutral palette and natural materials like wood, leather, linen, marble and stone.
Incorporate sculptural lighting and organic shapes wherever possible.
Plants are a must for creating a living feel.
Be sure to keep ornamentation minimal.
Let the lines and shapes of the furniture and architecture speak for themselves.
Industrial Chic Living/Dining Space
If you love the industrial look, an open living/dining space provides the perfect backdrop.
Exposed brick walls, metal accents and unique lighting take center stage.
Looking at this 550 square foot loft, key industrial elements include:
– Exposed brick wall, wood ceiling beams and concrete floors.
These raw materials are essential for an industrial vibe.
– Metal finishes like the black iron dining chairs and antique brass pendant lights over the dining table.
Metals add an edgy, rugged feel.
– Unique, statement lighting like the trio of bell jar pendants.
Interesting lighting stands out.
– A mix of wood with metal and brick, like the solid wood dining table.
Varied textures add depth.
– Clean lines maintained by avoiding ornate furnishings.
Keep things sleek and streamlined.
– Large factory-style windows allowing ample natural light to fill the space.
Industrial spaces shine with lots of light.
To recreate this look, expose any existing brick walls or wood beams.
Use concrete, wood or high-contrast black and white flooring.
Incorporate metal accents through lighting, furniture and decor.
Focus on clean lines and minimal ornamentation for a sleek look.
Warehouse-style windows or large skylights will flood the space with light.
Scandinavian-Inspired Living/Dining Room
Scandinavian style is universally appealing with its emphasis on simplicity, functionality and natural elements.
To bring this look into your open concept living and dining space:
– Stick with a minimalist, neutral color palette.
White walls, light wood tones and black accents keep it simple.
– Incorporate natural materials and textures like wood, wool, rattan and jute.
This 770 square foot space uses a light pine dining table and wool rug.
– Choose furniture with clean, straight lines and little to no ornamentation.
These woven rope pendant lights are trendy while remaining no-fuss.
– Add warmth with wood accents like the console table behind the sofa and natural fiber baskets for storage.
– Bring in lots of natural light with large windows, a skylight or glass-paneled doors.
Plants thrive in bright, airy rooms.
– Use functionality-focused pieces like the built-in bookcases that provide open storage and serve as room dividers.
Focus on high quality, durable pieces over trendy items.
When it comes to Scandinavian style, the furnishings should be timeless.
Plants, throws, pillows and baskets make the space feel inviting without clutter.
Boho Chic Living and Dining Room
Do you love eclectic, bohemian spaces?
Boho style pulls from a vibrant mix of patterns, textures and colors for a relaxed, welcoming look.
Recreate it in your living/dining area with these tips:
– Incorporate earthy neutrals like creams, tans and browns as a base.
Then layer in pops of colors like the turquoise dining chairs.
– Add plenty of plants for an organic vibe.
This 650 square foot space uses potted palms of varying sizes.
– Choose furniture with curves, natural materials and ornate details like the carved wood dining table.
Distressed woods also fit boho style well.
– Use bold patterns and global textiles.
The Turkish kilim dining bench and pillows on the sofa compliment without overpowering.
– Incorporate pieces with history like the antique console table.
Vintage rugs also add character.
– Add lighting that makes a statement, like the beaded pendant over the dining table.
– Include sensory elements like fresh flowers and candles for scent and texture.
The eclectic mix of patterns, colors and textures are what give boho living rooms their trademark warmth and vibrancy.
Don’t be afraid to combine materials, styles and time periods.
The one rule is that there are no rules in bohemian decor!
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Traditional Elegance Living and Dining Room
For refined, timeless style, a traditional elegant layout has enduring appeal.
Details like wainscoting, crown molding and transom windows give this 900 square foot space traditional charm:
– Rich wood elements like the parquet flooring, chair rail and buffet cabinet provide warmth.
– Timeless patterns such as the ikat print on the dining room drapes and oriental carpet under the table.
– Elaborate glass lighting fixtures like the crystal chandelier and sconces for traditional elegance.
– Carved, curved architectural details on the legs and arms of dining chairs and settee frame.
– An ornate area rug under the dining table contrasts with the simplify of the parquet floors.
– Large mirror above the fireplace mantel reflects light and accents the room.
– Fresh floral arrangements on the console table and mantel provide pops of color.
Traditional style comes down to the details.
Incorporate ornate lighting, area rugs, and accent furniture with carved legs and inlaid details.
Florals, damask and oriental carpet prints nod to the past.
Crisp white molding and wainscoting add architectural interest.
Use furnishings with curved shapes and rich wood finishes for timeless sophistication.
Modern Rustic Living and Dining Room
The modern rustic look blends contemporary minimalism with natural wood and earthy textures.
To get the aesthetic in your open floor plan:
– Use reclaimed or live-edge wood dining tables or consoles.
This small 550 square foot bungalow highlights the wood grain.
– Incorporate raw metal accents like the black iron dining chairs and pendant lights.
Unfinished metals contrast the wood.
– Add warmth with neutral, natural fabrics.
The linen sofa and jute rug ground the space.
– Choose clean-lined furniture without ornate details.
The wood speaks for itself alongside modern shapes.
– Add potted succulents, air plants, eucalyptus or dried botanicals in place of large plants.
– Accent with wood elements like the open beam ceiling and vertical wooden wall slats behind the banquette.
The goal is to blend natural materials and textures with pared-back, contemporary design.
Use raw woods paired with unadorned metal and linen accents.
Simple, modular seating and large scale botanical art keep the look modern.
Natural wood dining tables can also double as kitchen islands or workstations.
Spanish Hacienda Style Living and Dining Room
For a space that transports you to the Spanish countryside, hacienda style is the perfect choice.
Elements like terra cotta floors, beamed ceilings and wrought iron create a warm, rustic feel.
This 650 square foot living/dining combo incorporates hacienda elements like:
– Terra cotta tile flooring throughout provides earthy contrast to the white walls.
– Rustic exposed wood beams on the ceiling and a stone fireplace lend organic texture.
– Wrought iron lighting and accents, like the chandelier and candelabra, for old world charm.
– Carved wood furnishings including the dining chairs and coffee table.
– Colorful tile and textiles, including the blue dining chairs and patterned pillows.
– Arched doorways and windows borrowed from Spanish colonial architecture.
Use terra cotta tile or Saltillo tile flooring as your base.
Incorporate carved wood furnishings and exposed beams across the ceiling.
Wrought iron lighting and accents play up the Spanish style.
Don’t be afraid of color with tile, rugs and textiles.
Arched windows, doors and entryways create fluidity and movement.
Transitional Minimalist Living and Dining Space
This 950 square foot living/dining room strikes a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary.
To get this transitional minimalist look:
– Focus on a neutral color palette.
Shades of white, gray and brown allow the architecture to shine.
– Choose streamlined furnishings with tapered legs and simplistic designs.
The wooden dining chairs have subtle curved backs.
– Natural light is key.
Large windows, glass doors and minimal window treatments keep the look light and bright.
– Use contemporary light fixtures like dome pendants and recessed lighting.
No heavy traditional chandeliers.
– Allow wood elements like floors and beams to warm up the minimalist aesthetic.
– Select functional furniture.
Examples include the storage bench in lieu of chairs and slim console behind the sofa.
– Limit ornamentation and accessorizing.
Clean lines prevail in this look.
The overall effect or transitional minimalism is both classic and contemporary.
It works especially well in newer homes to highlight modern architecture.
Keep furniture clean and contemporary.
Allow natural light to flood the interior.
Use warm wood elements sparingly to prevent a stark, cold interior.
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Modern Glam Living Room and Dining Space
Love glitz and glam?
Bring drama and luxury into your living/dining combo with metallic accents, mirrored furniture and luxe details.
Achieve modern glam style with:
– Polished pieces like the marble dining table and gold dining chairs.
Metallics add glamour.
– Eye catching lighting like the linear pendant light and gold floor lamp.
Illuminate with style.
– Mirrored furniture including the coffee table and credenza.
These reflect light in a big way.
– Bold patterns on rugs and pillows, like the floral area rug under the dining table.
Patterns make spaces pop.
– Luxurious textures such as velvet, leather, faux fur and linen.
Consider a velvet sofa or tufted dining chairs.
– Dark, moody colors like black, charcoal gray and deep blue-green.
These provide richness.
– Collections of decorative objects like vases, sculptures or stacked books.
Stylize the decor.
Modern glam is all about the details.
Use metallic accents and mirrored furniture sparingly.
Luxurious textures like velvet and leather make furnishings feel special and inviting.
Don’t be afraid to use deep, moody hues.
Play with patterns and displaying decorative objects.
The overall effect should be posh and curated.
Coastal Living and Dining Room
To convey laidback coastal style in your living/dining space, focus on textured neutrals and organic elements.
Design features of this beachy 650 square foot combo include:
– Light wood furniture pieces with distressed finishes like the reclaimed wood dining table.
– Natural textured fabrics such as linen, cotton and jute.
The slipcovered sofa and woven jute rug keep it casual.
– Neutral color scheme anchored by tones of tan, cream and white.
Use soothing oceanic blues and greens as accents.
– Natural materials including rattan, seagrass, driftwood and whale baskets.
The woven pendant light ties in texture.
– Open, airy layout with views of the outdoors.
Large windows, sliding doors and easy access to outdoor patios extend space.
– Subtle nautical themes like driftwood décor, rope details and boat propellers used minimally.
Coastal style should be relaxed and invting.
Use furniture with weathered finishes in muted tones.
Incorporate storage baskets, woven textures and plants for a lived-in feel.
Keep colors light and breezy with pops of ocean blues and greens.
Connect the interior with the outdoors whenever possible.
A minimal touch of nautical theming prevents going overboard.
Contemporary Farmhouse Living and Dining Room
Contemporary farmhouse style blends modern clean lines with reclaimed wood and vintage charm.
Ways to incorporate in your living/dining room include:
– Painted wood accent walls or furniture.
The green dining hutch makes a bold statement against white walls.
– Reclaimed wood dining table with metal accents.
This shows the wood’s natural patina.
– Mixed seating like leather, linen and metal dining chairs.
Textural contrast adds depth.
– Vintage furniture like the redone wood storage bench.
Give new life to old pieces.
– Modern touches such as the orb chandelier and abstract art.
Keep the look from feeling too rustic.
– Worn, vintage rugs layered over wood or concrete floors.
Try faded tribal or oriental patterns.
– Exposed beams, brickwork or piping.
Contrast modern updates with industrial bones.
The overall vibe is a modern update of traditional farmhouse style.
Paint, stain or whitewash reclaimed wood to lighten the look.
Incorporate abstract art, pared back furniture and modern light fixtures.
Use vintage elements like rugs, baskets and repurposed furnishings to show patina.
Expose architectural elements for an authentic feel.
Sophisticated Glam Living/Dining Room
For serious wow factor, embrace luxurious materials, metallic shine, moody hues and striking silhouettes.
Elements of sophisticated glam style include:
– Opulent textures like velvet, shimmer fabrics, glass and marble on furnishings and accents.
– Dark, dramatic colors like black, charcoal gray and emerald green.
These make elements like the green velvet sofa pop.
– Metallic accents through lighting, furniture and decor.
The brass dining chairs and chrome floor lamp are shining examples.
– Sculptural, statement-making lighting like the geometric pendant over the dining table.
Make it a focal point.
– Mirrored and glass tables or consoles to reflect light.
See how the mirrored credenza opens up the room.
– Tufted and channel-stitched upholstery on furniture for added depth and dimension.
– Minimal ornamentation and pattern to let the textures, colors and shapes stand out.
Sophisticated glam style makes a bold statement.
Use luxurious textures in dark, regal colors on furnishings and accents.
Metallics should feel glamorous, not gaudy.
Statement lighting steals the show.
Mirrors and glass reflect light in dramatic ways.
Upholstered pieces gain richness from tufting and channel-stitching.
Keep ornamentation minimal and let the elements speak for themselves.
The way we live today calls for casual, open concept spaces that can multitask for daily life and entertaining.
Combining the living room and dining room allows you to maximize space while creating free flowing areas primed for connection.
Use the design ideas and tips outlined here as inspiration for your own living/dining combo.
Carefully considering layout, architectural details, furnishings and decor will result in a fashionable, functional space you’ll enjoy.
