Unexpected ways to make your dining room chic and gorgeous

My dining room is one of those rooms that is visible from most other rooms in my home, so it's really important to me that it's easy on the eyes.  Here are some fabulous dining rooms, big and small that I would be more than happy to have as my own...

via homeremodelnote

Loving this clean and chic dining room.  It is small, just like mine, so how genius is the floor length mirror at one end of the dining table.  I will definitely be trying that trick.

via homedesignlove

I'm a big fan of bench or settee seating at the dining table. You can put a bench on just one side or on both.

via Lonny Mag

Feeling risky? Go all out and get full bench seating! I would still have two simple mix matching chairs to put on each end to maximize the seating in this space but I love the idea.

How cool is this bench?  And those blue velvet chairs?  The chandelier is often the conversation piece in a dining room, making the chairs the focal point is a nice change of pace.

via Pinterest via La Dolce Vita

I LOVE the idea of combining a library and a dining room.  I grew up in a family that often reads and eats at the same time ( I know, I know...not always a healthy environment for books)

via Pinterest via feedly

Gorgeous outdoor spaces

For all of those who are itching to go outside like me, here's a little eye candy to tide us over! Our backyard and patio need some serious love, but until we recover from our wedding expenses, I'll just have to live with gathering inspiration until we can start making improvements.

I would be out here all day...though everything would be covered in dirty puppy prints...The throw pillows are amazing.
via Laura McQueen

So private and lush!  I could imagine setting up a temporary outdoor office to enjoy it.
via Decor4All

Love this pond side cabana...
via ghoofie

via lizmarieblog

This country style brings in some of the barn like style I adore. Clever use of a tub as a coffee table base too!

via lolalina

For small spaces, these built in benches might be the best choice! Throw in a cute table and you've got a perfect setting for some outdoor fun. I also love the idea that these benches could double as storage!