How to change a "cute cottage" dining room to something more sophistic

9 years ago

We've been transferred for my job and are closing on an English Tutor home this Friday. The photo is the previous homeowners' furnishings and tastes. Our style leans more modern with reference to traditional - like Candice Olson and Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams. We lean toward cooler tones on walls with high contrast floors and furniture (dark wood floors; table, etc.) we both like shine in fixtures and accessories. The architecture speaks cottage, though. A few questions:

1. Round, square or rectangular table? It's not a huge room.
2. Keep the chair rail or no?
3. Color - light, dark?
4. Wallpaper? If so, what type?

Thanks in advance for your ideas!

Featured Answer

Mark Cochran
Original Author

5 years ago

I’d forgotten about this post and the great suggestions you all gave us. This is how it turned out. There’s probably more editing to do, but it’s very eclectic just like us. :)

Comments (10)

mfwolfe
9 years ago
Two of the "bones" of the room that scream cottage are the chair rail and the china cabinet. Chair rail is easy. Paint it all the same color. It might be quite easy to remove the chair rail.....or it might not. Can't tell from a photo. China cabinet should be removed, and I would say that even if you didn't want to go modern. It is a bit of a monstrosity. Do those two things and you will have a very nice in which you could do most any style.
Cathy
9 years ago
The room is bottom heavy. Agree you should paint the chair rail, paint the entire room including the china cabinet the same color, but keep the trim, crown, ceiling white. I would not do paper.

Love the drapes, which appear to go with the carpet, choose a warm wall color to complement the carpet and the light colors in the drapes.

What ever table you choose make sure it is centered under the light. I would consider a glass/metal table.
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decoenthusiaste
9 years ago
With the china and soffit gone you'll have room to center a table under a contemporary chandelier.
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BeverlyFLADeziner
5 years ago
So the architecture is still a bit traditional as is the built in cabinet.

I would remove the chair rail and to make the room look taller add board and batten detail which should complement the architecture

I would select a round pedestal table that can be expanded to oval
houssaon
5 years ago
The room looks great. I wasn't for removing the built-in, but It actually looks great gone. Well done.
RaiKai
5 years ago
It looks great Mark; I love the paint colour!
decoenthusiaste
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Beverly - I think they're mostly done with it. What built in cabinet are you referencing? The one in the 2014 photos has been removed. Board and batten seems too much of a nod to country cottage to me, but removing the rail would increase the feeling of height. I agree the table is too large and the requisite 36-42" of space between chairs and surrounding walls and furniture is a fail, but perhaps they don't really entertain. The floors are crying to be exposed, IMO, so I'd lose the rug and the odd chairs in the corners. Love the color!
apple_pie_order
5 years ago
Love the chandelier. Who is the manufacturer?
Mark Cochran
Original Author
5 years ago
Hello Apple_Pie_Order! Thanks for the compliment on the chandelier! We first saw it looking through some of Candice Olson‘s rooms. Here is the link:

https://www.swarovski-lighting.com/schonbek-brand/jasmine/9677-core.html

It’s even nicer in person. We were told the design comes from the 17th Century...but with a modern twist. It’s been very much loved in our house. :)