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Dining Room Update Help Please

2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago

Hi, I am updating my 13’x25’ dining room. But I find myself a bit stuck trying pick the best options to make my room really shine.

My existing dining room is traditional (Ethan Allen 90s Canterbury oak furniture set) but I want the update to add some transitional, MCM and/or glam touches. I would like to keep the table and am open to new chairs or refinishing the EA queen anne chairs (maybe black?). I want to replace the china cabinet with a long sideboard and replace the server with a slim small console.

Also looking for a new 9x12’ rug, lighting fixture, drapes with three innermount natural grass blinds and to add a large plant. My current rug (PB Thalia - hand tufted wool) is only 3 years old but it still sheds like a beast.

The wainscot, trim and the mantel/built in cabinets are BM Linen White as is the rest of the house so I was trying to keep this color. But I am open to a new wall or ceiling color or maybe even wallpaper. I am wondering if I should perhaps add wood banding to the built ins’ shelf edges to breakup all the white.

My house is a split level so the first room you see when you come up from the foyer is the dining room (especially the ceiling, mantel wall and china cabinet wall).

The DR has two 57” openings into the kitchen/seating area which has colors in a mix of black, white, cherry, expresso and cinnamon. The two DR openings line up with two frenchwood sliders out to patios/backyard.

Below is a floor plan. Bear with me as I am a slow typer :) and I will add in the comments my room photos and photos of new pieces I am considering. In case it helps, the current room/furnishing measurements are:

Ceiling - 8’

Wainscot - 35”H

Height above mantel to ceiling - 34”

Table - 108”L x 42”W x 30”H

Server - 41”L x 19-1/2”D x 33”H

China cabinet - 60”L x 17”D (base is only 27” high so too low and not long enough by itself)

Thanks in advance for your help!!!


Comments (13)

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Do you have any photos?

  • 2 years ago

    Photos of DR:









  • 2 years ago

    Photos looking into the DR from the openings in the adjoining kitchen:





  • 2 years ago

    Light fixtures I like:






  • 2 years ago

    Sideboard styles I like (thinking wood or black - 80-90”):





  • 2 years ago

    Rugs I like (need 9’x12’), but it is hard online to see colors:








  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Oddly, I would start with the chandelier and pick something BIG and Smashing. Then design around the light fixture. Love your upholstered chair idea, may low and sleek?.

    Consider a custom broadloom in a sleek design and texture and have it sized so that when the chairs are pulled out they are still on the rug. Possibly even a wool sisal? Use your hutch to show off decorative items with a pattern or color, etc thems....ie, shells, coral, antique iron work, etc. to add interest. Modern art work on the walls, simple curtains, bamboo or texture shades...lovely room! Also some wallpaper might be stylin' too. Cannot wait to see how it turns out! For inspiration I really like dining rooms done by Alexa Hampton....you can find her books and pics online if that is something you enjoy looking at?

    Design Fan (NE z7a) thanked Susan Davis
  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Your room is great, I think you should consider some rug choices that are a little less transitional. Keep in mind that you can always order the smallest version of a rug that you like. Then you can see the colors and texture in your space and not worry about wrestling with a large rug that you don't like. Most online rug retailers have free shipping and returns.







    Design Fan (NE z7a) thanked deegw
  • 2 years ago

    I would paint the dining room a darker color for some drama and a bold statement. I would consider painting the china cabinet also in a nice accent color and have slipcovers made for the chairs with a fabric and accent colors that compliment the china cupboard, rug and slipcovers.

    Design Fan (NE z7a) thanked Cara Fidler
  • 2 years ago

    That’s a terrific room - i love the slipcover idea and the dramatic paint color suggestion. I think the room can handle an incredible chandelier so that could be a fun place to start and set the tone for the rest of the room


    FWIW my SIL took her traditional dining chairs to an auto body paint shop and had them painted and they look incredible



    Design Fan (NE z7a) thanked la_la Girl
  • 2 years ago

    As someone else commented the first thing I noticed was that the carpet was not long enough to accommodate the length of the table/chairs. You need another 4' of carpet length so that the chairs don't fall off the carpet at each end.


    Have you considered looking for a great antique sideboard or server? Something that is a true statement piece?


    Antique shopping can be great fun and you never know when you will find that one piece that speaks to you.


    Design Fan (NE z7a) thanked Jennifer Hogan
  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Thank you for all the great suggestions!

    Is sizing up to a 10’x14’ rug the right size? I currently have a 9’x12’ rug in a 13’x25’ room with the fully extended table of 42”x108” + end chairs. Anything longer than 14‘ makes the traffic paths awkward with one foot on the rug and one off.

    Is there an easy tool I can use to photoshop in multiple items that I am considering? I see I can play with paint or rugs at the paint and rug sites but that’s only one change being reflected.

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