Before and After: Our Dining Room

Last summer, I contacted favorite blogger and designer Holly Mathis and asked if she could help "spruce up" our dining room.  I knew I needed a fresh perspective. I didn't know that she would totally get me after one email, that we'd become fast friends, and that the whole prcoess would be so fun.  Holly is one of those rare people that is both humble and unaware of how talented she is and that makes working with her, and getting to know her, such a pleasure!

My first email went along the lines of this...

" Hi, Holly!  HELP.  I don't like my dining room.  I've out grown the style of the furniture, but I'm not ready to invest in replacments.  I'm at a stand still with what to do.  I'd like to leave the wall color, window treatments, light fixtures and some of the accessorries the same." 

This dining room was my inspiration:

What I love about this room is the way it FEELS - classic and cozy, up to date but not too modern. 

Dining Room Before:

AFTER:

BEFORE

AFTER:



 I cannot tell you how much I love the room now.  We do not have a formal dining room in this home so every meal is eaten here, all homework, sewing, craft projects etc. happen around this table.  And while every room in our home is always evolving and changing (I'm still on the hunt for a round or oval antique dining table that can stand up to our daily abuse) for now this room is just right the way it is! 

Thanks so much for looking!

( Sources: Hutch Color: Flagstone Martha Stewart/ Wall Color: Bone White BM/ Trim Color: Bennington Gray BM/ Chairs: Craig's List, had slipcovers made locally/ Pillow Fabric on Chairs: Bosporous Toile/ Chandelier: Currey & Company /Silhouettes: Cutarts/ Frames for Silhouettes: Pottery Barn/ Botanicals: I had these, but reframmed (Ikea) and matted with burlap from local frame store)