Asked on Mar 01, 2016
Help us decorate/design a large dining area
by
Jill
+21
I bought a home that has a large dining area that opens to the kitchen. The previous owner removed the wall between the dining room and an office, creating a very large space. I've included pics from the previous owner (with furniture) and one with only the dining table. We have kept the far cabinets the red-orange color and painted the walls a very neutral beige with creamy white trim. Our style is more contemporary with a coastal flair. I'm having a difficult time determining how to make the most of this space. Thank you!
12 answers
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Hhhmmm...contemporary coastal? Maybe bring in some greys and blues. You've already got the walls beige and cream, you said...I'd also bring in some textural elements - maybe some baskets and/or glass elements to warm up the space and convey more of a coastal feel. How about introducing a nice, big, comfy chair and throw angled in that empty space by the book shelf? Would be a great place to cozy up for a good read. And you're right - what a huge, grand space!!!
KatAych
on Mar 01, 2016
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I agree with Kat. Google coastal decor images for more ideas. https://www.google.com/search?q=coastal+decor&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiLm9qrq6DLAhVJuIMKHa6dBx4Q_AUICCgC&biw=1024&bih=503
Mary Thorne
on Mar 01, 2016
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I'd try to separate it into two areas, maybe put an area rug by the bookcases, and a couple of comfy chairs and use it for an office/sitting area. Then get a table/bench combo, and a wood buffet, so it's more casual.
Cindi
on Mar 01, 2016
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Could we get a current pic? If you want coastal, those orange bookcases will need to be painted in a white or light gray. Those lights are very traditional. Go to Houzz or Pinterest and search coastal, and go off of that to see if you like anything.
Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot
on Mar 01, 2016
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From what i can make out of your photos there is more of a traditional look going on in your room. Sorry but it really does not have a contemporary flair. You mentioned you are keeping the red-orange cabinets but what else is in the room? Is all that furniture in the room .The wall colors are they staying?
Janet Pizaro
on Mar 01, 2016
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Bonita , I would separate into a lounge reading area too. Nice comfy chairs, lush rug, paint cabinets white , colourful painting and add throw cushions to match.bring in same colours on table accents.choose lighter paint colour. give room a nice airy feel.Beautiful space.
Bonita Laking
on Mar 02, 2016
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I agree with making the former office space a separate space. I would put an area rug in there and add a couple of comfortable chairs and a coffee table that can accommodate a 1,000 pc puzzle or a game board. I would look for a couple of wingback chairs with high legs to keep the space from suddenly getting heavy the way that it might if you had overstuffed, short legged chairs in there. We have a space in our house between the kitchen and living room that is rather undefined and that's basically what I am doing in there, except that the end wall doesn't have cabinets so I am looking for a specific style of drop leaf table to put in that spot so we have the option of using the table with both leaves down as a lamp stand/end table, one leaf up for a puzzle or gAmes or we can open it completely and extend the dining table. I look forward to hearing about what you end up doing with your space. :)
Esther
on Mar 02, 2016
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I agree! The bookcase has to be painted out! Off white or grey is best, or even black if you want some drama! I would add wallpaper or mirror to the back of the shelves, too, for additional drama. A sitting area in front of that bookcase with two slipper or small armchairs facing one another with a substantial, lower ROUND cocktail table in between them. Or you could do a long and wide custom bench in front of that bookcase, instead, which would give a ton of extra seating for parties... It would also divide the space. A very shallow but long buffet piece would look great straight across from the table, with a large art piece or black and white photo gallery arrangement (or even a big mirror), above! AND... yes, the lights have to go! UNLESS you paint the hardware a funky color and get new shades, or tweak them with glass paint, but most certainly, the sconces are history...UNLESS... (always thinking) you paint the hardware on those a gloss black and then stripe the glass shades somehow...??? Or polka dots, but that is pretty whimsical. Do look at a wall treatment on one wall if you decide not to paper the backs of the shelves...it needs some texture in there. Enjoy :)
Darla Toth
on Mar 02, 2016
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Maybe some shiplap on an accent wall painted in a white? Some blues and whites. A beach themed rug under table. Some reclaimed wood.,,etc. All of these contribute to the vibe you want. Here is one I found on Houzz,,,you can search through 21K beach vibe dining rooms! http://www.houzz.com/photos/5637078/Minnesota-Residence-transitional-dining-room-minneapolis
Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot
on Mar 02, 2016
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You seem to be at a loss as to where to even start, so check out this link: http://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/creating-a-design-plan-in-4-easy-steps/ I just love Kim's blog as she has many good tutorials on decorating and design basics, not just the one I've linked to. Brushing up on some design basics will make it much easier to start implementing a plan. Browse around online for style inspiration. Start a Pinterest board where you can pin images you find that appeal to you. You will begin to get a clearer picture of what your style is, and be inspired to start making additions and changes.
Colleen
on Mar 02, 2016
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Hi Jill- what a great room to design! If you are looking for coastal, then light colors and washed finishes are the way to go. I am thinking that the bookcase at the window end should be painted that light, creamy color to match (or complement) the kitchen cabinets so they anchor the two ends of the room. Working backwards from there, add a small sisal area rug and two overstuffed side chairs with a round table between them to create a reading/game area. You need to change out the light fixtures to something lighter and more modern. Not sure if those are your table and chairs, but black is not what you are looking for in a coastal room. Find one element that you can pull your color scheme from (like the area rug under the dining table) and use that as your inspiration.
Country Design Home
on Mar 03, 2016
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Here's my 2 cents...1 ~ I have to agree w/ others that the bookshelves color needs to change. The current color really limits the possibilities of the room. If you really love this color, you can use it as an accent color in artwork, decor items or throw pillows. I suggest that you paint bookshelves the same cream color as the kitchen cabinets, the trim & windows. This will balance out the room & give you more color choices for the room. 2 ~ For the walls I would change the color to any of the following blue colors from Benjamin Moore ~ Birds Egg, Palladian Blue, Serenity, or Tranquil Blue. 3 ~ For furniture starting off facing the bookshelves you can place on the left side kitty corner wicker chair here is one example... https://www.pinterest.com/pin/79376012155464140/ You might be able to put 2 of these wicker chairs next to each other with a small wood side table w/ a table lamp. You will want to make sure it is not too delicate. On the opposite side you can put 2 wing back chairs in a deep Caribbean blue or a patterned design (1 can be used as an office chair for the built in desk.) Here is one example... http://www.worldmarket.com/product/pacific+blue+elliott+wingback+chair.do?page=2&from=fn&clickid=wolRFNwTM0ZTWS40BXRnzRFlUkS15ow5Rxni3Y0&camp=Aff:57486:84047:IR&utm_campaign=84047:IR&utm_source=57486&sharedid=&utm_medium=affiliate In between the chairs I would add a steamer trunk either wood, painted cream w/ wood trim or you can decoupage some vintage travel destination decals or maps then add a piece of glass on top for a hard surface. I'd move the dining table closer to the kitchen, I'd mix up the chairs using different materials & designs using wicker, rattan, metal or wood. Ok, so there are some ideas that might help...Have fun decorating!
Kayo Frazier
on Mar 03, 2016
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