Dining area needs some "wow!" factor

12 years ago

well we just moved into this house and have BIG plans for it, but the issue is that we're not decorators and/or designers, so we have no idea of how to execute these plans. This is our dining area. We'd like to make the wall with the french doors the accent wall, and we'd like to wallpaper it. The adjoining walls are a beige color. We'd like to keep our dining table and chairs. We also would like to get a rug and curtains. We like the modern look A LOT and aren't very much into anything too traditional looking. Here's the dilemma, we don't know what type of wallpaper to choose...graphic, geometric, color? pattern? And, from there, we don't know what type of curtains or rug to choose either. So I guess we just don't know where to start and what would look good together. Also thinking of removable wallpaper and wondering if anybody's had any experience with it. Does it look cheap? Does it look like wrapping paper on the walls? Does it curl at the ends over time? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated! Attached are some pics (disclaimer: please disregard the spotty walls...they will be painted). Thanks in advance!! :D

Featured Answer

libradesigneye

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

That wall is the wall where you need to hang drapery and drapery will hide most of the wall paper, so I would advise you paint all the walls the same. Get instead, a large graphic rug (what is your accent color - all this is neutral so you have options . . . .. ) the rug needs to be large enough to be able to pull chairs out on it . . . something really contemporary would be ideal to signal your intentions . . . here's an 8 x 10 on sale that has neutral tones . . great price
http://www.westelm.com/products/lourdes-sanchez-bulls-eye-rug-clay-b794/?pkey=crugs-flooring&cm_src=rugs-flooring||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-
then concentrate on a long rod for al the french doors that lead outside - the drapery need to hang wide of the doors and lights when you are done - so you may need extension rods that connect - RH does great ones . . pull a great ikat print with neutrals and white and one color you love to look at and hang drapery - let the drapery be your "wallpaper" signal. Eventually, set a good budget and shop for a terrific light fixture - hubbarton forge does the best contemporary fixtures but you may need a lookalike for price reasons. . here's a link to pendants - you can also look at chandeliers . . http://www.lightingdirect.com/hubbardton-forge-pendants/c27420?p=1&s=SCORE

One large amazing piece of art for the left wall . . with the same accent color from the drapery predominant or neutrals . .

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Comments (7)

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Rachel @ Ethan Allen
12 years ago
Some dramatic light fixtures would be nice, graphic drapes, and modern pop of color.
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sanchez0089
Original Author
12 years ago
@libradesigneye thanks so much for the great recommendations! didn't think of an ikat print. that could totally work. really like that rug too...it may be too small for our area but at least it's a good point of reference for similar styles. the light fixture is something that we may look into down the road but definitely something to think about. and yes we are interested in artwork for our living area so this might be another possible spot to consider it.
Maureen
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I wouldn't wallpaper that wall, if anywhere the wall on the left. Perhaps consider a light grey for the walls and maybe the bottom of the island as well. A sisal rug under table and a large mirror with narrow table underneath on the large wall on left. Mercury candlesticks of various heights as a center piece. To help modernize, consider brushed silver handles on cupboard doors, a hanging pendent over island.

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sanchez0089 thanked Maureen
decoenthusiaste
12 years ago
I never like to see accent walls pierced by windows or doors. I do make an exception for a fireplace wall. If you put a rug under the table it should be 4' wider and longer than the table top, yet not run into walls or furniture on the wall. General rule is to have 36-48" between the table top and any walls. Do careful measuring before making a purchase. Use painter's tape to tape out the size you need on the floor. That will help you visualize how it will work. Have you considered using a pair of small chandeliers instead of the two inside cans?
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sanchez0089 thanked decoenthusiaste
sanchez0089
Original Author
12 years ago
Hmm well it seems as though the consensus is to do away with the wallpaper...kind of a bummer but it's ok i can apply it somewhere else like the laundry room or something ;)

i like the sisal rug idea. will look into that. the large mirror with table also a good idea but we have that planned for our entryway, which leads to the dining room.

thanks @decoenthusiaste for the painters' tape idea. that's great!

we didn't consider how much light fixtures would accentuate the room but now i'm starting to notice that it really can make a difference.
Lety
9 years ago
I use the Houzz App alllllll the time to choose light fixtures, rugs, and if your room is somewhat empty that's GOLD you can add to your pictures, save, share, I even buy things off of the app. It works so well to visualize