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{New House Tour} Dining Room Update

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

Hey guys!! Some of you were so sweet and reminded me it was time for another new house update! Yay! :) Thank you for the reminder, I love to hear what kind of posts you guys want to see next! :) Since you may have gotten a little sneak peek of the dining room from my dessert party and ladies luncheon post, I figured this would be a good place to start. It is *far* from finished, but I thought I’d show you what I’ve got so far! :)

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

Here’s what it looked like before. Totally empty, basically. We were just keeping the red furniture from our old living room in here until we decided what to do with the new dining room.

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

And here’s what it looks like now!

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

Before.

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

After!

DURING-looking-from-office-013

Here’s what it looks like from the foyer.

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

I was originally going to go with a gallery wall like above, with two black mirrors and stacked frames in the middle.

Pier One Mirrored Damask Panel Champagne

But a few weekends ago I saw this mirror from Pier 1 and couldn’t take my eyes off it. I knew it’d be much lighter and brighter in the space.

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

Of course, this is just the beginning! :) I’ve still definitely got a few more things I want to do. Obviously starting with put stuff in the cabinets and pictures in the frames. :) I’d really love to add some fun clocks above each cabinet. I really like the design of the one above, but I’ve seen it in person and it looks really fake and plastic-y. I’ll have to keep looking.

I’m also considering wall sconces. What do you think?? :)

The one I’m using in the mock-up above is the Antique Victorian Inspired Sconce from Shades of Light. There’s also this fun crystal-y one.

Restoration Hardware

I snapped this photo for inspiration at the Restoration Hardware in Birmingham.

I love vintage suitcases and I’d love to find two matching suitcases to stack above each cabinet, under the clocks. Either that or maybe vintage typewriters! :)

BTW, I’m not 100% attached to the clock idea, but I know I want something round, and I don’t want more mirrors… but I am open to suggestions! :)

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

Then there’s drapes. I was thinking about these, from Ballard Designs, but… I don’t know.

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

I’d also love a new light fixture in here. And it definitely needs a rug!

Here’s the full list of projects for the dining room:

{ Still Need to Do }

Pictures in frames
Shelves in cabinets
Clocks & suitcases above cabinets
Wall Sconces
New chandelier
Rug
Drapes
Chargers and place settings for table

Am I forgetting anything?? :)

Dining Room makeover Before & After. Great ideas for an open floor plan.

So that’s it so far! :) If you’re wondering about anything in these photos, I’ll put everything I know in the source list below. Let me know if I left something out! :)

 

{ Source List }

Dining Room Paint Color — Sherwin Williams Van Dyke Brown
Dining Room Ceiling Paint Color — Sherwin Williams Tony Taupe
Living Room Paint Color — Sherwin Williams Virtual Taupe
Table — 84″ Salvaged Wood Trestle Extension Dining Table in salvaged brown from Restoration Hardware.
Chairs — Martine chairs with brown oak drifted finish and sand belgian linen fabric from Restoration Hardware.
Cabinets — St. James Medium Bath Cabinet from Restoration Hardware.
Mosaic Mirror — Champagne Mirrored Damask Panel from Pier 1.
Picture Frames — Savannah Desktop Frame from Pier 1.

 

{ More Photos of Our New House }

Our New House
Organize Overflowing Bathroom Beauty Products
Foyer Makeover
Pantry Makeover
Photo Gallery Wall Under the Stairs

 

Thanks so much for looking! :)

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69 Responses
  1. Arabella Davies

    Hi Kevin and Amanda, Wow! Your dining area looks so classy now. I love the Upholstered chairs, it makes it all so elegant.

  2. Nancy

    Hello! I love your dining room! I am going to purchase the same dining room table and chairs (except in black). I’m wondering how many people you can fit at that table comfortably without the extensions and with the extensions. Can you please let me know?
    Thank you,
    Nancy

  3. Sheri

    I love what you chose for your dining room. The wall color and layout of yours is almost identical to mine and although we haven’t decorated ours yet… I’ve been planning what look I want and you’ve captured it exactly ~! I knew I wanted white chairs and a dark table and something eye-catching and elegant for the wall… How ironic that I was just recently looking at a wall mirror just like this one (or at least similar to this one) at Pier 1. We have the exact same taste I think. Anyway, very nice job indeed. Thanks for posting it.

  4. Sherri

    Do you happen to know what stain color your hardwood floors are? We have a cherry stain in our house and I want to stain it to make it darker. Thanks!

  5. Stephanie Schieder

    What size is the table in your room? I’m eyeing that table myself and torn between a couple of the sizes.

  6. Caitlin

    Absolutely LOVE this. I’m redoing my dining room at the moment too. What is the paint color for the white (below the beautiful chocolate brown)? White can be so tricky!

    1. Amanda

      Hi Caitlin! There is no color name on the paint can (leftover from previous owners) but here’s what the top looks like. We took this to Home Depot and they were able to tell what the color was and make more. :) It is definitely more of an ivory / off white color.

      Trim Paint Color

      Hope this helps! :)

  7. Connie

    I love your chandelier and hope you’ll keep it. I agree an area rug will pull the room together and I took a look at your sconces, I ‘d go with the Antique Victorian ones they seem to match your mirror better. Maybe hanging something like a decorative plate or platter above your cabinets, round or oval, could add in the color you want. Connie

  8. KL

    It looks good the way you have it now, more stuff and it will be tooooooo busy.
    Maybe a plant on top of each of those tall book cases you have, greenery will add a pop of color and it ‘s good for the air.

  9. Lizzy

    This look amazing! I have been eyeing that same table for months. Is it uncomfortable to sit on the ends because of the table supports that are there?

  10. Bonnie T.

    I love it the way you have it because it gives everything “breathing” room and lets it speak without being too cluttered or having too many focal points. But I do like antique looking clocks, so if you’re set on that idea, my suggestion would be to have one set to your timezone and another to somewhere else (a different US timezone or an international one that’s special to you, maybe). That would add a little interest and not have everything exactly the same. To me, two clocks that close together set to the same time would just look odd.

  11. Missy

    Love the drapes- go for it. Not sold on the clocks either but can’t think of anything else. Maybe some sort of mosaic or bohemian piece?

  12. Alyssa

    I love your light fixture! Then again, I have a hideous faded gold thing from the 80’s in my apartment… it’s so outdated and ugly, but too expensive to replace! If you get rid of yours, can I have it?? Lol

  13. Analida

    Great site!!!
    you are right, the clocks need to go. Maybe architectural models would work. you have Renaissance Domes in your pictures, and I think it would be great if you could find models that would bring a three dimensional aspect to your decor.

  14. Amanda S.

    I love it! I would totally do oval/round photo wood frames like the mirror frame in the Restoration Hardware photo above with a pic of each of the furry kids…. white background portrait style pics of Howie and Miley! It would personalize the space a bit and add a bit of subtle fun to the room! ;) Whatever you do, I can’t wait to see an update down the road!!

  15. Kim G.

    Looks great! So here’s a question: once you get place settings and chargers, would you keep it all on the table? Or only bring them out when you’re eating?

  16. Julie aka Hunt and Found

    Fantastic beautiful home!! Completely love watching your life journey! Your posts always bring a smile to my face! Your dogs are completely the best too! If you head towards the vintage typewriter in your décor let me know I have a very large stock of typewriters and would love to help you out!

  17. Emily @ Emily and Rachel

    I second the idea of adding a centerpiece on the table. I would love to see what you do because I am actually terrible at creating centerpieces. Love what you have done with the room!

  18. Debi

    I think plants above the cabinets would add some much needed contrasting color and ‘life’ to the room. I love the drapes you’re thinking about, and I like the light fixture, but something more modern would suit the look.

  19. natalie @ wee eats

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the new dining room! Love the paint! Love the table! Love the chairs! YOU NEED THOSE DRAPES! OMG I’M SO EXCITED! I really need to calm down I’m sorry I JUST LOVE IT ALL SO MUCH!!!

  20. Susan

    I love the furniture and paint colors!! I, too, wouldn’t add too much more to the walls. Something simple, maybe just a suitcase on top of the cabinets and no sconces. The drapes are pretty, too. I like a sheer fabric or very light color and not much pattern when using so much wood and a dark paint color.
    I want to know when we get to see the back porch with the swing and cushions you promised to show us when you gave your self portrait tutorial a few months ago!!! Love your new home!!

  21. Vivian C

    Even though we’ve only got a glimpse of the updates you’ve made, I absolutely love love love what you’ve done so far. I am in love with the salvaged wood dining table and martine chairs. Can’t wait to see more of the rooms :)

  22. Karm

    This is a lovely lovely and gorgeous home. I LOVE that huge window in your dining room. The colors are perfect!! I wouldn’t mind eating hot chicken soup on a nice autumn day at that table and looking outside. Gorgeous!!

  23. Keeley @ My Life on a Plate

    Wow! I love the rich colors. I should have gone darker in our living and dining rooms… maybe I’ll add some rich elements with drapes and accessories. You’ve inspired me to go for a deeper greige color for our two story foyer. I love it!

  24. Wanda Cullen

    LOVE seeing the transformation of your dining room! How about adding a table centerpiece to your list? :-) That Pier 1 mirror is gorgeous! I’m always a fan of plants (even high quality silks that look real) mixed with other dust collectibles – lol – placed on top of your cabinets.

  25. Donna

    Instead of clocks, but still round: two round white frames that contain fabric that contrasts or compliments your decor in that room, which can be switched out at any time, one above each of the cabinets or another idea would be some metal filigree or wrought iron style organic shaped wall art – something that would pop off the wall, not just lay flat. Of course, my neat freakness in me would think I’d be dusting those a lot depending on how much detail is in the filigree design.

  26. Ali | Gimme Some Oven

    Absolutely gorgeous, Amanda! That mirror is absolutely incredible, and I have admired that table in the store before. You are a totally talented decorator!!! :)

  27. Jeannie

    I love the curtains and think they would look great in there – they will add some softness and warmth. Having a rug would also enrich the feel as well. I would not put the two clocks or two sconces up. I love the mirror and frames that are already there. I would add a nice vintage small mantel clock on top of one of the cabinets and something different on the other cabinet such as a pitcher or pottery piece or the small suitcase you mentioned. It looks so nice already! Thanks for sharing.

  28. Natalie

    I love seeing your house come together! Being able to put together a room like this is awesome. I saw your old scrapbook room……. but man oh man do I want to see your new one!!! :) please?

  29. Jackie @theseasidebaker

    This room is absolutely stunning Amanda!!! Those table and chairs are gorgeous!! I agree with one of the posters above about the chandelier. Z gallery has some really cool ones. We have the Crystal Ship and it is our piece de resistance! I would also add in a long buffet. They are so fun to decorate for the holidays with tons of cake plates and candy jars. I love love love how you decorate and of course your photos!

  30. Mona

    Instead of clocks, what about some really nice, oversized plates or platters. Maybe a nice pitcher. Looks good so far. I think little sconces would make it too busy. I love your table.

    1. my life in tune

      I was thinking the same thing–since it’s a dining room, after all, what could be more appropriate than some fancy plates or platters? Also, love the neutrals, but are you going to add any pops of color? Right now it’s gorgeous, but almost too sterile. Maybe a floral centerpiece?

  31. Megan

    Love the contrast in the room. In my (interior designer) opinion keeping it simple would be more striking than adding the sconces & clocks. Keep the focus on the mirror. Just my opinion. Thanks for sharing your photos & sources!

    1. Sarah

      I agree. I think what you have now is lovely – adding sconces and clocks would be too much! Just fill the cabinets and call it good! An absolutely gorgeous room as it is!

    2. Claire

      I agree! The mirror is gorgeous and the frames will look beautiful once they are filled too. Add filled shelves to that and I think anything else will start to detract from the loveliness you already have. Love the chairs! Leave the clocks, sconces and suitcases for somewhere else in the house if you really love them. Really enjoy your blog :)

  32. Beth

    Looks amazing! And I love all the natural colors you used – very warm and inviting. Since you have so many angles in the room, if you decide to put something above the cabinets you might consider something round or oval to offset the angles. You could also add an oval mirrored bowl or platter for the table and then add some color inside/on top – maybe orange or lime green? Then you could look for a rug with all the various colors. Thanks for the inspiration for me to get going on my dining room!

  33. Crystal

    Love it! That is similar to the look I’m going for with the dark table and light chairs. My wall color is more the color of your living area though. Loving those chairs! I have that exact light fixture. ;) I think those curtains would work.
    xo Crystal

  34. Leslie Horton

    It’s all coming together so nicely. The furniture is fabulous and you can NEVER go wrong with Restoration Hardware. I had an idea for what you might be able to do above the cabinets. What about a pair of vintage globes? Not the bright, tacky ones from when we were in school but a set with more muted tones. I did a Google search for “vintage globes and suitcases” and ended up on Pinterest (story of my life…..lol) and found a picture that looked interesting (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/51158145740288616/). Not exactly a vision of what it would look like above cabinets but I love the idea of old suitcases and globes together and since you enjoy traveling so much I think it could work for you. I have no idea how hard it would be to find two that were exactly the same or similar but there’s my two cents anyway. Btw, love your home and all of your photography (and food…. of course). Can’t wait to see the finished dining room, whatever you decide.

  35. Telah

    Love it!! You have awesome style! We painted our dining room/hallway in similar colors earlier this year but that’s as far as we’ve gotten. I wish you could come decorate for me!

  36. Anele @ Success Along the Weigh

    Wow, that is GORGEOUS! I love good cushy dining chairs!

    I think the “Clarissa linear rectangular glass drop chandelier” from Pottery Barn would look amazing over your table. (Gave the search term instead of the link so Google didn’t think it was spam) I think it would compliment the beautiful one you’ve got in the foyer that I really want if you ever decide to get rid of it! ;-) I also think the Ballard drapes would go really well in there. I’m usually not a fan of that pattern but in those colors it works!

  37. Holly

    I think a rug and a nice plant on each cabinet would finish the room nicely. Oh, and I would use a very sheer curtain since the window brings in such beautiful light. Can’t wait to see more of your house, especially a craft room if you have one.

    1. Anita

      I’m with Holly on the plant! I would almost do one clock, and one plant with overflowing leaves, or something. Just because I don’t think you really need two clocks– even for decorative purposes. :)

      Please keep the tours coming!

  38. Averie @ Averie Cooks

    Oh that table and those chairs – thanks for saying where you got them from. I love Restoration Hardware and in your room, those pieces just SHINE! Also your photography, as always, belongs in a magazine. As does your house. You could be both the staff photog as well as supply their house/content for the next issue of Architectural Digest. Stunning, Amanda. Congrats!

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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