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kalexis

Help liven up this dining room!

11 years ago
Our dining room needs some serious design love.

We painted it when we moved in and were gifted the antique dining set by my in-laws, but otherwise have been at a loss at what to do to bring some life and personality to the room.

It serves as our primary eating area, and with a 2 year old and a baby on the way it needs to stay pretty kid-friendly.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice and ideas!!

Comments (11)

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Large mirror with wide frame, and window treatments.
  • 11 years ago
    I saw a picture with runners that went across the table.. I guess two for this table with a centerpiece in the middle? It looked great and the table was set.
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago
    What about nice white blinds for the window? Even Menard's or a place like that has nice ones and they will cut them to size for you.

    Find a big canvas to place on the wall opposite the doorway we see in to the room. It will not glare and many online canvas places have great prices for large sizes, too. Choose one with your accent colors and one that makes you smile when you sit there each day to dine.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    If this is the everyday eating area...then make it fun! Add a fun window treatment that is shaped as an arch....on a board mounted application...lower costs this way....Use a fabric with a print maybe even cherries like the old fashion ones...or even a mixture of of fruit. Under the valance use a duet shade that will give you complete privacy in the evening or anytime you need it.
    Then use a plaid with the same colors in it...and
    then choose a different fixture for the light over the table.
    Get a large enough rug that when the table is in use with the leaves the rug will still be under the back legs of the chairs. The rug can be a solid red...
    Then of course, artowrk for the walls...Maybe even a few snapshots of your children and family done as close ups and enlarged. I say snapshots as I think theses turn out so much more interesting...than a posed picture...Good luck!
  • 11 years ago
    Well placed artwork goes a long way. Take a look for a new lighting fixture. One may pop out at you.
  • 11 years ago
    Congrats on your baby!
    I think you need drape panels with a pattern that incorporates something with some personality. Here is a fairly safe idea
    http://houzz.com/photos/11250408
    You could also use more substantial artwork. Mirrors in dining rooms are overdone (IMHO) who wants to watch themselves eating? Consider moving the liquor too-- accident waiting to happen with little ones.
  • 11 years ago
    Hello there! Curtains. Art. Buffet. Lamps. That's all you need, and your room will look warm and inviting.

    Here's a collage of how I imagine your dining room to look. Picking up on those soft green wall colors, I can picture earthy, organic colors and textures complementing your beautiful antique dining set.

    Btw, I like the idea of a drum shade for your chandy, but it seems a bit lost above the dark furniture. I wonder of just gluing a band of contrasting ribbon along the bottom portion would give it more presence?
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Fun, patterned curtain panels, a large rectangular mirror and some art as well as a cool centerpiece will help bring it all together.
  • 11 years ago
    Thanks for all the great ideas everyone! I will post some 'after' photos when we get it all done. :)
  • 11 years ago
    I love the colors you have chosen! With a 2 year old I would recommend NOT putting a rug down under the table. You will be forever trying to keep it clean;) I would add floor length cream /off white sheers to the window and keep them to the sides , will make your window look bigger and add interest.I like your light fixture but I think it looks too modern with your furniture? I would replace with a fun but simple light fixture. I also think a mirror might look nice and I would opt for some very simple candle sconces ( I got mine from pottery barn) and put in some color contrasting candles.I think you look like you like modern fresh and clean:)