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johnsonll

Dining Room Dilemma

13 years ago
What's missing in this room? It doesn't seem to have a "pop" factor when you walk in. What can I do to give it a clean, traditional feel with a little pop?

Comments (17)

  • 13 years ago
    Move one of the mirrors to be above the dark cabinet to the right. Add a large print\painting\art\bold print in place of the two mirrors. I don't like that lone chair off to the side. Sillk orchard in a small pot on that dark cabinet.
  • 13 years ago
    I would put a big colorful painting in place of the 2 mirrors. Place a mirror on top of the side cabinet (where the lamp is). Put a vase filled with arranged flowers on top of that cabinet to liven up the area. For the dining table, a bunch of greens or artichoke hearts in a glass container would make also liven it up.
  • 13 years ago
    Maybe try some pattern somewhere. It is a lot of solids. There could be some more accessorizing. If you like the table maybe a patterned table runner or a carpet. I think it could use a little bit of a surprise, an unexpected color or pattern.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    What is hiding under your tablecloth? Are you hiding beautiful wood? Perhaps using an elaborate runner with a nice arrangement would help. I agree totally with removing the mirrors and putting a piece that you like with color, paying attention to scale. You could flank it with sconce light fixtures on the side. Also, if budget permits, I would suggest a more formal chandelier, whether you like crystal or even a more transitional look. The current one is too modern and really does nothing for this room. Do you have any nice pieces such as display plates, canisters etc that you could place on the buffet? Perhaps one of the mirrors could be used there. However they seem rather tall, try turning it horizontal and see it it would fit. Hope some of these may help. Good luck. Nice detail moulding on the walls.
  • 13 years ago
    I agree with Judy M. Would also use all the matched chairs at the table. The mirrors aren't reflecting anything that is beautiful or interesting. You could remedy that with a new chandy and just one mirror.
  • 13 years ago
    I agree with most people, remove the table cloth! Room looks dated. Add mirror above side table. Add interesting centerpiece.
  • 13 years ago
    Do you have all the leaves in the table? In the pic, it looks like it could go bigger and still not be too large for the room- then would all the chairs fit around? I'd remove the table underneath the 2 mirrors. Put one mirror horizontal above the other buffet. Put artwork piece where the two mirrors currently are. Is cranberry your desired accent color? I'd put drapes on your windows- satin, from above the window to just kissing the floor. Do two taller lamps on your buffet-. You could consider a rug for under your table. Get rid of your tablecloth- do a collection of crystal candlesticks in varying heights/styles, or a bowl..... It needs a little of your personality in the room. Love the walls and molding.... You have a good base! Just needs a little fluff! Post pic again once you do some things!!! Have fun!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Would the buffet fit under the mirrors on that wall?
    Your walls are painted one of my favorite colors. I would get rid of the gold/cream from the wainscot and keep it only above. Add more drama below. Grayish, taupey brown below. Punch up the wainscot panel area.
    Your tablecloth is pretty. You need more accent in that color.
    Your lamp appears very ordinary, which is not bad but will give you no pizazz.
  • 13 years ago
    Beautiful room! I would love to see a rug under the table to define the area. And maybe some fabulous art over the sideboard?
  • 13 years ago
    As most have stated, move one mirror over the buffet. Add a more significant lamp on buffet. Accessorize with something that reflects light, crystal, candles, objet d'art, favorite things, silver etc....
    Remove other mirror for somewhere else and put artwork on wall where mirrors are.
    Put two side chairs on either side of buffet, or as someone suggested, add leaf and use all. Remove tablecloth (in support of others)...if industrious, the paint color is wonderful but too repetitious and would lighten upper or lower a couple of shades for contrast. Good work so far! You're almost there....
  • 13 years ago
    Me again....just noticed blinds on windows. That is a perfect place to add a subtle pattern with drapes hung ceiling high to floor for texture and of soft elegance.
  • 13 years ago
    I agree with Judy M. You need some art, remove that tablecloth. If you like fabrics, maybe just do a beautiful runner or even placemats. Some can be extremely beautiful. I'd change out the place settings and add color, or even a nice pattern. You do need taller lamps and I'd put that spare chair by the sideboard. Also you could do a beautiful chair slipcover to bring in the fabrics. Pottery barn has nice ones, but they are easy to make as well. Get rid of that blind too and bring in curtains.
  • 13 years ago
    I'm redecorating my dining room also and am thinking about getting parsons chairs. Are they comfortable? I love the idea of having the option to change slip covers. You've gotten some great advice...can"t wait to see your updated photos!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I agree that the table runner would be much better then the table cloth. Judy's idea for the buffet decoration is also great! The two side by side mirrors don't look right either. Here is a poor attempt at how an elegant traditional rug would look in the room. The right rug always anchors the space and sets the tone of the room.
  • 13 years ago
    Thank you everyone for your comments. I love the suggestions! I'll begin looking for an area rug and buffet lamps. Today, I moved a few pieces around for other rooms in the house and removed the table cloth... I do have a large painting for over the buffet that is getting framed. Here's today's update. I'll post more images once I locate some of the suggested items. Thanks again!