Just last week we looked at a formal living room converted to a ‘wine room’ with plans to make better use of the space.

If you will remember, I mentioned that just across the hall was the formal dining room.

BEFORE: DINING ROOM

Here is a photo of the dining room as seen from the formal living room (before it became the wine room).  You might remember when burgundy, green and mustard were a very popular color scheme.  In this house, the time for this color scheme had long passed!

Our homeowners had the traditional ‘matching’ dining room set complete with hutch.  The lady of the home wanted to keep the hutch to display her dishware collection, but her husband said it had to leave.  There is a funny story that goes with how she eventually decided to let it go, but in the interest of being sensitive I am not going to share it.  If you see me in person, feel free to ask!

Neither of the homeowners used the room, nor did it reflect their personalities (fun-loving, vibrant and happy).

AFTER: DINING ROOM

We nixed the burgundy and brightened the space with a white grass cloth wallpaper with a light blue/dark blue pattern.

Wallpaper:

The texture in the wallpaper reduced the formality of the room and painting the existing molding a bright white immediately transformed the room!

We used shades of dark and light blue, as well as cream and white, throughout the main rooms of the downstairs, so the whole home flows and feels put together.

White linen drapery panels with blue velvet trim blend nicely with the blue lamps and khaki linen dining chairs. 

Our light fixture is a bright and shiny chrome, our mirror a champagne finish, while the bar cart is a brushed gold.  Do not be afraid to mix metals.  Doing so can give your space a feeling that is was collected over time and not pigeon-holed to a specific decade!

You might also have noticed in the photos above that there is a butler’s pantry just off the dining room.

BEFORE: BUTLER’S PANTRY

The Butler’s Pantry area also needed an update to blend with the new dining room décor.  The cabinets were made with good, solid wood, so we decided to paint those and take out the ceramic tile countertop and backsplash.

AFTER: BUTLER’S PANTRY

Voila!  We took the cabinets to the ceiling to add more storage (for all that china!) and to update the look (no more faux foliage above the cabinets, please).

A new quartz countertop and a carrara basket weave marble backsplash makes the space classic and timeless, making it the perfect breakfast bar for that morning cup of coffee!

Overall, a happier, lighter, brighter, more fun loving space- completely reflective of our homeowners’ personalities!

If you are struggling to create a home that reflects your personality, we would love to help!  Visit our shop or reach out to learn more about our design services.  More information is available on our website!