Dining Room Differences
Pop quiz time. Let’s see how well you have paid attention.
What are the things that are new to this room? (not counting general knick-nackery) (and yes, that is now a word).
Pencils down please.
The answers I was looking for were the following:
- Rug
- Sconces
- Mirrors
- Buffet
- Plants
Any order is acceptable. How well did you do? Anybody go five for five? Well, give yourself a high five if you did. teeheecheesey.
Last time you saw this room – it looked a little something like this:
But the rug looked like this (after I got the freebie from FLOR)…
Well, as you can see, we didn’t love the layered rug look for this room…just wasn’t working out. Putting a 5×7 in there wasn’t an option either…it would be like wearing a yamaka to cover a bad hair day. So we shelled out the extra cash to add 18 more FLOR carpet tiles creating a bigger rug that would be the right scale for the room.
We also had to dig into the couch cushions to add some sconces. Remember how the room was wired for them but there wasn’t any installed?
Well, I saw these beauties at Lowes and loved them. When we bought them, I didn’t know exactly where I would put them (living room? dining room? bathroom?) but once we got home and Jer held them up, I loved the contrast of the squareishness (also now a word) to the round pendant. oohlalight.
Third on the did-you-notice list was these mirrors. I finally got around to choosing where they would go. I decided to go for a long row above the bookcases-turned-dishware-shelves because a. they can reflect the light from the two doors across the room 2. they fill up some of that empty space above those shelves and D. I like mirrors in a dining room but have figured out that if someone can see themselves while at the table, they (as in “I”) tend to look at themselves (coughmyselfcough) the entire meal vs. the peeps I am dining among. Not cool.
You may remember those are the same mirrors that hung in our old dining room. Funny how they look perfectly fitting in there but in the new space they look like a Victorias Secret bathing suit….TINY! That’s what a bigger body…err…house will do, I guess.
I do admit that it does look a little off because we still need a third bookcase. Must order bookcase. Scratch that. Must save money to order bookcase.
Once we have that in place, I think that wall will look much better…and will be great storage for all of my dishware.
Did you even notice that I switched out the buffet? It isn’t a huge change – but I feel like the darker buffet goes better with the other dark furniture around the room. Oh and if you are a Bower Power expert then you will know that it used to be Will’s changing table/dresser. Funny huh? From serving the exit to the entrance…now that my friends is versatility 
On the far right side of the room is my new plant life…which isn’t doing so well. Anyone know how to resuscitate a leafy potted plant?
(sorry about the color – nighttime photos will screw with your white balance every time!)
Now my to-do list has to address this wall.
I really want to do a little shelf area above that dresser…maybe I’ll use my old wine bottle shelves…or something similar…but storage would be nice up there. I would do art, but I’m kinda thinking that art would be better served above the buffet. Punny. And I definitely want to dress up those doors with some drapes. Let’s be honest, nobody is ever gonna open those doors (I mean, six front doors right next to each other on the porch is ridonkulous) and treating them like windows can help soften this room up and make it feel a little more homey, dontcha think?
Well, it’s come a long way in only four short months…mostly filled with neglect….here’s the before:
and now the after:
Not too shabby, huh?
So what have ya’ll been doing in your dining room? Whipping out the fall tablesettings I hope! I love that this room is one space that I am really trying to use what we have on hand vs. purchasing more and new. It helps to know that a little recycling can go a long way…and I love the challenge of using the same items in a different way (even if it is something small like a different mirror layout).
In other dining room news, Jeremy is dead set on building a table…I am really excited about that…but at the same time, it means making more decisions…which is kinda tough for me. Ironic, huh? The girl that blogs a lot of home stuff having trouble making home decor choices. Yeah. Go figure.
Well, that’s it for now in here. And as always – stay tuned, I have a ton more to share…and nothing important to say
I love the way this all looks. The sconces make the room look a little more balanced. Although, I think the larger rug helps that, too. I can’t wait to see what you do to the other wall!
You know, I really do love the squareishness of the sconces against the roundishness (what can I say, I like made up words) of the pendant. That room is looking great!
I love the (future) bar area and how you have your white dinnerware displayed! My dining is my priority numero uno right now since my parents and in-laws are coming to the Little House for Thanksgiving!
Thanks for all the great ideas!
How to resuscitate a leafy potted plant? I’ve brought many back from leafy doom… 1. clip off all dead leafs w/scissors (not teeth) 2. water every other day 3. give it a little sun 4. talk to it plants love commpliments
you seriously pick the best paint colors. i would have stood in that maroon room and had no idea where to begin…. Great job and love love love! the dark furniture is just gorgeous too!
I got a whopping 3/5 right! BAM! Rug, sconces & plants.
Also I love FLOR because you can adjust it however you’d like. (by adding or removing the tiles) If you get tired of the rug in the dining room and want to put it in the bathroom, YOU CAN!
By the way, can I ask which type of FLOR tile is that? I luuurve it. Yep luuurve. It is more then love. And definitely way more than “looove”.
Loving the changes in the dining room. I’m currently searching for a couple mirrors to put in our dining space as well, wish me luck!
Love the changes- the balance of light and dark colors really are looking nice now! And I think those wine bottle shelves would look perfect above the dresser. Looks like a full service bar! In a classy way, of course.
I decorated my table setting when I had friends over for dinner last week, seen here: http://loveoflifeblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/weekend-wrapup_25.html
I LOVE decorating for fall. Those colors are just so pretty. good luck on the table!
I love all the changes so far! its amazing how a green plant can add so much to the room. We just built a new dining table- We used a modified version of Ana White’s farmhouse table (our is last on the Brag photos) Here’s the plan: http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html. It actually was pretty easy to make and the only real time consuming part was staining/poly-ing. Cant wait to see what you come up with!
Hi Katie! I love the room. Out of curiosity, how large is your dining room? We just moved into a new house last month and we have ZERO dining furntiure and I’m trying to figure out how large of a table/ buffet/ etc. we should fit in there. I have used the online room planning tools, but I think I need more of a visual. Thanks!
It’s 16′ by 13’10″ – so big
xo – kb
To save your plant, add coffee grounds 1 or 2 times per week. It should perk right up. I’m an expert at taking plants to the brink of destruction, and then performing CPR…not literally of course. That would be kind of gross.
This might be a dumb question…but do I use used coffee grounds or ones that haven’t been brewed?
xo – kb
Used coffee grounds for plants that love acidic soil (i.e. not flowering).
Used coffee grounds (which is nice because they kind of water the plant too)! Basically you just dump what is in your coffee filter into the plant. I also really like the water globe thingies. They make sure you aren’t over watering or under watering because the plant uses what it needs.
Not sure of your answer to the coffee grounds question, but another tip I’ve heard is that plants need to be dusted off (if they’re dusty) so that they can take in the light. Interesting huh? I think I read that in an Our Daily Bread, and it was used as an object lesson, which I thought was cool.
I used to work at a bed and breakfast and the always had us wipe the plant leaves with milk -I am not positive why though!
Weird. Do you think they were punking you? Because kudos bed & breakfast people.
xo – kb
What about re-potting that bad boy? It kind looks like it needs a wider/deeper place to snuggle. Then you could switch out the dirt for fresh dirt. Can dirt get old? I think Yes. Give it new dirt.
I just potted it – and it recommended that size pot. And yes, I did use new dirt. Maybe I should have used old?
xo – kb
Damn. You are on top of it. I got nothing! Last time one of my plants started to look like that, I discovered my orange cat (who is terrified of humans) has been using it as a litter box. I don’t guess Will has learned that fancy trick yet!
haha!
xo – kb
The room looks great! As far as the plants are concerned, how much light do you get through those doors? Maybe they are just not getting enough sunlight. My plants that are on a sunporch with windows on three sides do great — when I have tried the elsewhere in the house, not so much. And I agree with the plan of cutting off the dead parts and using the coffee grounds. Good luck with them!
You always make me laugh, love the yamuka rug reference. Very timely for our Jewish New Year! The dining room looks lovely!
Love the sconces! I’d love to do this in our dining room, but we do not have them pre-wired and it would be a pretty huge undertaking to get them there. I’m thinking maybe candle sconces, but big ones. What do you think?
I say go for it! We had candleholders flanking our buffet in the old house and loved them for romantic dinners
the worse that could happen is that you have to take them down, right?!
xo – kb
I love the new rug. Flor tiles are great for well used spaces. They clean up nicely or you can switch them out. And, we have those same sconces in our basement bathroom: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/plunge-into-the-lagoon/ Love them!
I’m still OBSESSED with the wall color!
It’s all looking nice. May I humbly suggest saving not for another bookcase, but some big china closet off of craigslist – cheap! Then you can paint it if you don’t like the wood tone it comes in, in a fun contrasting color or even white. Then use the mirrors over the buffet.
Main reason – dusty dishes are for the birds!
Good suggestion Jason – I’ve been scalping Craigslist for the right piece for some time now…all to say, I think it might be cheaper and easier to just buy another bookcase. I used the mirrors over the buffet before and like I said, they are way too small for this space…so I am thinking big art now and maybe I can talk Jer into making some glass front doors for the bookcases
xo – kb
I am in desperate need for more bookcases – I have 3 non-matching ones currently, and love the look you’ll have when you have three of the same side by side. Where did you order them from?
Well, I’m sure it will look nice, I had some craigslist success recently for my dining room so I’m full of suggestions lol. I bought a 1960s era set, it’s beyond perfect. You know for when they shoot a scene for Pan Am in my dining room.
haha! And yeah, for as much luck as I’ve had at thrift stores and Goodwill, I have had VERY little luck with Craigslist – maybe I am too slow or cheap. probably both. very jealous of your set…
xo – kb
You could always get a bookcase of your liking then purchase glass doors for said bookcase from IKEA or somewhere else that sells them.
That’s kinda what I was thinking. I just have to invest the time into actually measuring those bookcases
xo – kb
I love those sconces! Gorgeous! And I love that Jeremy is going to build you a table… What a great way to make your home more homey. Persoanl touches! Maybe my hubby will build me a table…
I love that Flor rug. I have been stalking one for our Playroom for months- time to pull the trigger.
We’ve been struggling with our Dining Room, and recently posted a call for help. http://oneprojectatatime.blogspot.com/2011/09/dining-room-dreaming.html
If anyone has an opinion I could really use it. (This had got to be a pretty design savvy group!) Thanks!
5 for 5! Proof that I read your blog too much!
WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER! Give yourself 304 Bower Power points
xo – kb
re: the wine glasses in the book case…. Ikea has a stemware rack that holds 6-9 glasses (depending on how big they are) that can be mounted to the bottom of the top shelf. Does that make sense? That way the glasses will be hanging upside down and you won’t have to worry about dust collecting in the part you drink out of. Plus it looks pretty cool. You can spray paint them black and you won’t even notice they’re there! Just an idea…
Haha – we actually have those already. They are attached to the wine bottle shelves we are planning to put between the doors
Great minds my dear 
xo – kb
My husband made us a table, based on my great grandfather’s table. He doubled the size of it and it fits our huge extended family all on one table. This table can expand from 9 foot to 23 foot and all 15 leaves store within! The table is 4′ wide. You can see pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.174952825867692.42713.174935222536119&type=1
Your big house might need a big table like this!
Wow, Sandy! That is an incredible table. I don’t think there is a room in my house that would fit it!
It looks great, the changed really make a big difference!
That plant looks like it’s over watered! Suzanne’s instructions above are the same I would give you. Looks like you’re just giving it a little too much love
I have that same “broom girl” art! It’s a hand-me-down from my parents that hung in their dining room forever!
When I got it, I saw that it’s actually a print that my mom Modge Podged over make it look like a masterpiece, then mounted on cardboard.
It has major green overtones- any suggestions on mat and frame color? Or maybe wash over it with some other color? …someday I will get around to dealing with it.
I agree with Ashley, I love the wall color. what is it exactly-thinking about trying it for our living room.
You could always try putting the plant outside for the day. They seem to like humidity (I’m assuming GA is as generally humid as PA right now).
I’m not sure if I were you I’d completely take my advice though. I’ve been known to kill a plant or 2 in my day and now my boyfriend just takes care of them. But in this situation, he would put it outside.
Completely random question, very unrelated to your post (beautiful room, btw!). Do you have trouble with Will getting into your dishes on the lower shelves? Our 13-month-old has been officially deemed the “adventurous one,” which can translate to “destructo-boy” with anything fragile within his reach.
Oh he knows that is off limits. We did that VERY early on and now he knows not to touch. But I can’t imagine being with a destructo-boy….mine simply can’t throw if he can’t touch ::)
xo – kb
Dear Katie-
Please paint those chairs black.
That is all.
In the top photo they looked darker, and much better than the second photo. I realized later it was the light, but seriously much better.
Dear Ben –
Please don’t tell me what to do. That’s what my mother is for and believe me, I get more than my fair share.
That is all.
Much love and kisses,
xo – kb
Your house is really coming along! I always for get how intense all the colors were when you moved in. I’m sorry, I only got 2 right and I thought they drum light was new. Forgive me?
I l0ve it!! I think building a table sounds awesome!! What about a round pedestal table similar to what you did in the kitchen? maybe dark top and white base? I also can see a cool color on your awesome dining chairs. Although, I think they look amazing natural though!
Oh I definitely want to paint them one day but I kinda have to see what the rest of the room comes together like – it’s one thing to redo art or add a different cushion…but spraying those bad boys is gonna be a one-shot deal! They are BIG. Plus, to be perfectly honest, Jeremy might build that beasty table and I might hate the chairs with them. So I’d hate to paint em only to move them out, ya know?
xo – kb
I totally get that! I love how you are using what you have! Those chairs are amazing though. Even if they don’t work for the dining room down the road, maybe they would be great for an outdoor patio set? Or I will gladly take them off your hands
)
Back off Karla – those puppies are mine!
No but seriously – I probably will use them somewhere in this house – just for now, they are dining room regulars
xo – kb
LOVE the rug!
I spotted most of the differences! I heart your blog ALOT!! Your one of my first visits of the day (not sure if I commented on that before)…but in any case- LOVE the dining room updates!!
Katie,
Where does one find 500watt light bulbs for wall sconces?
Are they really that bright? I can see you and the boys sitting at the table, all wearing sunglasses or maybe your 3D glasses. LOL
Oh yeah, I can’t wait to see the DIY (step-by-step) how to build a dining room table.
Haha – I know right?! Those buggers look BRIGHT. Actually I lightened up the room via photoshop so that the wall color would be more true to life. But don’t worry – it’s not that bright in real life and the lights are all on dimmers
Retinas saved!
xo – kb
Every time you post a room update, I marvel at how wonderful you are at picking paint colors. Seriously, I love every single one. The room is looking lovely – can’t wait to see the photoshopped changes come to life.
(Also – the Victoria’s Secret swimsuit – had me laughing out loud.)
Looking good, Bowers!
Out of curiosity, what did you do with the dining table from your previous house? Do you have another dining area in the Endless Basement of Joy that we haven’t seen yet?
look up what kind of plant it is and address it’s light and water needs. if it’s not getting the right light or amount of water, you’ll never make it better.
I need to whip out the PlantSmart thingie again!
xo – kb
For above the dresser aka bar I just saw somewhere (;/ can’t find it but probably PB) a dark glass rack and wine bottle holder that would look great there. You could also have a chalkboard in a frame. On the curtains you photoshopped in…do you love the gap above the window/door that it creates or maybe lower them to the top of the window so you lose that 6″ish gap?
Still praying to the house Gods that we can find deal like ya’ll did when we move in June!
AMAZING!!!!!
Definitely dress up those doors with some drapes. I did in my house, and I am so glad I did! I have 4 exterior doors on a 1200 sq foot house, which is ridiculous. 2 of them go to the same porch which is about 6 feet across. So I took some long IKEA curtains and covered the door up like it were a window. Most people don’t know it’s a door until I tell them. But I keep the curtains closed, because even though I have lived here for 2 years, I still have no other window coverings to speak of.
Katie — I am LOVING your dining room. The lights (great new sconces!), the use of your bookshelves, the dinnerware, the size of the room (maybe one day I’ll be in a real house and not a condo) — it is all just gorgeous. We have a bookshelf as dinnerware storage too. If you’re interested, you can see it here in our “kitchen reveal” (we just painted the cabinets and walls – yay!).
http://simcoestreet.blogspot.com/2011/09/kitchen-reveal.html
Love love love your blog
Jenny