Dining Room Before & After

I thought the previous owners did a very nice job creating a very traditional and warm space, but it just wasn’t me. I really did try and live with the red floral in the dining room, I just am not a floral print kind of person. It couldn’t be done, I appreciate the traditional touches, but the floral has got to go.

The Plan of Action

So starting with all the pretty touches the previous owners had already put into place, I ditched the floral, and worked off their traditional inspiration.

Paint: I kept the upper wall color and trim the same, but used a coffee colored paint I found at a salvage store to cover the floral. I am still having nightmares from peeling old wallpaper (and subsequently drywall) off every wall in my last house, so after careful inspection of the floral paper, I decided it was smooth enough to paint over. I primed using the Kilz indoor primer, and the paint adhered easily after.

Buffet: There was no way I’d be able to afford the buffet of my dreams, so why not build it? You wouldn’t believe what my buffet/console started as. Here’s a hint, in it’s final state that piece is actually up-side down. Figured it out? No worries, I’ll share details.

Wall Art: I have finally created the “inspirational quotes” wall I have been wanting forever! I knew I wanted it to have a traditional flair, so this room made the perfect space for it.

Accessories: I have been collecting jars and ugly but interesting structures for such a time as this! I don’t have any nice dishes, but who doesn’t love the look of simple white dishes or porcelain displayed in a kitchen or dining room? Well, my kitchen doesn’t have the space to make it happen, but my dining room will do just fine.