This dining room reveal is one of my favorites ever, and not just because it was for one of my best friends in the world (but that probably helps). It turned out so gosh darn elegant and yet livable. If you missed their living room reveal (which you’ll see a peak of below) head there first for the background and the befores) because today is focused on this jewel box of a room that I’m so proud of (and jealous of, TBH).
Remember, the move-in before was colorless, pretty charmless, and cozy-less. So we had a clear directive – but that doesn’t mean it was fast, cheap, or easy (nothing ever is). It took a year, a fantastic partner (yes, perks to being my friend), and a lot of meetings squeezed in to make it happen.
Green Pillow | Small Blue Lumbar Pillow | Square Blue Pillow | Rosewood Velvet Pillow | Throw Blanket | Vase | Red Marble Tray
But you can see the potential, right? The big window that frames Mount Hood, the pretty original floors, the built-ins – all just needed some color and point of view. The dining chairs were 10 years old (and falling apart), the chandelier was honestly fine (but sold on FBMP now), and the rug felt too boho for this elegant room but the table? Oh, that heirloom table that’s been in her family for generations was so pretty so we knew that we’d keep that.
You can see here the connection between the living and dining room here, with a shared color palette of such warm tones, mixed with so many blues and greens. The dining room properly draws you in, while being totally balanced with the living room – not one room feeling heavier than the other. Almost like magic! (but not magic at all, LOL, it’s a hefty combination of effort, intuition, risk-taking, mistake-making, time, money, and experience…so easy!).
Introducing The Dining Room…
Wallpaper | Cabinet Color | Mirror | Table Lamp | Chandelier (no longer available) | Table (vintage) | Chairs | Rug
Kaitlin Green blew me away with these photos – the vibe is captured so perfectly! I think my favorite thing here is the rug with the wallpaper – neither “matching” necessarily and both rather busy, but because they are both classic and even historic, it now looks so vintage and original in here. I feared that it would be too much (especially with the other Persian rug in the living room) but now I see that when you are using such classic motifs and are wanting an old-world vibe, this is the way to go (and let’s be clear the tones and colors work really well together – a lot of complementary tones, not just random).
The Pretty Brass Chandelier
We almost kept their chandelier because it was “fine” but boy am I glad we didn’t. This one is so incredibly beautiful and the slate blue shades make it feel so updated, while the finish and the shape are classic. You can customize the drop, the finish, and the color of the shades (we almost did the burgundy but Robyn got scared and I complied). We kept it high enough to see the view from the living room, but low enough to still feel connected to the table. It’s perfect. And I apologize to those of you who hate it when we photoshop out recessed lights – While I didn’t ask Kaitlin to I am so grateful she did as they can be distracting if they are wrong, stylistically. One thing we could have done is replace them with brass spotlights but they were done spending money and making decisions, and since they didn’t mind the recessed lights we left them and just photoshopped them out for cleaner shots).
New Dining Chairs + Antique Table FTW
White Vase | Placemats | Gold Flatware | Plates | Bowls | Napkins | Wine Glasses | Salt and Pepper Grinders
The wallpaper is a classic William Morris pattern (that Rejuvenation sells!) and it was Robyn and Ryan’s first choice so YAY!!!! I loved it too so it was a real win. The chairs are a nice modern pairing to the more detailed/decorative table legs and the black finish added a nice depth and edge to the room. The wishbone shape is not only super ergonomic but the roundedness always adds a nice contrast to a rectangle table.
We knew that we couldn’t do a bold piece of art in here, and no gallery wall (too busy + there is one in the living room) so we hung this gorgeous huge mirror which obviously reflects a lot of light and adds so much elegance. The brass frame works so well with the hardware and the chandelier (obviously) and that rounded cut-out detail in the corner keeps it from looking too simple and modern (by giving it a vintage vibe).
I know I’ve been harping on the dark blue paint color, but it sure is so perfect, especially with the unlacquered brass handles popping off.
We chose a hardware (The Ladd Collection) that has a little bit of detail, leans more elegant than utilitarian but still feels fresh and modern. My goodness, did this elevate this built-in a lot.
Fluted White Stone Box | Pitcher Vase (no longer available) | Gold Frames | White Handled Bowl | Burgundy Glassware (Vintage) | Table Lamp
I styled the credenza with winter branches, a big bowl of mixed pears, family photos in frames (From World Market), and a vintage set of the perfect-toned glassware and carafe (from Stars Market in Portland – although I saw very similar ones from World market the next day that were much more affordable lol). We put a nice classic candlestick lamp in the corner to balance out the branches, draw your eye, and provide a nice ambient glow.
Burgundy Glassware (Vintage) | Table Lamp | Leather Ottoman (Vintage)
We brought over my beautiful inventory of tablescape pieces (that are from Anthropologie for the most part) to style it all out and boy did it look so pretty. Again, all the tones just work so well together.
I think this tour isn’t complete without some before and afters:
What a difference a year makes. They are sooooo happy and grateful (me, too). Here’s one more of Robs and I for those of you who like to see best friends being unabashedly affectionate 🙂
*Design by Emily Henderson
**Photos by Kaitlin Green
