Before my dining room was green…every part of it. It was like a olive colored paint truck exploded in there. It wasn’t that the color was bad…on contrar…it was actually a very appealing color. Too much of a good thing can make it ain’t so good. That plus the fact that it was the only room in the house with olive and gold – made it stick out like a Yankees fan in Fenway Park. And that people, is just plain dangerous.
- Selling Prep – this house will not be our “forever” home…yes, it’s sad. In fact, it probably will be our five year home if we are lucky…and being the lazy gal that I am, I want to go neutral now so that repainting won’t be necessary come listing time
- Matchy-matchy – the boyfriend and I like to be matchy-matchy. I like my outfit to be matchy-matchy…he likes his to be matchy-matchy…we even like to make sure our outfits together are matchy-matchy (just in case of a photo opportunity)…so it is only fitting to make sure our rooms match too. In this case, our new shmancy paint color matches our only other finished room – the living room.
- Let there be Light – before the room was dark on dark on dark. Now the room has dimension and light. Below the chair rail is the same color as in my living room. Above the chair rail is the shade lighter on the paint swatch to give the room depth. Placing the darker color on the bottom grounds the room while still allowing the majority of the space is be fresh and light.
And for the reveal:
Pottery Barn’s Holman shelves in action. My china never looked so good! Not only are these shelves super-sturdy, I scored them at the outlet so all three cost less than one at normal price. I love how the plates and teacups are so easy to access and a little cloth dusting is all they need to be utilized in an instant. Bonus points for making fancy lenox a little more laid back!
Ikea’s derierre in a chair fav! These little pads will help all you out with less junk in your trunk. Unfortunately, I can’t share my junk but these little cushions will make those long after-dinner convos a little more enjoyable even if your tushie needs no cushie.
Pottery Barn’s discontinued wine bottle shelves. I could only find an ebay link – but you get the idea. Obviously at the outlet these little beauties needed a pick-me-up…and I was there to pick-them-up-in-a-jiffy. A few coats with white spray-paint and wahLA!
Now all I need is to get some of these for the bottom of the top two and I have an instant wine bar…or my favorite – sparkling cider bar! Call me lame but I could seriously drink a whole bottle of the faux bubbly in one sitting. yum yum yum! Dining room Part 2 – change the curtains to white linen…currently they are too blah. Also for part 2 – need to find a small table or tray stand for under the racks – can we say drink station?! Yes we can!
You might be wondering about the big open space above the buffet. Since taking down the country inspired hutch, this blank canvas is begging for some bling. And I have just the thing:
These lovelies got a quick coat in white and are just waiting for hang-time. Definitely stay tuned for part 2 of the Bower Power Dining Room makeover….there is much more to come till this olive beast is a radiant beauty. And in the mean time, let me know if you think that this makeover was a collosal mistake or just makes you green with envy. Olive you and all your opinions!
I am absolutely OBSESSED with those shelves.
I really really need some in my dining room. Holy moley…. Love!
I am absolutely OBSESSED with those shelves.
I really really need some in my dining room. Holy moley…. Love!
I love the neutral colors – you pulled it off and it looks fabulous.
I love it! Your china looks so amazing on those shelves!
Definitely a thumbs up for the make over! I love the modern way of displaying your china.
BeaUtiful! I love how it turned out!
WOW KATIE! I LOOOOOVe the neutral (esp for the dining room b/c you can theme into any holiday/party you want!) and I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVe the idea of those shelves! Genius! Genius that I may steal, actually. 😉
It looks awesome!! I also love the wine shelves-I have never seen anything like that, always in a cabinet, but never on a shelves like those! It will look fab with your wine glasses hanging as well! Also, I am a huge fan of 2 tone dining rooms, seperated by chair rail molding. SUPER CHIC, any buyer would love it!
LOVE Those shelves! Obsessed! Girl, you are always doing something amazing to your home!
way to go katie!! nice work, again! =)
OOOOH, I love it!! The only thing I’d change is I’d put two chairs on either side of the table with none on the ends to create a more streamlined view from the doorway (you could always move them at dinner party time). Other than that, totally love it and you’ve done a great job! Can’t wait to see with the art hung.
It looks great! Love the shelves!
DR Part 1= SUCCESS!!
The new neutral color is just perfect. And that shelf display is making me (olive)green with envy. This is a stunning transformation, K!! Can’t wait to see more.
I love the color of the walls and the simple design. I’m also loving the plates and dishes on the wall, although I might be afraid that they would fall in the middle of the night. but that’s crazy me.
Hi Ya’ll,
I see that you all are as obsessed with the shelves as I am…greatest part – the design of the hanging brackets allows you to fasten directly to studs…and still hang the shelf where you want! And with a ‘security’ concerned husband like mine, that is music to our ears!
XO – Katie
Hi Katie – Do you have a how-to post to explain how you painted those mirrors? I’m looking to paint a mirror and need the tips! 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Kristin –
I didn’t do a how-to on the mirrors but I can explain quickly now if you like 🙂 First you want to take painters tape and tape off the inside edge of the mirror. Then take newspaper and tape that on the rest of the mirror making sure to cover all mirror surfaces. Lightly sand the frame to create a surface that the paint can stick to. And lastly do multiple THIN coats of all-surface spraypaint in semigloss white 🙂 TAHDAH! You are done 🙂 Great job girl!
XO – Katie
I am new to your blog and going through every post from the beginning, this is how far i have gotten this week, I started on Monday. AnyWho, I just had to comment here, even thought this is like 2 years old, and say that I too am an sparkling cider addict. Just last night I drank a whole bottle, for no reason other than it sounded good to drink with my dinner. Oh, and the hubby doesn’t like it, so that is just more for me. As I pulled 1 of several bottles out of the pantry last night I thought to myself “I wonder if anyone else drinks this stuff like water?” And then today I read this!!!!!!!!!!! Love it!!!!!!!
Good to know I am not the only one reading through from the beginning. I’m loving this blog, it’s so great, Katie!