As some of you know, I don’t have a separate dining room. There’s just a space between the living room and kitchen. This picture shows the space in relation to the other rooms. It’s actually bigger than it looks in the picture.
When I moved into this house I brought along the counter-height dining room table from my apartment, but ended up replacing it with this black pedestal set a year later. It was from Wal-Mart and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It’s held up really well over the years. My only complaint is that black dining room tables are impossible to keep clean! They show every little crumb. Anyway, other than the table, I haven’t done much to the dining room space except add a couple pictures from Hobby Lobby (I painted the mats and frames).
I don’t dislike anything about this room, but I’m ready to change up a few things so it’s more my style. I think sometimes you can get so overwhelmed by ideas on blogs and Pinterest that you can end up with a room that you like, but isn’t really your style. I think that’s especially true if you are a new home owner and don’t really know your style yet…at least that’s all true for me.
Putting together a mood board always helps me pull together my ideas and set a clear plan. Of course all of the items and finishes are subject to change, but this is the general direction I’m heading:
I’ve always loved these farmhouse style tables, but I didn’t think I’d have room for a rectangular table in this space. I was wrong…that’s why you should always measure. So, my plan is to buy a farmhouse table and matching bench. The rest of the seating will be a mix of wood chairs and upholstered captain chairs. Right now our table only seats 4, so it’ll be nice to have the additional seating.
On the wall, I want to hang a cup rack for my ironstone tea cups. I’ve amassed quite a collection over the past couple years and would love to have somewhere to display them. I’m not sure if I’ll do a metal rack like the one pictured (which is impossible to find for sale) or DIY a wood one with hooks.
Right now we have a ceiling fan in the dining space, but I’d love to replace it with a beautiful fixture. I love the idea, but I also love ceiling fans in the summer. I know they are terrible design wise, but they are so practical…especially in hot climates like Phoenix. So I’m kind of undecided on replacing the fan or not…
Lastly, I want to sew either a faux roman shade or a valance for the window in the back door. Right now it just has a cheap mini blind that’s missing a few slats. I think that bright fabric will add some fun color to the space.
I can’t wait to get started on this space. I think I’ve already found the table and bench I want. I just need to re-measure the space. If you are curious, it’s this set from Wal-Mart. OK, let's take a look at the to-do list:
Buy dining table/bench
Buy 2 dining chairs
Buy 2 head chairs
Find cup rack
Sew window valance/roman shade
Update light fixture - maybe?
Styling/finishing touches
So, what do you think? Am I crazy for starting another room?
Sources:
China Cabinet / Light Fixture / Cup Rack / Fabric / Dining Chairs / Striped Upholstered Chairs / Dining Table / Dining Bench / Faux Lavender Arrangement
Love this!! I struggled at first with what I really did like vs. what I thought I was supposed to like. Now I just try to only buy what I really love. Your space will be lovely!! Enjoy doing it!
ReplyDeleteI think it is going to be awesome! I pull my piano bench over when we have guests and extend my table with a leaf so it can comfortable sit six people. It totally works! I love those tables as well. I can't wait til I grow up and get a big house so I can have a sweet big table! I'm loving your style evolution, I thin it is awesome!
ReplyDeletePS. Here's a link for one of those cup racks- I'm contemplating buying one for my kitchen- or two small ones for by my coffee bar. #smallcabinetprobs http://shop.magnoliahomes.net/products/cups-for-days-rack
ReplyDeleteThat's the cup rack that I originally wanted! I saw it on Fixer Upper and it gave me the idea of displaying my ironstone. I think that one is too tall though, I need something wider.
DeleteLove your inspiration for your dining room and I can't wait to see what you do! Our current kitchen/dining table is from WalMart too and we've had it for about 2.5 years and been really happy with it too....can't wrong on the prices from WalMart!
ReplyDeleteMy entry table is from Walmart too and it has held up really well! Love your mood board, it looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI really love those chairs. I am sure the space will look fabulous. Sometimes dining areas are pretty tricky because of how they are placed in the house and how they look out to the rest of your home. Although this is a separate room, you still want to make is fluid and fitting with the rest. I can't wait to see the reveal. :)
ReplyDeleteI love farmhouse tables! I wish I had room for one. I don't have a separate dining room either, but my space is much smaller than yours. Right now I've got an expanding table from ikea. It's black. You're right, they are a pain to clean!
ReplyDeleteSarah
Midwest Darling
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