Help update my dining room!

10 years ago

We are in the process of updating our house almost from top to bottom from 80's style. Most of the first floor will get a remodel, but I see potential for a "quick win" in the dining room. Can you help?

Rest of house will be gray palette, style is transitional.

Furniture stays. Would like to reupholster the chairs.

I need the china cabinet for storage. In fact, if it would fit, would do another sideboard opposite for more storage. (I have my grandmothers old china and I'd love for it not to be in a box in the basement - my wedding crystal as well.)

Eventually this will be hardwood, but I'd like to update the rest now.

Need some sort of window treatments for privacy, but want as much natural light as possible.

I impulse bought this light fixture yesterday because I loved it. Hopefully it works. :)

Ideas for fabrics, window treatments, etc.?

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PRO

Lumar Interiors

10 years ago

Maybe sharing images from our design portfolio will help here.

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Comments (39)

LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
Oh, and we intend to paint the trim and make it white. I also think the chair rail should come down?
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
Oh, and the mirror was in my old house in the dining room; not really meant to sit there.
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PRO
Selectblinds
10 years ago
I love your idea for painting the trim an removing the chair rail. I think that will really help transform and brighten up the space.

For the windows, I would suggest light filtering roman shades. There are many choices of color and pattern, and you can really give your windows a stunning look. Here are some ideas that I hope will help.

http://www.selectblinds.com/roman-shades.html

Good luck!
gustaruygers
10 years ago
The China cabinet could be updated. Cover the mirror interior with painted inserts behind the shelves. You could also use fabric or wallpaper. Besides the classic crystal bowls mix it up with other colorful and modern items.
Do you need the extra leaf in the table, if not on a regular basis take it out as the room would open up especially since you wish to add a buffet on the other side.
jbtanyderi
10 years ago
Play up the elegantly Asian lines of the furniture and put shoji panels (or a shoji screen) on the window.
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
I don't need it to be gray specifically, but it certainly needs to coordinate. The window wall is actually one continuous wall with the front door. So it will intersect with the hallway color which will likely be a gray (not chosen yet).
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
For the chair fabric, I'd like a print but prob not floral. Not a big floral girl.
Bev
10 years ago
I love your dining room furniture the way it is! I love dark woods and your furniture exudes elegance! I would remove the chair rail and paint the room in a beautiful shade of gray, if that is what you want. Gray painted walls with ultra white paint looks stunning!
karielen
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I would remove the chair rail. If you're going with a gray paint, I would consider starting with art for the walls opposite the cabinet and then recover the chairs in a coordinating print that has some gray in it. The light fixture has a bit of a rustic feel, perhaps something like simple drapes like these in gray from pottery barn in linen and cotton.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/294009/?catalogId=46&sku=294009&bnrid=3380801&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Feed&cm_ite=Google%20Base-294009&kwid=productads-adid^43831821931-device^c-plaid^91703235931-sku^294009-adType^PLA&gclid=CJ6K88i0j8wCFYU2aQod1bcI_Q
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
I actually think I have all 3 of those in my idea book. Really I just want to bring the whole thing down in formality a touch. It's a special occasion only room right now, and I'd like to get used to using it a bit more often. (Part of the problem with that is that it's closed off from the kitchen, but we won't fix that here!)

Love the pop of color in the first, the wall color in the bottom, the wainscoting in the middle. And the bright white molding.
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
Ted, I have those three rooms saved too. Sorry to horn in here. I have to say I'm a little befuddled by your lighting choice; it seems old fashioned for a room you want to update. I do like your furniture though and your in good hands with Ted!
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
Hmm, really? It didn't strike me as old fashioned at all. What would you see instead? I don't think the blingy crystal chandeliers fit into my home as picture in some of the photos above.

These things always come down to confidence for me. I'm ok at seeing what I like; not as good as putting it together myself. I do think I need to start with the chairs though. Need to price out how much they will be to recover.
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
Just a thought.
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
And floor to ceiling sheers for your windows. Keep your dolor shades.
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
I like the oblong chandelier; the others read a little more formal than I want, I think? I see a similar oblong on sale at Ballard right now. I also like the orb type, but it didn't seem to "fit" with my furniture/room somehow.

Appreciate all the suggestions. Part of the issue, I think, is that this set was just never my style to begin with. I'd prefer something more casual. May just have to get over that and make it pretty (a la the pics Ted posted) and quit worrying about bringing it "down" from formal.
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
You know, there isn't anything wrong with beautiful! It doesn't mean you can't use it and enjoy it either. I don't think this furniture is too formal; it is classic however and that is a good thing. Am I wrong in thinking you have solar shades on these windows already?
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
Someone suggested Roman shades and while I love them these windows are quite large and they would be so heavy you would be hard pressed to operate them!
PRO
Selectblinds
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Roman shades would be quite easy to operate on these windows. The items suggested are cordless, and are a breeze to raise and lower. Plus, no cords makes for a better look. Here is a video that demonstrates how these operate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mMxPWAvkg4
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
I love blue Ted but think it may be wise to come up with an overall color scheme for this room first. Not sure about gray!
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
The large flat panel of the chair back kinda screams for a bold pattern though!
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
I'm sure you right select blinds; I don't know the size of these windows. I find that if to large they are cumbersome.
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
For some reason I thought these windows went to the floor? Do they?
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
If not, thank you Select Blinds! I stand corrected;) !
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
The windows are not all the way to the floor, but they are pretty large - about a foot off the ground.

Blue - depends what colors. I love teals; I love navy. "medium" blues not so much. Does that make sense?

I am not tied to gray at all - just expecting that I will have grays (vs beige/tuscan) colors in other parts of the downstairs, so I don't want this to stick out like a sore thumb.

The shades on the windows were from the previous owners - a creamy linen.
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
I really should have asked you before commenting! It appears this room continues down a hall to another space also so that needs to be considered in your paint choice. I looked at your ID book. I see you like some blue/ green , grey combo. A transitional style. Your furniture does fit into the look that you like though. This is a very nice space. I'm on a phone so it's a little hard for me to
Make out all the details, if your shades are in good condition and they are neutral , seem to provide adequate privacy then beautiful decorative side panels may be an option.
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
I have no idea how old they are; they seem in reasonable condition if I can get who knows how many years of dust out of them. (I haven't tried.) Will the cream look bad if I go to white trim though? Yes - the wall is continuous with the front door wall. Could perhaps put up some molding to divide it if necessary. I'll take a pic.
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
Photo down wall - dining room windows are at left end.
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
This is always a little tricky as this long connecting wall should really be the same color. This looks like a fairly contemporary home, not feeling the trim myself. I would not have a problem painting the three walls one color and that wall different as long as they related to each other. Then making sure the stronger color was repeated in the drapery panels to tie it together. I don't care about running a piece of trim to separate the rooms. This creates a choppy look, is to intentional and never really looks good. This just needs to be thought out ahead of time; what colors do you want to see in the rest of your home that would also co- ordinate with something you would like in your dining room.

.
nramsey1
10 years ago
If you don't want the mess of taking down the chair rail you can just paint it the same color as the wall. A more modern look. Makes it disappear but leaves some texture to the room.
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PRO
Shoa Gallery
10 years ago
I haven't read all the comments but some thoughts here.

If you want to paint the railing, you need to consider how it matches the rest of the house. You'd probably need to carry that throughout the house otherwise you'll have two completely different looks.

Your china cabinet will look a little bit old fashioned when you're done with this project. I'd rethink how you display the nice china. Can you go low but long? That's more of a contemporary look.

Check out my artwork for ideas on the walls. Many sizes and colors to choose from - all available here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/shoagallery

Enjoy decorating!
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
I just love this look nramsey1! It's funny; my parents did this way back in the sixties! I guess they were ahead of their time or maybe it's just a classic that just always looks chic!
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
Thank you Ted! That's exactly what I meant:) depending on the fabric it could add a bit of whimsy to the room and tone down the formality!
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
I was pretty impressed with that since I have been looking myself and couldn't find anything! I did find these chairs that are covered in a slubbed fabric that takes the silver frames down a bit. The others are in a very pretty deep teal. I have done chairs in a cream linen and had the fronts monogrammed ; a very pretty custom look.
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
Ok, found pics; one of my favorite things to do!
Business_Name_Placeholder
10 years ago
I thought these chairs were beautiful; love the pearl leather seats and nail heads, the gorgeous fabric on the back!
LEANNA GILTMIER
Original Author
10 years ago
Lynartist, like the idea of making that wall different but tying in with the curtains. I think that will look better than having multiple colors in my narrow entryway.

I hadn't thought of two different fabrics for the backs vs seats.

I hear you on the buffet. I love the long look without the hutch. I'll see if I can talk my hubby into that. He likes it. I'd love a painted one but for now even taking this hutch off might work.
sheilaskb
9 years ago
I like the neutral color scheme you already have, for all that I am not a fan of beige and tan. However, I believe teal would be a great accent color for this room. You might make some bolster pillows for the seat-back juncture of the chairs and also use some wall art pieces with teal in them.
jen_s
9 years ago
If you are trying to make a less formal room I like the light you chose. And agree the chair rail should go. Can you slip cover the chairs instead of reupholster? see long curtain panels on either side of the window with a cordless blind of some type in the window. I'm having a hard time seeing grandma's china and crystal displayed in a mirrored case as being informal though. Can the hutch go on the side wall where the fold down table is? Then remove a table leaf and put a sideboard on that wall with a nice piece of art above.