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Guest Picks: 20 Pieces for a Dining Room Makeover
Start with storage and timeless furniture, then build character through textiles, plates and art
I am the editor of Brunch at Saks, http://brunchatsaks.blogspot.com, a Los Angeles based lifestyle blog sharing contemporary and classic elements of style, decor, entertaining, and more.
I am the editor of Brunch at Saks, http://brunchatsaks.blogspot.com, a... More »
I recently found a beautiful bar cart for a mere $20 at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. Ever since I brought it home, I've had one thing on my mind: a dining room makeover. While I believe that a good meal with family and friends trumps all decor in a dining space, I think a few new additions like a buffet table, wallpaper and an area rug will certainly give the space that refreshed, updated look I'm searching for. — Annemarie from Brunch at Saks
by Ballard Designs
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The addition of a console or buffet table can be a great way to store extra dishes while giving you more room to place accessories like picture frames and candles. I like this buffet from Ballard Designs because it's a gorgeous color and will provide much-needed storage in your space.
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by Williams-Sonoma
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| I love a multipurpose dining room table like this one from Williams-Sonoma. You can dress it up for fabulous dinners or use it for arts and crafts. This is a great piece to invest in for the long haul. |
by Society Social
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A set of timeless dining chairs will make it easy to redecorate your space as many times as you want without the added expense of new furniture. I like to add pillows or chair pads to my dining chairs for a quick, refreshing update to the space.
by Williams-Sonoma
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Give your dining room a huge dose of style with a bar cart. Stock it with everything you need to make your favorite drinks and add a few pretty cocktail glasses (I suggest scouring vintage stores for these), and you'll be ready for guests anytime.
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A bar cart cannot be functional without a few pretty glasses atop! I love these gold-rimmed flutes so much that I'll probably display them all year long.
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by Pottery Barn
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| Chandeliers are the icing on the cake when it comes to room makeovers, and they can never be too large or too loud in my book. I like this linear candle chandelier from Pottery Barn. |
by Ballard Designs
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A durable indoor/outdoor rug is perfect for eating areas because it's easy to clean. I really like this striped wool rug from Ballard Designs in navy or beige.
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A fun and fancy set of dishes will brighten your space and can also be a great conversation starter. I like these rose plates from C.Wonder because they're vibrant and fun. Plus, they're just $10 a plate, so they won't break the bank.
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To keep your space lively all throughout the year, choose a great centerpiece that can hold its own on the table. I love this branch candle holder for its interesting and intriguing design.
by Z Gallerie
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I like placemats that are neutral enough to leave out at all times, and these from Z Gallerie allow you to do just that. You can dress them up with fine china or use them with paper plates for a birthday party — they're versatile enough to use in any setting.
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A mirror in your dining room might seem a bit invasive — who wants to see their reflection as they eat, right? But mirrors are a great way to open up the space and give it the illusion that it's much larger. I like this reclaimed wood mirror from West Elm because it can fit into any design scheme easily.
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While a chandelier or some overhead lighting provides your main source of light in the room, a lamp perched on a console table will really set the mood for evening dinners. This cracked-mercury glass lamp is great because it also adds a visual element, making it an accessory in your room.
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Swapping out chairs on one side of your table for a bench can be the perfect way to add an extra spot without additional clutter. I love this bench from West Elm. Add a few pillows on top for extra comfort.
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Feeling a bit daring? Go for the wow factor with bold wallpaper like this Moroccan print from Phillip Jeffries. If you're apprehensive but want to give it a try, I'd suggest accenting just one wall and painting the rest a neutral color.
by Benjamin Moore
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Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee is such a great, versatile color. When used in a dining room, it allows for the food and other elements to be the stars, but it still holds its own. It's also beautiful paired with wallpaper if you're considering an accent wall.
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This may look like it belongs in your office, but this box is actually a china plate organizer that will keep your expensive dishes in place without getting scratched or broken. Hide it in your buffet table cabinet, or keep it out and adorn it with accessories — no one will be the wiser!
by AllPosters.com
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I get cold feet when it comes to committing to art, so I tend to keep it rather inexpensive by purchasing prints like this botanical poster. Framing it will give the print an expensive look without the price tag, and it will also give me the freedom to change it out easily.
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Silverware doesn't necessarily make the biggest impact on a dining room makeover, but a new set that can go with both your china and everyday plates will save you time while entertaining. I love this sleek set from Villeroy & Boch.
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I don't think I can stress enough how quickly and easily a set of curtains can change the entire look of a space, especially a dining room. I love these ikat panels from West Elm because their pattern is just enough to be interesting without being overpowering.
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It may seem trivial, but new table linens can be one of the easiest ways to give your space a whole new look. I like to use cloth napkins or table runners as a way to add texture and color in the dining room.
This blue ikat napkin set by C.Wonder is calm enough for everyday use but jazzy enough to use while entertaining.
Next:
Freshen Up Your Dining Room to Savor Meals More
Pick the Perfect Dining Room Storage
How to Choose the Right Dining Chair
This blue ikat napkin set by C.Wonder is calm enough for everyday use but jazzy enough to use while entertaining.
Next:
Freshen Up Your Dining Room to Savor Meals More
Pick the Perfect Dining Room Storage
How to Choose the Right Dining Chair
Ideabook published on July 27, 2012.
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I'd like to apologize if you found this article's contents to be insensitive money-wise. While I never stated this was a makeover on a budget, I do see where you are coming from. When I source things for Houzz, I often times find things that would be in my "wishlist" or "dream home" but I realize that these aren't particularly helpful or practical to most (including me).
I will take this as a lesson learned to create ideabooks that are practical and appealing to all. The cart I found at the flea market simply got the idea rolling for a makeover in my home, and while I would like these items to be a part of that makeover one day, I know that most of them will not be. Again, please accept my apologies for creating something so unpractical. I see where you're coming from and I will make it my priority in future ideabooks to find things with more appealing prices to all.
Best,
Annemarie
My dining room is a blank slate as of now, so this ideabook was created to inspire a few looks that I thought would look nice with the cart.
Please read my note above as well. Thank you for the criticism and showing me where I need to improve. I will do my best future ideabooks to keep everything in a more realistic price range.
Best,
Annemarie
Here are a few farmhouse tables I found:
http://www.cymax.com/Boraam-Farmhouse-36-x-60-Dining-Table-in-White-and-Natural-70369.htm
http://www.kitchensource.com/home-furnishings/wo-kt2358.htm
@brownhorsey
The placemats image can be found on Z Gallerie here:
http://www.zgallerie.com/p-11148-twisted-twine-placemats-chocolate-set-of-4.aspx?cm_mmc=houzz-_-ppc-_-single-product-_-Twisted%20Twine%20Placemats%20-%20Chocolate%20Set%20of%204
I do not see this dinnerware they included in the photo on their site, so I'd suggest contacting them (800-908-6748) or customerservice@zgallerie.com. I have contacted them before and had a pleasant experience with customer service. Best of luck in your search.