When you are planning a dining room, built-in cabinets may be a useful addition. A built-in china cabinet or hutch can become the centerpiece of the room, providing not only convenient storage but a decorative element as well. You can design the built-in so it has glass front doors that allow display of your china collection, glassware and other items. If you prefer a simpler look, pair built-in shelving with a regular cabinet bottom and show off your pottery collection on the shelves. Choose a style for the built-ins that matches the architecture in the rest of your home to maintain a seamless transition between rooms.
While a large picture window is an attractive feature, consider a bay window instead when building your dining room. One of the benefits of a bay window is that it looks just as attractive on the exterior of your home as it does on the interior. Inside your dining room, it provides a great deal of natural light and a wide view of the scenery around your home. Bay windows come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you should be able to find an option that matches your dining room's design. For a traditional look, opt for an angled bay window, which extends outward from the house and angles back toward it. However, you may also consider a box bay window that features a glass roof, which can increase the amount of light that reaches your dining room and provides an ideal spot for plants.
Another element that you may want to consider is a fireplace. While a fireplace is traditionally found in a living room or family room, it can add a great deal of warmth and decorative detail to your dining room as well. A brick fireplace and wooden mantle is an attractive option if you prefer a classic, traditional look. However, if you prefer a rustic design for your dining room, a stone fireplace may be the ideal option. You can also tile the fireplace mantle for a bold, colorful look.
If your dining room has a patio or garden outside, consider adding double French doors to the space. The multi-glass panes in these doors allow for an attractive view of the landscape and provide plenty of natural light to your dining room. As a result, they brighten the space and give it a wider feel. If your dining room does not have a garden or patio view, you can use French doors as the interior entrance to the room. Light from the adjoining room illuminates the dining room, but there is still a distinct separation between the spaces.