How to Decorate Your Dining Room

It’s the holidays and everyone is coming over to your home! Holy shmolly! The house isn’t ready! What will you do? That’s where I found myself a few weeks ago. We have never even used our dining room. It’s been 4 years and that room has just been a storage area and never utilized. Sad isn’t it? I have this big, beautiful home and and I’m using only a fraction of it. Time for a Dining Room Christmas Makeover! It’s time to show how to decorate your dining room so that your family and guests feel warm and welcome this holiday season and all throughout the year.

Here is my dining room “before” in the picture below. Ummm, yah. Not so thrilling is it? No wonder we never used it. I thought the dark colors would invite a more cozy and moodier feel to the room. Let’s just say, that room has never (like ever) been used in the past 4 years and no one had any desire to even go in it…. (sigh).

 

Let’s make this room fabulous!

Step one: Add a gorgeous chandelier-

CHECK! This is your main focal point that will bring ambiance to the room. This particular chandy is a Pottery Barn knock-off from Overstock.

Step two: brighten the room- 

Lift the mood and lighten the space with a white and soft warm pallet. I switched out the dark chocolate brown base for a fresh and light “Ultra White” by Dutch Boy. But now, can we say “HELLO!”? Wake me up. Pour the champagne. Would you like the filet or the salmon ma’am? Make this room bright and inviting, elegant and yet not overly stuffy.

Step 3: Add architectural interest:

I added wainscoting all around the room for architectural detail and interest.  The new molding is easy to make and install. (Tutorial coming soon!)

Step 4: New Color Pallet- Instead of yellow and brown, I chose a more modern pallet of yellow and gray. A new rug replaces the traditional flavor with a modern print, which pulls in the gray-blue tones from the adjoining rooms painted in Sea Salt & Comfort Gray.

Now let me tell you a bit about the paint I used. It’s by Dutch Boy. It is the Refresh line that they carry and I’m telling you, if you don’t want to smell any paint fumes then this is one to choose! I’ve done my fair share of painting and I’m telling you, this paint has the lowest VOC emissions that I’ve detected yet. I painted the room and no one could tell from the scent. Usually my family complains, but with Dutch Boy they didn’t! This is an awesome paint to use in kitchen or bathrooms especially. Check out these FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Refresh Paint. It has a convenient handle and no drip pour spout for a no-mess painting experience. Why can’t all paint manufacturers do this? Brilliant!

I painted the lower walls in their Satin paint and the trim work was painted in semi-gloss. I’m a very picky person when it comes to paint. (Ok, I’m a total paint snob). I usually go for the highest end of the paint market options. I was surprised to find how nice the Dutch Boy Refresh Paint leveled and covered. Check it out if you have a chance!

Step 5: Accessorize The colors are lightened and the artwork makes a bold statement. This artwork is “Storm Over the Marsh” by James Way. I absolutely adore it. I’ve had my eye on it for 2 years. Merry Christmas to me! This painting depicts the southern coastal marshes where I live. The other artwork is my own Give Thanks Subway Art, hand painted on bead board,  reminding us to give thanks in any situation and in any language.

Set the holiday table with natural and easy to make Glittered Bay Leaf Trees set upon a gold charger with Epsom salt “snow”. This makes a beautiful centerpiece that will last into January.

To build upon the more modern gray and gold theme, add accessories that repeat the colors. Glittered pear wreaths, white candles, and silver and glistening gold bells and baubles all contribute to an elegant ensemble.

Don’t forget the final touches when decorating your dining room. The small things like a coordinating table cloth, easy stoneware, and special accents like these quick and easy DIY jingle bell napkin rings.

All these ideas will ensure that your dining room will be as beautiful as you can make it! Now, I can’t guarantee or vouch for your holiday cooking, so you’re on your own there girlfriend! I’m hosting my entire family on Christmas for the 1st time ever, and to be honest I’m kinda nervous!

How about you?

Are you hosting for the holidays? Tell me about it! I’d love to hear your tips & tricks to a successful shin-dig!

Kim

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Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Dutch Boy and paint supplies were furnished by Dutch Boy. All experiences expressed and opinions are my own.