Software
Houzz Logo Print
jason_silvernale

1895 Dining Room Before/After

5 years ago

I wanted to bring some character and drama back to my 1895 dining room and was lucky enough to have some existing elements to work with.


All of the plush beige carpet was removed and the original Douglas Fir floors were refinished. The antique light fixture was rewired and re-installed as part of the whole-house electrical overhaul. I of course switched out the wall color from custard yellow to classic french grey. Keeping the trim and hutches "antique white" really makes them pop against rich wall tones.


The ceiling tiles are actually PVC and really add a ton of character to the space. I always try to incorporate antique furniture into my homes as well. With the antique market the way it currently is, you can usually get higher quality, more interesting pieces for less than what you'd pay at a generic big box store.


There are sheers behind the blackout curtains, which let in a wonderful amount of natural light during the day. The photo was taken in the evening so the curtains appear pretty "heavy" here.


If you are interested in seeing other Before/After threads of my house - you can check out my post by searching "Kitchen Remodel with Vintage Flair". I'll be putting up other portions of the house over the next few week!






Comments (17)

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Love the paint color you used. Great job!

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Oohhh I love a good tin (look) ceiling! I just did a kitchen a few months ago and we used American Tin Ceilings. Excellent results.


    Would love to see some daylight photos. I think those would really give a better sense of the light that gets into the room. Let me know if you want any suggestions on some simple tweaks that may be helpful. I hate it when people answer questions no one asked and you clearly have a great design sense :) I love that you are keeping the character of this house as original as possible. Bravo! Keep posting photos.



  • 5 years ago

    Lovely floors you revealed. Love the ceiling!

  • 5 years ago

    Great job, really like your choices! Looking forward to seeing more of your home.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The ceiling truly became the focal piece, great job.

  • 5 years ago

    Do I see a La Barge coffee table in the next room?

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    @Jilly Good eye! I don't know if its an actual La Barge or not - BUT it is solid brass and was a steal for $30 on craigslist! The glass top is probably 3/4" thick.

  • 5 years ago

    Wow, great find!

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    That ceiling is amazing, also great paint selection!

  • 5 years ago

    You're new ceiling is lovely. However I would consider another chandelier now; one with more visual weight to stand up to the ceiling.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    @amuzyczka The light fixture is original to the house - so I feel obligated to keep it. Definitely understand your thoughts though. The next owner may choose to swap it out if they choose.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I really like it in the daylight and think it's lovely, especially in the context of the nearby rooms. You've preserved so much original detail.

    I think my only question would with the drapes. The sheers are fine, but maybe floor length drapes would be better - it would mimic the height of the adjacent built-ins and seems a bit more period appropriate. OTOH, I see why you want the drapes ending at the wide windowsill/ledge as that seems to be a natural transition point too. And I know that this isn't a long-term residence for you, but maybe the next owner would want to put in plantation shutters. Hmmm...

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    @Jason Silvernale now you are cooking with those daylight pics! That wall color is stunning-- what paint did you use? I am an amateur artist (acrylics) so I always love a deep grey as a background to some of my more vibrant work. I would love to see a big colorful painting you really love in a nice vintage frame-- maybe something with a little Eastlake flair.. as a statement piece maybe above one of the sideboards or side tables. But that is just because I have a few paintings I think would be spectacular in that room.

  • 5 years ago

    I wonder what year the corner cabinets were installed?

    (Sorry to keep posting, I’m intrigued by your house.) :)

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    @greta Tarbell Sherwin Williams' Classic French Grey

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    @Jilly I think the main floor was updated in the 1920's with different casings and the corner hutches.