I have a decorating problem: I get excited about a space, make a few changes here and there, and then move on before the room ever feels finished. For years I’ve flitted between projects, leaving rooms half-done and myself feeling unsettled in my own home. Lately I’ve been trying a different approach — focusing on completing one room at a time. It’s forcing me to put blinders on when I shop and to stick to a plan. The dining room is next.
Here’s the view into the dining room from the office. We removed wallpaper and repainted the walls, replaced stained trim with white, and refinished the floors. The only other update so far has been swapping the old chandelier for a beaded pendant I found at World Market, which I love. Otherwise the room has looked like this for over a year.
Before I begin any makeover I consider both the function and the feel I want the room to convey. To me, a dining room should feel a little more special than an everyday eating area — a place for family meals, celebrations, and meaningful gatherings.
My home has a farmhouse aesthetic in the rooms I’ve finished, and I want the dining room to follow that same style. Here are my current plans.
The starting point for the design is a pair of drapery panels I found at TJ Maxx a few months ago. I plan to hang them on short curtain rods mounted on either side of the bay window so the fabric frames the opening without intruding into the seating area. I’ll use the same “cheater” rod approach I used in the breakfast area to keep the look tailored and simple.
The furniture and overall layout will stay the same. I imagine the dining room in a classic farmhouse as the home of the nicer, treasured pieces — dressy furniture acquired for special occasions or passed down through family. I plan to honor that notion by keeping the dining table, chairs, and sideboard in their original finishes rather than painting them. I may, however, paint a small cherry chest that sits opposite the sideboard to add contrast and personality. I’m still deciding on a color for that piece and whether the mirror currently in the room will stay or move elsewhere.
I also plan to reupholster the chair seats. I’m looking for a fabric that complements the drapery panels — something with texture and a subtle pattern that will stand up to daily use while adding warmth and cohesion to the room.
The view from the dining room into the kitchen shows a blank wall to the left of the doorway that needs attention. Right now a DIY upcycled art piece that used to hang above our former mantel is acting as a placeholder. I’m torn between installing a DIY plate rack for a bit of farmhouse charm or creating a thoughtful collage of botanical prints to introduce color and pattern.
One of the changes I’m most excited about is adding texture and visual interest with a feature wall behind the sideboard. I’m planning to install tongue-and-groove paneling painted white to brighten the area and create a subtle, architectural backdrop for the sideboard and accessories. I hope it turns out as well as I picture it.
I’m also considering bringing a vintage mantel piece from our former home into the dining room as a shelf. I love its character and would like to display it, but I haven’t decided whether it belongs centered above the sideboard on the paneled wall or above the smaller chest on the opposite wall. It’s a small decision with a surprisingly big visual impact.
Still to be decided:
- Should I paint the walls a darker color for drama? I’m leaning toward a richer tone for coziness, but I hesitate because the room doesn’t get much natural light. I’m hoping a bright white paneled feature wall will balance the darker paint and keep the room feeling open.
- Do I add a rug? Any rug would need to be large enough to keep the chairs fully on it when they’re pulled out. The floor space on the sides is limited, so I’m concerned a rug could make the room feel cramped. A carefully chosen low-profile rug might be the right solution.
- Should the chairs at each end of the table be different styles to add visual interest, or should the seating remain uniform for a more traditional look?
That’s the plan so far. I’m excited to see how these choices come together and to share the process. Do you have a room you’re currently finishing? I’d love to hear how you tackle decisions like color, texture, and layout.
Sharing at THESE great parties.