Dining room spaces have long been an expected element of home design. They're the place where we gather to share a meal -- a connection building ritual that stretches back into antiquity.

"Most of us want our homes to reflect a relaxed, laid back lifestyle," Cara Fineman, the founder of DAG Design, says. "There is no reason that a dining room can't be an extension of that casual ...

Our elegant dining room decorating solutions and expert advice are here to inspire you, whether you're designing a formal entertaining space or creating a distinct zone within an open-plan layout.