Kraysmom -- Don't paint the chair rail, leave it to match with the rest of the wood trim. As far as the wainscoting goes, there's options as to how you can use it for remodeling that may save you time, as well as money. It might be spendy trying to replicate the original wainscoting, so here's something to consider.

Top left photo: Look closely at this photo. This is a remodel on an older home. They kept the original trim in some spaces and changed the trim color and wainscoting in others.

Top right: Colored wainscoting with wood trim intact. This kind of wainscoting is easy to find.

Bottom left: You could cover the wallpaper, leave the trim and put in a decorative or colored wainscoting. Even pick something that has modern farmhouse appeal. Every room does not have to have matching wainscoting!

Bottom right: Another example of colored wainscoting. Leave the trim dark and cover the wallpaper with easy to find wainscoting.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Just for a more complete overview, here's sample photo of what your dining room will look like without wainscoting (yours has a chair rail) to help you decide how you might feel about the space if you remove the wallpaper and paint.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Hi. If you want a more updated look, I would paint the chair rail the color of the wall. If it were white, it wouldn't be as important.

The chair rail visually chops up the height of the room.

What really matters is what you like. If you like the look of the dark chair rail, keep it. If not, it stays.

@Thos.Baker and CDR Design - I love the look of the room shown above that Thos.Baker posted. With the natural colored walls and no chair rail. I think the direction I will go at this time (perhaps there will be a phase #2 at some point) is to remove the wall
paper and paint the walls. Not 100% sure about the chair rail. If I were to paint the chair rail the same color as the walls would you paint it the same finish or something glosser?

In your opinion which light fixture would look the very best with my table? I know I love the lantern look but if it was your decision what would you pick. I value your opinions.

Hi Kraysmom. Thank you again for the lovely compliment.

If you prefer the look of the room without the chair rail, then remove it. I'd save it though, in case there's another room in the house where it could be used.

If you paint the chair rail the same as the wall, it will disappear (somewhat) into the wall. If you use gloss, it will attract the eye, which is not what you want. There are no hard and fast rules about painting trim, but how you paint it will determine the level of significance it has in the room.

I like the lantern chandelier you chose from Ballard Designs. More important -- you love lanterns and that style lends itself to the modern farmhouse look. I saw one chandelier that I almost posted, but because you love lanterns, I didn't. It's on Overstock.com. I'll post it now so you can make a comparison. It might cause you to think, "Nope, I'm going with lanterns!"

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

I like CDR Designs suggestion to select two colors for entryway, one for walls, one for ceiling. Then use ceiling color on the dining room walls. Would give a very nice, but subtle flow. I'm not sure I like cool colors (gray, blue) with the stain of the wood trim. The wood and entryway is dark. Warmer, but light, colors would appeal more to me and work with the dining room furniture. Can't tell from pictures which warmer colors would work with dining room set, kitchen granite, etc. I'm thinking tans, golden shades and corals, light new leaf greens - I like the colors in your dining room chair fabric! I do have a light gray in my living room and love it.

Read ALL comments - should have done so before posting, above! You're really moving! PLEASE - make sure seat height of end chairs is same as side chairs. We don't want host and hostess looking like little kids.

I'm coming to the discussion a little late but thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. Your design team has taken you down a great path!!
I do remodeling so I might be coming to this from a different perspective
1) love the consignment table for your new home the dark wood and the size of the table ground the dining room.
2) keeping the trim stained dark will help the flow of the house but the chair rail can tend to make a wall feel chopped in 1/2. Adding wainscoting will dress up the room. If you do decide to add it, carefully remove chair rail and possible reuse at top of new wainscoting. I'd recommend a good carpenter. It needs to be fully covered and stained to match. But with that said, money saving, remove chair rail (save for later) and paint the walls all one color.
3) on either side of window, you could do 2 bookcases. They would fit in your 14" depth, you could paint the back of shelves a 2nd color if you wanted a pop of color. You can fill the shelves as needed for a party - extra napkins, drinks, sides, etc...and other times, china, family mementos, etc can be on display. Oh and if tall bookcases are too much, go for short and use the top as a buffet. You can go to a local granite shop and get remnant pieces to put on top so you can put hot bowls on there.
4) wall color - not sure if anyone mentioned going dark. I've done black and dark brown. Including the ceiling! It makes the walls disappear and the light for a chandelier will bounce nice off of it. The chairs are light so they will show up nicely too!
5) chandelier - if you do the room dark, a brass chandelier will glow! Brass is coming back but you can still find ones that people are removing and get a great deal!
6) window coverings - when you remove the carpet & put in wood, the room may start to echo. At that point you will want drapes to help take in the sound.
7) entrance - keep your tile! It looks great and will let you take all those different rooms into different colors and yet tie it together. Plus it allows different flooring in all those rooms.
The paneling in here would look great painted. I would actually suggest adding some fake beams in the ceiling to give it some strength. I'd suggest a light creamy color so the entrance feels airy but if its too much white, a muddy gray would be great. Grays can go blue & cold but if it has some brown in it, it can be very warm and inviting.

It may have been mentioned before, but the ceiling in the entry is a remarkable feature and deserves to be highlighted once that paneling is down. Something as subtle as alternating panels of white and ivory, or white and gray, or something really bold and cheerful. From the upholstery you selected o the dining chairs, I would recommend bold. Perhaps consulting some faux painting artists who can recommend a patterned scheme for the entire entry, since it's complicated by multiple doorways.

Hi.

Chairrail: What looks really good is to keep the chair rail as an architectural feature, but paint it the same color as the wall. This is achieved by painting it, as you guessed an alternate finish. So, I am not sure what you like as far as a finish on your dining room walls. I would recommend either flat or flat enamel. Then, for the chair rail, I would go with semi-gloss.

If you paint the chair rail flat, it will look like "Oh, they didn't want the chair rail, but they were too lazy to remove it, so they just painted right over it."

Chandelier:

I think what looks best is to choose a chandelier that is the shape of your table. So, your table is a rectangle.

I would not choose a lantern. I think it looks too heavy and is the wrong shape for your table and room.

Here are three styles I think would look best in your rom.

[houzz=[houzz=[houzz=]

Here are 3 from Restoration Hardware that I think would look awesome

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2111634&categoryId=cat1701013

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1519006&categoryId=cat1701013

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2111662&categoryId=cat1701013

Hello everyone. No, I did not fall off the face of the earth yesterday we are just having snow days here and things are kind of crazy. Snow day #3 but the snow is out and I think this will be the last of it. I hope. Needless to say I have accomplished much of nothing on my end. I enjoyed reading everyones comments and ideas on lighting.

@ THOS.BAKER - Your right, I do still love the lantern idea. As for the chair rail..I do almost wonder if I should either leave it as is or take it down all together. That way its just gone (i could hold on to it if I wanted to add the wainscoting later and use it) and I not worrying if I am doing the right thing about painting it. And worried about how to paint it. I do have a chair rail in the kitchen as well. In the kitchen I have two shades of paint one above and one below the chair rail (as shown in the picture below). What about this idea in the dining room with two different shades or paint. If I decided to keep the chair rail?

@CDR DESIGN - I love the photos. I do like the two of the photos. The one picture at the very bottom. The black like chandelier and the one above it to the right that looks like a lot of candles. I really have considered that one before with the candles but feel that the whole candle look it very trendy and will have to be replaced too quickly. What are your thoughts?
But something else I noticed in that same picture is how they use "lantern like" candles on the table. I could still get lanterns in the room whether or not I used them as overhead lighting. As you can see in the Photos from The French Market they have a great selection of lanterns.

I really should use this time while I am waiting for my table to be getting that wall paper off (which I have never done). I know it seems I am all over the place but I really think its coming together in my mind (if nowhere else).

Yes, the candle chandeliers are "in" right now, so will be "out" at some point. However, I think they are one of those chandeliers that are new, but timeless. If you like them, go for them. HD and Lowe's have ones that are priced well. Then, if you don't like them in a few years, you can afford to change.

I think your best bet is to remove the paper and remove the chair railing.

I would remove it in the kitchen as well.

Hi Kraysmom. Welcome back. Wish I could say it's snowing where I live because I really miss the snow!

Stick with a lantern chandelier because that's the style you truly like. As to candle chandeliers, I had one several years ago and would never get another. Why? Because dust gets inside the candles and sticks to the wax. Also, the soot from some types of candles causes discoloration, which shows through light colored candles. In any event, I had to replace them often to keep the chandelier looking nice, which was costly since candles aren't cheap.

As to the chair rails: I don't want to discourage you from doing anything to make your room all that you hope it to be. But, I think it's important to point out that the wall paper probably should go first. I've removed wallpaper myself in a DYI project, and I have to tell you that, depending on the condition of the paper, it can be a lot of work. The easiest way is with a steamer to release the glue from the underside of the paper. Or you can do it by hand with sprays bottles of vinegar and laundry softener. This is one of the reasons I suggested putting wainscoting over the wallpaper -- to save you the headache of removing it. So, if you're taking down wallpaper and removing chair rails, you're getting into time consuming labor. How much time do you want to spend doing tear out? If that's something you want to do, great! But, that's what I would base my decision on when it comes to chair rails, wallpaper, painting or wainscoting. Ditto for the kitchen.

Okay, all that aside, I saw some photos recently and thought of you. So, I'll post them for inspiration -- in case removing the wallpaper and chair rails is what you decide to do!

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Chandelier: I was recommending the fake candle type.

Wallpaper: it is not that much and give it a try. It might peal off fairly easily

@ CDR DESIGN - I knew you were talking about the "not real" candle chandeliers. I have looked at them many times.

Yep. You are right!

For the wallpaper removal, I have found that heat and moisture are the best tools.

So, here is what I would do

First, try removing it by pealing it off. Sometimes that works.

If not

-place an old sheet or drop cloth under area you will be working on.
-scour it. There is a scouring tool (small and inexpensive) you can buy at HD ( puts little holes in the wallpaper so that moisture can get in).
-spray it with a water bottle
-scrape and peal it off
-you can also use a steamer (can rent them). Or, I have used a hair dryer.

Prior to painting, you will have to sand it to make sure all the glue is removed.

Might be easy or might be hard, but the area is not that large.

Sorry, I should have looked closer at the candle chandelier. It instantly made me think of my old one. Still...a friend of mine loved the look and bought one with the fake candles and said they were hard to clean on the inside too.

I got to thinking that with all you have on your mind, it's easy to forget about other details that may be important in the long run (like cleaning), so I thought the extra suggestions on cleaning the candles and removing the wallpaper (plus labor) might be helpful.

In any case, you have a good eye and have chosen the wonderful modern farmhouse theme and I'm sure the end results are going to be gorgeous.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

True, many chandelier are hard to clean. That is something to keep in mind when purchasing. Like any purchase decision, you have to weigh the positives and negatives.

@ CDR Design & Thos.Baker - You Both have been such an awesome help to me. You really helped me look at the BIG picture and not get too hung up on any one thing. At this point there are some things I do know for sure. SO those things I want to get down on paper and not go back to them to second and third guess my decisions. Here goes.

Dining Room:

1. I am going to go with the lantern light fixture from Ballard Design. I love it. One of the things I love most about it is there in no glass to keep clean from dust. It is a super price so should I change my mind shortly down the road I won't be that upset and I feel I could use it in other areas of my home.

2. I am taking the wall paper down. Probably start that next week when the kids are back in school.

3. I am going to take down the chair rail. The room has enough of that dark molding to tie into the rest of the house. We can do without one chair rail. Then it is a clean slate to work with. Nothing to chop up the room.

4. I have the table picked out and waiting (as you know) and have a good idea of the chairs I am going to purchase for the ends (the style anyway). They will be in a print/pattern of some sort even if I have to have them reupholstered.

5. I am set with having some sort of console/buffet cabinet in the room. Will have to wait on the table to see which direction that will go in. But I'm sure i want something in there.

6. Window covering I will wait on until the room starts coming together (I will be asking for help with that when the time comes). I will also wait on picking the paint color til the end.

7. Art and accessories will be a process. I know the style I like and the look I am going for (modern farmhouse with a traditional twist). So those items will be whatever catches my eye and feels right.

Entryway:

1. I do know I will be keeping the floor as is for now anyway.

2. I will use the colors in the floor to tie into the dining room. Either the tan or grey color.

3. I am leaning towards the chandelier in Ballard Design still for this room. That may change. This will have to be done by a professional due to the height of the ceiling and that whole pointy peak will be a challenge for anyone.

4. The paneling has gotta go. I think taking it down is the way to go. Some say paint over it?? Not 100% on that at this point.


Well that is it in a nut shell. I don't think I will post anymore until I have something more to show you or questions to ask. I will keep you in the loop as to my progress. Will Houzz notify you when a new comment has been made here so I won't lose you and your awesome advice? THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

Photo updates to come …….

Entryway - I know I suggested painting before and you might look at some pictures here on house. But if you are going with modern farmhouse w/ traditional twist, the paneling painted would be a 75% there in the entrance and would be a great statement right as you walk in the door.

Yes, we will get emails when you post. Will be anxious to see what you do after you get the dining set. Go for what makes you feel good!

Have fun with this project. We'll be waiting! :)

http://snapcreativity.com/remove-wallpaper/ ran across this and thought it might help. good luck.

Yes, I am notified by email whenever a comment is posted here. I bet you feel so much better, having made some decisions. I think they are good ones!

Front Hall: If you want to paint the paneling, you will have to sand it. We don't know how many coats of paint it will take to hide it. Then again, if you want to paint the drywall, you will have to patch the nail holes made from removed paneling.

Someone mentioned there could be a market for the paneling, so taking it down, might be the way to go. You might want to start by taking down one panel and seeing what is under it.

Looking forward to your progress.

Is the pool operable or do you just need cosmetic help? Reason I ask is that would be a priority project for me. Keep in mind the pool people start getting really busy in the Spring, so now would be a good time to contact them to at least get started if you have any maintenance issues.

Didn't I say our little bird would soon take flight? Will keep an eye out for you!

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Checking that chandelier is appropriate size

dr is 138x180
table is 54x78

what is the lantern chandelier size?

@CDR DESIGN - that chandelier comes in different sizes. which one would be the best.
Large is -18 1/4" H x 12" Sq
x-large is 24"H x 16"Sq

That was my fear. To look right, a chandelier should fit the room as well as the table size. You should measure both ways and then make a compromise on the size.

An easy trick for the room is to take the dimensions and add them. Your room is 11 x 15 feet. So the sum is 26. Then you take that 26 feet and use it as diameter of your chandelier in inches.

Hence, your chandelier should be 26 inches wide. (not even close)

The second approach is to measure your table. The Chand s/b about 1/2 -3/4 the size of the table.

table is 54 wide/chandy is 16 (not even close)
table is 78 long/chandy is 16 (not even close)

If you really want a lantern, your choices are:

buy this one, but in my opinion it will look really small
look for a larger one (prob hard to find a lantern that large)
buy 2 or 3 of the lanterns, but will have to do some electrical work.

@CDR- Thanks. I haven't bought the lighting yet so I will keep all of this in mind.

Here is another way to look at it. Look at the photos on Houzz or some we have posted above. See how large the chandeliers should be? Also, how large is the one in your dr right now? I think that one appears to be too small.......and you are talking about buying a smaller one?

Is this your chancy? See how small the table is over which it is hanging?

CDR- I do see what you are saying. I guess the only way to go with the lantern is to have more than one. Which I'm not sure I want to go through all of that electrical hassle. So you are saying it should be 24 inches wide? What if it goes over that? what is the rule? It doesn't have to be exact does it? just close either way? I guess when you are looking at something on line it just seems much bigger. Plus, that chandelier does come in four sizes. I agree, that does look small.

Hi I'm not a lover of wood indoors but I love the panels in the hall but hate the colour. Have you thought of going over it with a white glaze or wax, so that you get the sunbleached effect of seaside houses ? You could even fade it down from the lightest blue at the top through to white at the bottom to bring it to life.Please sell it on if you truly hate it.

@skystorm52 - The paneling is very unique for sure. My thoughts are to either remove it or paint it. "Seaside theme" would not go with the rest of my house at all. i am going in a whole different direction. Thanks for your thoughts. It's always interesting to read the many ways people would go about tackling a problem area.

If we measure the room way, chandy should be 26" in diameter.
If we measure table way, chandy s/b 27-40 width x 35-58 long.

So, if you bought a round one, the minimum diameter would be 26"

I think the ideal shape would be a rectangle. Then, it should be about 26x 35 minimum.

Just one example from above. See how it takes up more than half of the table?

[houzz=]

@sbfhgr- I do think there is already drywall behind the paneling if that is what you are referring to. It would just be a lot of repair work to fix the one million nail holes from the paneling. May paint it now and redo in the phase #2 of the remodel. Thanks for your thoughts

Cdr, what about this one you posted before?

http://houzz.com/photos/2333620

Cindy, I think that is a good one, since it is sort of a lantern facsimile, for lack of a better term.

However, kraysmom has to love it.

Thinking along Cindy's line of thought, there may be out there a fixture with three more traditional lanterns on a single fixture.

RH has some modern twists on industrial and farmhouse style that you might like. You have to scroll down a little.

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?categoryId=cat1701013

@CDR & Cindy - I do like some of the lighting at restoration hardware but it seems VERY pricy. I need to get out and see what I can find around here. We have many lighting stores in my area as well as home depot and Lowes (ya never know I might see something there). I just don't want to spend as much on the lighting as I did on the table its self.

Just paint it light grey ,its cheaper

Make sure you check overstock.com. Lots of affordable lights. I have purchased from them.

tomanygames-you have been reported.

bubasgma, Thank you. I have only had to do this once. It was prior to the "report" button. Awful situation.

Said person above is on other discussions as well.

kraysmom0, yes......just pointing out that there are many options. I think Lowe's esp has some really nice lighting for a good price.

What did you finally do? Would be interested in seeing recent pics!