I set one big home goal for the final months of the year: create a complete design plan for our dining room makeover. After lots of thinking, experimenting, and a little expert help, I finally have a cohesive direction for the space.
Here’s how the room has changed since we moved in nearly two years ago and what’s next for this traditional dining room makeover.
When we moved in, the walls were painted a pistachio green. It was pretty, but not the right fit for our home.
My first change was to repaint. I chose Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and loved how it paired with the light farmhouse furniture I’d brought from our previous house. The darker walls created a cozy, moody backdrop and made the wood tones sing.
However, the farmhouse pieces I’d built for our last home didn’t feel right in this more traditional house. The dining table was too large for the space, and the aesthetic clashed with the home’s classic architecture. I sold those pieces and continued shopping for something that would fit the house better—then my mom called with a surprising gift.
The antique dining set came from my great-grandmother’s home via my grandmother. My mom had first wanted it, but she generously passed it to me. The scale, wood tones, and craftsmanship are perfect for our traditional home, so my focus shifted to decorating the dining room and the nearby rooms to complement this heirloom furniture.
Update: Come over and see the dining room progress!
Decorating Plans for a Traditional Dining Room
I gathered inspiration and tested ideas in a smaller space first. The powder room makeover became a trial run for painted trim and wallpaper, and I was delighted with the result—painted trim and patterned paper feel beautifully classic and surprisingly fresh.
Because the dining room connects to the butler’s pantry and laundry room, I wanted a unified plan for all three areas. Decorating them as a cohesive suite felt important, so I decided to bring in a designer for a little guidance.
I hired Sydney at Sydney Collins Interiors for a virtual e-design. I admire her work and wanted help refining the color palette, wallpaper selection, and finishes so the dining room would honor the antique set and the home’s traditional character.
My initial inspiration was a pear plate with beautiful blue and green tones. I sent that as the starting point to Sydney along with requests for coordinating ideas for the laundry room and butler’s pantry.
Key elements I considered: gingham curtains, Scalamandre Raphael Green wallpaper, wicker or double-gourd lamps, a brass mirror over the buffet, a braided jute rug, and tailored seat covers for the antique chairs. I also planned to paint the trim a complementary green to tie everything together.
Here’s the action plan for the dining room:
- Install wallpaper on the walls to introduce pattern and color
- Paint the trim in a coordinating green for a layered traditional look
- Add gingham draperies with trim tape for a polished finish
- Hang an ornate brass mirror above the buffet to reflect light
- Place matching lamps on the buffet for ambiance and balance
- Consider different end chairs for variety and scale
- Select a braided jute rug to ground the table while keeping texture natural
- Create fitted seat covers for the existing chairs in a coordinating fabric
Sydney refined my choices and provided a concept board that pulled the palette together: Benjamin Moore paint colors, Scalamandre wallpaper, gingham draperies with trim tape, braided jute rug, and elegant double-gourd lamps with pleated shades. She suggested Carolina Gull by Benjamin Moore for a complementary blue-gray and trim painted in a warm green to enhance the antique wood.
I updated my original vision with Sydney’s tweaks and now have a clear, cohesive plan that feels timeless and true to our home. The color story—soft blues and green accents—will highlight the antique furniture and create a warm, elegant dining atmosphere.
This room will be a bit more high-end than some of my past makeovers, but I want to do the furniture and the house justice. I’m buying pieces slowly, watching for sales, and purchasing one thoughtful item at a time. I’ve already snagged a brass mirror and ordered the gingham draperies while I keep an eye out for the remaining pieces.
I’m thrilled with the plan and can’t wait to bring these rooms together in the new year. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please share them in the comments—I’d love to hear your input as the dining room comes to life.