You’ll love this Farmhouse Dining Room, filled with cozy charm and sentimental details. Plus, 5 simple decorating tips.
Last Christmas, I shared a mini-reveal of our Dining Room Makeover. At that time, we were waiting on our ceiling light to ship. It arrived, we finally got it installed {it wasn’t an easy one} and now you can see the whole space!
Farmhouse Dining Room
As a reminder, here is where we started. It already had beautiful wood ceiling beams, a gas fireplace and three big windows for tons of sunlight. I also liked the crown molding, trim detail and the creamy color on the top half of the walls.
The dining room is located to the left as soon as you enter our home. The previous owners used it as their living room, but that didn’t make sense for us. Our long farmhouse table wouldn’t have fit in any other room in this house. Plus, we love having a fireplace in our dining room.
Simple Decorating Tip #1
Don’t get “stuck” by a home’s original layout. Use it in the way that works best for your family.
I know that painting brick is a bit controversial — and I do like brick inside homes when it’s in the right space. In this room, though, I wanted the space to feel light and bright. The red and brown brick just made the room feel so much darker — and after one only coat of white primer, I knew that painting the brick was the right choice.
White also lets your accessories be the focal point — and this is a mantle, after all. What fun is decorating a mantle when the accessories blend into the background? The same goes with wall art, if you love to collect art, white walls might be a great choice for you.
The color palette is simple. This is the main room we entertain in, so I wanted it to be the type of room that I could decorate for any party theme and not worry about “working with” the decor. Grey, white and black are pretty flexible. There are some small doses of blue and green; but they could easily be switched out with other accent colors.
Simple Decorating Tip #2
Keep the rooms that you use for entertaining versatile when it comes to the color palette. You’ll be able to decorate for any party or holiday.
I always like a pretty room, but function has to come first. After hosting a party or two, it was clear that we needed more serving space besides just the center of the dining room table. We “shopped the house” and brought in a buffet that was being used as a TV stand in our family room. The buffet is flanked with two chairs in case we need additional seating.
Simple Decorating Tip #3
Consider how you use a room and then choose the right furniture for that style of living.
We’ve got art throughout the dining room, but the final wall has a special display with some of our favorite photos. It’s a collection of vacation photos that we’ve taken and then had printed on canvas in black and white. Why are they in our dining room? Well, they’ve become great conversation pieces. Our guests ask about these photos more than anything else in our home {& it was the same way in our last home}.
Simple Decorating Tip #4
Include some unique, personal items in every space. It will become something you can share with family and friends when they visit.
Of course, no dining room would be complete without a place to share a meal together. This table was one of our first big purchases as a married couple and we specifically wanted something that could seat 8-10 people. It does the job; it’s where we eat, chat and play games with visitors. We chose a statement light to highlight the table as the center — and most important piece — of this room.
Simple Decorating Tip #5
When planning your space, think about where — and how — people will gather in it. Layout the rest of the room with that in mind.
That may have been a bit of a picture overload, but we are just so pleased with this space and I’m excited to share! If you are interested in the projects and products behind this space, check out the Farmhouse Style Dining Room sources and tutorials.
Gretchen says
The new light looks great–what a lovely, welcoming space! Love the idea of a fireplace in the dining room π
Kim Spalding says
Room looks great, love all the Kentucky charm! And love the gallery walls π http://www.craftedbykimspalding.com
Everything home says
I LOVE the new light fixture and I'm so glad you decided to paint the fireplace white. It really opened up the room!
Craftivity Designs says
Thanks so much, Kim! I can't hardly finish a room without a gallery wall, lol. Just love them!
Craftivity Designs says
Thanks!! The fireplace in the dining room reminds me of those historic homes with fireplaces in every room….
except it's just one π
Craftivity Designs says
Thanks π It was definitely the right choice for us! We painted the walls and hung curtains first just to make sure; but the fireplace still needed to be white.
the cape on the corner says
i love the sputnick chandelier. it's a great mix of modern and rustic, this space. enjoy!
b
Craftivity Designs says
Thanks! I was going for a modern-y farmhouse combo; so that is great to hear π
Tera Janelle says
Such a simple thing, but I LOVE the black chairs and how they play off the black in the rest of the room! Lovely and classic!
Lindi V says
Very nice transformation! I personally love the painted brick – not controversial over here! lol. And that light fixture is perfect. Great choice!! Thanks for sharing at the Talented Tuesday party π
Lindi @ Love, Create, Celebrate
Craftivity Designs says
Thanks! We originally ended up with mis-matched chairs because they only had 4 left of the style that matched our dining room table — but I'm so glad it ended up that way because I like the black ones a lot.
Craftivity Designs says
I feel like if we hadn't painted the brick, the light would just blend into it. The white paint makes the fireplace and the light great π
Kendra Joy says
What a gorgeous transformation!! I love the light fixture… and that table is beautiful too! Featuring you tomorrow at Your Turn To Shine π Hope to have to back to link up please! Enjoy the rest of the week!
Kendra @ http://www.joyinourhome.com
Craftivity Designs says
Thanks so much, Kendra π
Everything home says
So many great tips from this post!! I love the attention to detail you showed and the way you wrote about it made it so memorable.
Craftivity Designs says
Thanks π It's a great space to relax and talk or play games after dinner.
Wendy says
What color white is that?
[email protected] says
It’s a custom mix paint color to match our trim.
Here are the details on the formula if that helps:
PP109 β Porter Paint Hi Hide Interior Latex β Light Base
B=3 C=15 F=1
Chrissy says
It turned out so great! Love the changes and how bright and light it seems! Great job!
[email protected] says
Thanks, Chrissy! I the light/bright look is my favorite part of the makeover π
chloe | boxwood avenue says
It’s incredible! You did an amazing job – the chairs look fantastic!
[email protected] says
Thanks, Chloe!
Karrie says
Wow! What a huge transformation!! You’re dining room is gorgeous!
[email protected] says
Thanks, Karrie π