You all know we moved into our home October 2016. To anyone else, the house looks complete, but when you’re a home decor OBSESSOR like me, it never is. My goal for 2018 was to finish one room at a time. Like, really finish it. The dining room was already lowest on my radar, simply because it wasn’t used a lot. But then I realized it’s on the first floor, and people can actually see it when they walk through the front door. It only made sense to make it complete! When we finished the room last week, my husband looked at me and said, “So, this room is really done right?” Hehe, he knows me too well. But yes, I feel so good about it, and it looks so much cozier, and more “filled” now.
My before pictures don’t really do justice, but it was very bare, besides the cool painting on the right wall. That’s when we decided to add the shiplap to the left wall to counter-balance. See my shiplap experience here. It made a world of difference! And it wasn’t that hard, or expensive to do! It made for a great wife-husband project to complete together.
Another piece that completely changed the room for the better was the 8×10 rug. It grounded the table, and gave some depth, and color differentiation between the dark wood of the table, and the dark floors.
TIP 1: Don’t underestimate the power of a rug! They can drastically change a space, and actually make the room feel larger! It can also give an open floor plan the sense that each room is it’s own, without actual walls.
The most difficult part about this room was finding a sideboard or buffet that fit well on the shiplap wall. It couldn’t be too large (or deep) so the chair on the end of the table could still slide in and out. I actually tried 2 tables previous to this one, and although this was a little more then I had initially wanted to spend, I think the price was worth it in the end. The mid-century look feels great in the space.
Last, I added in some simple decor odds and ends. The fiddle leaf tree and the mirror were the only pieces that I went out and purchased. And that basket? It’s from Family Dollar! Everything else I had hidden in cabinets just waiting to be used!
Tip 2: Showcase your dishes, and serving platters! They’re great pieces that deserve to be front and center 🙂
How many of you have a million vases tucked away somewhere waiting to be used? C’mon, I know you’re out there! I literally have a cabinet full of ball jars, delivery flower vases, vases from weddings…you name it.
Tip 3: Bring those vases to light, and showcase them as a beautiful centerpiece. The more different the vases are, the better! Organize them however you’d like, and stick a single flower in each (more in the larger vases). Instant satisfaction (and gratification!)…on a budget.
Shop My Dining Room:
• Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Alpaca
• Table (similar)
• Chairs
• Rug
• Buffet (similar)
• Mirror
Thanks for tuning in!! We love showing you our spaces. Share yours with us…you may get a chance to be showcased on the blog! Looking for more great ideas? Click through for more decor and DIY posts. xoxo, Laura