Whew! You may remember waaayyy back when, I shared my sad dining room with y’all and with Debra’s readers at Common Ground. I entered it in her Design Challenge and asked for help in making over my dining room. It was a process with several steps that I’ve shared with you along the way…but I’m happy to announce with the installation of my new gorgeous hardwood floors this room is DONE! Okay as done as a room in a DIY bloggers home is every “really” done…but I think we’re going to let this one rest back on it’s laurels for the time being.
Here’s a before and after to remind you what we started with.
Scroll your mouse over to see the dramatic difference!
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And here’s a side by side Before and After for our email and RSS readers!
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After |
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After
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HUGE difference! Like HUGE!
I am in love with every detail. It strikes the perfect balance in our home of cottage farmhouse with a touch of traditional. I followed so many of the suggestions offered at the Design Challenge and appreciated so much all of the advise.
I started by painting the room with Copen Blue by Sherwin Williams and then added wainscoting around the entire room, foyer and and downstairs hallway…by myself I might add. 😉
I also added architectural elements to the room by framing out the doorway into the kitchen and adding stacked molding above the doorway…again by myself…can you tell I’m proud of the woodworking skills I’m learning?
I added a new light fixture by making a drumshade chandelier, you can learn how to make your own by reading my DIY Drumshade Chandelier Tutorial.
Above is a glimpse into the hallway as well as a sneak peek of my in progress staircase project (see no carpet!) and do you spy Bama Boy’s Christmas gift hanging on the wall? A prize (okay not really, but I’ll tell everyone how smart you are) to the first person who can guess what it is…or should I say “what it says” grin! Also, if you follow us on Facebook you might recognize my awesome Goodwill find…a set of Restoration Hardware candlesticks that you can still currently buy in the store! I picked these up for $14 for the set, they retail for $150.00!
You can see my DIY framed chalkboard that I made sitting on a dresser we moved in from the living room.
It was the perfect spot for it and I love my Kirkland’s lamp as a nice contrast to the ornate frame. You can also see the mirror that was previously in the dining room in it’s new coat of white.
The design element that seems to catch everyone’s eye when they walk in the door is my gallery wall.
I had always wanted to group my formal pictures together to really show them off and this provided the perfect place! Aren’t my babies so sweet up there…sigh…hard to believe that little boy will be 18 in a few weeks. I added some additional elements to the wall to create variety, but all were things I already owned so this gallery wall ended up being virtually free to create!
I recovered the chairs in this pretty blue and brown damask that I found at Garden Ridge for $5 for two yards! I thought the fork, spoon and knife art added a bit of whimsy. These types of elements keep a room from feeling stuffy and at $10 each on clearance, they were a bargain!
And last but not least, we come to the most resent addition to the room…my new floors. Purchased for us by my sweet “in-loves” (they will never be “in-laws” to me), we laid these gorgeous solid hardwood floors ourselves with the help of our wonderful neighbor (the best one in the world, I might add) last weekend! I waited a full day to put my furniture back in just so I could sit and stare at them and I might have even laid down in the middle of the room for awhile to soak in their beauty! 😉
For now, we’re leaving them bare. Bama Boy emphatically stated that if we were going to spend that much on floors and work so hard to install them we were NOT covering them up with a rug….what can ya say to that? So for now we’ll admire them in all their naked glory. hehe!
I am so happy with how it all turned out! I really wanted to strike a balance between design and function, between formality and fun…I think I’ve achieved that. And at the end of the day this room makes me happy….
….and that’s really what it’s all about. Finding joy in what you can dream up, accomplish and create with your own two hands! Thanks for following along on my dining room transformation!
Bama Boy asked me if we were done remodeling rooms now…heheh…silly boy, didn’t he notice the bathroom makeover going on….I’ll be sharing that next week! grin!
Thanks for joining me today….at the picket fence!
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Congratulations! What a huge project to get done. I was just thinking to myself how I bet I could learn to do a little woodworking myself and put up a bit of trim and stuff rather than making me husband do it all the time. I’m just a little bit more inspired now!
What an amazing makeover! I love all of it but you just can’t beat ripping out the crapet (no I didn’t misspell that, that’s what I like to call it) and putting in hardwood flooring! You rocked this makeover Heather, congrats girl!!!
Fabulous! What an incredible make over, just gorgeous! I love it, you did an amzing job! The hard wood floor is stunning. Congrats and enjoy your week in this beautiful NEW DINING ROOM!
Hugs,
FABBY
Heather your dining room turned out amazing! I loved the title too, LOL! Those floors are gorgeous..every little detail is. I can see why you are so tickled!
I’m so Super Impressed!!! I love that you did the wainscoting by yourself! I am very proud of you! Huge Pats on the Back!!! I love every detail and it shows in the before and after just how hard you worked!
XO Cindy
What a fabulous make-over Heather! Your hard work has paid off. I love your flooring.
Wow, this is a fabulous transformation! Your dining room really looks great. To tell the truth, I’m completely envious of your woodworking skills! 😀 Super job!
OH MY Gosh, Heather, this is just such an amazing transformation. Needs to be a magazine article for sure. Heather Honey, YOU did a fabulous job. Love every inch of it!! xoxo
Looks amazing! You’re right…you struck just the perfect balance. I’d be sitting in there all of the time admiring it, too!
from the ceiling
to the gorgeous new floor
i love it all
perfect color for the walls
and now the room looks so much brighter too
and the finishing touches
are too cute!
alison
This looks so great! I’m so impressed. I love the color & the candlesticks! I want some like that so bad!
Gorgeous floors, and a dramatically beautiful transformation! Loved reading about your progress along the way, and I am seriously impressed with your mad woodworking skills!
It doesn’t look like the same room at all, Heather! Fabulous job and I think it’s great that you did it in increments. It’s a great look! As for Bama Boy’s gift ~ does it say “Bama Boy”? I just saw a Garden Ridge here when we were driving somewhere. I’ve never been in one but reading about your fabric find, I may have to find it again and go there.
You did an awesome job. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just sit back and let everyone tell us how to design our rooms. Definitely will use a few of your ideas. Love the gallery wall. I have one with all red frames. Too cool.
Sooo Gorgeous! I think we need another get together to really check it out, though. 😉 Oh yeah, and ROLLTIDE. 😉 (as much as it pains me to type that)
You know you are welcome anytime…and I’m not surprised you figured that out…RTR! 😉
Heather
Roll Tide of course! LOL
Yep…you got it Jerianne! 🙂
Heather
Heather
You must be spending a lot of time in there now!! I would have been lying on that floor too – they look beautiful! Love the details too – the gallery wall, fabric, and that fantastic shade!
Kely
Heather, this is simply gorgeous. I love it. Love the color, flooring, chandy, gallery wall. Well love it all.
Your dining room is stunning, Heather !! Your new floors are amazing … such an incredible “anchor” to a gorgeous space. I would’ve laid down and snuggled with them, too! Love the fabrics you chose, too … and, the drum shade is awesome! I’m off to take another peek. A+++
I can honestly say I am thrilled for you. It’s gorgeous. I can only imagine the smile on your face when you look at it! Congrats. It sure is pretty =)
Your dining room is gorgeous! Love the wall color,the floors, and the white slipcovers, and drapes…just beautiful!!!!
~Des
Girl you should be so proud of yourself, this room looks AMAZING!! Your floor is gorgeous and I love the slips on your chairs!
I do believe Bama’s picture says ‘Roll Tide’. ;o) The room turned out great. Love the paint color, the molding, the picture frames/chalkboard, white chest and floors. You rock! Oh, and the gallery wall is awesome.
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!! grin! It spells out Roll Tide in architectural elements all from Bryant-Denny Stadium. They are original photographs taken by a couple of gals who own an Etsy shop, called Varsity Letters. You can spell out anything you want from various schools…all SEC ones for now but they are expanding. Was a fun gift to give a Bama Fan who has just about everything. 😉
Heather
HEATHER! So pretty! I bet you make excuses to walk thru your new room time and time again!! What a great makeover!
It looks fabulous my dear! A lot of hard work I know but it was well worth it in the end.
Looks AWESOME!!!! Great job!!
Looks freakin amazing! And, killer job on all the woodwork! I’m currently in the middle of updating our dining room and SO ready to be in your shoes and done already 🙂
It looks really fabulous! Love the color on the walls, the board and batten, the gallery wall! You must be so excited to have it done!
Wow Heather! It looks divine! I love all the elements you incorporated! The hardwood floors, the wainscoting, Drumshade, the new color on the walls! everything goes together so nicely! Love it!
HUGE is an understatement. The difference is truly dramatic. I love everything. Those floors are so gorgeous. You really did an incredible job. Totally magazine worthy.
Heather, it is beautiful! What a huge project! I know you are glad is done!
I love it all and the new floor is stunning!
LOVE the floor and gallery wall!
Stunning!! It’s amazing the different that those gorgeous floors made in the room! The whole makeover is wonderful. A day and night difference!! I don’t know how you’re managing to work on a bathroom makeover. If I were you, I’d be sitting in my dining room just staring at the gorgeousness all day long.
really? Like really? That’s crazy amazing! Great mix of fun, tradition, cottage, and country…gorgeous!
Beautiful transformation! But I’m most impressed with your woodworking skills. The board and batten walls and doortop trim look awesome!
This dining room looks absolutely fantastic. Such a beautiful transformation!
Gorgeous! Those floors are amazing and really make the space! They look reclaimed and vintagey. So so pretty!
Great job!! It looks fabulous! What’s next? 😉
~Angela
The floor boards have given your room such an airy feel to it. I love, love, love the light shade… beautiful. I also really like the plain white chair covers, simplicity works every time.
The floor is beautiful! The room looks great!!!
makingitfeellikehome.blogspot.com
Gorgeous! Everything looks wonderful and you woodworking skills are impressive!
Okay, I have to say it. I’m shocked to find out you had an eighteen year old! You sure don’t look it. The dining room is lovely, too. lol ~ Maureen
And that Maureen made my day! ha! Yes I am the mom of an almost 18 year old who is graduating in a few short months…but thanks for thinking I don’t look old enough, trust me though I feel it most days. 😉
Heather
This is beautiful!! Great job!! The floors totally make the room! And I love the details in the decor and photos! I can’t wait to see the bathroom! 🙂 xo, Reannah
Heather,
Your room looks outstanding!!! The new floor and all the wood work makes a huge impact. Hop over and share with us at NTT.
Blessings,
Linda
GORGEOUS!!! Dang….your silverware is huge though ; ) LOVE your floors! You must feel like you are in a different house. It truly is gorgeous! So inspiring! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com
wooo hoooo!! Congratulations!!! Can we come over for a dinner party in your gorgeous new room??
Way to go!
xo
lynn
Okay, that is amazing! So gorgeous. LOVE it all. The floors are incredible. And I LOVE the chalkboard. SO excited for you!!!
Your dining room is so beautiful!!! I love the colors, it’s so bright and cheerful! I love bare wood floors, I agree with Bama Boy. You really have great wood working skilz :). Amazing makeover!
Debbie
The placement of the china cabinet is perfect, everything is perfect. Love the floors, they alone made a huge difference.
Girl, it’s gorgeous! So stinkin’ pretty! The Hardwoods make such an amazing difference! So happy for you! Great job!
Melody
ChattyChics.com
PS Thanks so much for linking up at my place today! I so appreciate you girls!
Looks fabulous. I love the shade on the chandelier. Th chairs look good and that table with the birdcage on it is beautiful.
You did a beautiful job! Love it!
Heather, I just love this room transformation. I don’t even know what else to say. You’ve done an amazing, stunning, fabulous job.
I am soooo jealous right now!
Take care,
Christina
http://www.designingbynumbers.com
Heather,
We shouldn’t be surprised at your woodworking skills – you have been artistic and creative since you were a little girl. Beautiful job – can’t wait to dine in your dining room in May.
Love you girl,
Mom and Dad
Yikes…is it the same room??? You did an amazing job…Kudos to you…Such a beautifully refreshing room…A standing ovation!!!
Heather! When is dinner, I will bring a side dish. This is gorgeous! I can’t believe the difference. I especially love the gallery wall, so beautiful, yet with personality. I can’t believe you did the stacked moulding yourself! I need to learn to do this. And last but not least, ohhhhhh those floors!!! You should have dinner in there all the time to enjoy it. Yay for you! -K
The photo way layout is wonderful … thanks for the inspiration!
WOW, amazing transformation. You did an awesome job. The floors really complete the entire room, and Bama Boy is right, don’t cover them up, they are too pretty. Such a professional job on the wainscot and stacked moulding!
Marianne 🙂
You did a wonderful job, Heather. So pretty…you have every right to pat yourself on the back!
Just beautiful — what a contrast between the before and after! Love the chair covers and the softness they bring to the room with the wood floor.
All beautiful … especially those floors. Thanks for letting us peek!
Mary @ Sea Quilts
Those floors are gorgeous! What a beautiful room!
-Shelley
Beautiful.
It looks amazing! Your floors are GORGEOUS!
I just love your dining room to death! It is really a totally different room! I love those gorgeous floors and your wall color. Just love it all! The sun is shining all over the place.
You’ve done great
be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Awesome! Where do I begin? The floors….check….fabulous. The walls and molding…..check….fabulous. You = genius!
Brilliant job.
karianne
Oh the transformation is perfect! What a beautiful room! I know you love it!! I bet you can’t even stop looking at it!! I know I wouldn’t. Glad I stopped by. I am a new follower now. Hope you pop over to my blog and visit once in a while. Have a lovely day!
Shabby Jen
Heather,
What an amazing transformation! I’m in awe of your awesome woodworking skills … that floor is to die for … the drum chandelier sets the perfect tone … the furniture re-arrangement makes the room look twice the size …
… and the “in-loves” is perfect. I don’t even know them and I’m “in-love” with them!
🙂
Linda
Oh, it’s pretty…real pretty!!!!!!! What time is dinner?
WOW!
Greetings from Australia♥
Changing the weight of the room to the end of the far wall really made a difference, Heather. The dining room really DOES seem larger in scale. 🙂
Take a well-deserved little break before you start the next transformation, ok? ~ Sue
I love the difference. The wooden floor made a huge impact.
All of the changes you made are just awesome. I remember when you first shared on Debra’s blog. What an incredible difference, and I am so impressed that you did so much of the woodworking yourself. AMAZING!
That is one amazing room, it’s simply beautiful – you must love it! This project would be perfect for our linky party featuring “Transformations” called Repurpose-Remodel-Reveal, I know our readers would love to see it too! (It starts Friday, March 2nd 2012 at 7:00 am MST and reoccures every 1st and 3rd Friday)
-Whitney @ TheRoosterAndTheHen
Thank you for sharing your beautiful room at Potpourri Friday at 2805!
Heather, Your did a beautiful job transforming your dining room! The hardwood floors and the board and batten give such interest to the room and I love the soft blue wall color. You did a wonderful job with the decorating too…beautiful! Thanks for sharing this at my party and have a great week. xo, Sherry
Your dining room turned out beautifully, Heather. I love your gallery wall, & the wood floor is lovely.
CAS
That doesn’t even look like the same room!!! Holy cow! Good job, I love it!
Anna
http://www.askannamoseley.com
Roll Tide…Roll Tide Roll!
great job! it really looks wonderful; you should be proud of all your hard work. enjoy!
YEs, I remember the common ground post. I love all your changes. It looks great.
lovely changes. so fresh.
cheryl xox.
You are featured today at Potpourri Friday!
I love it! I have stained trim and painted my walls a similar color – love it with the wood!
I love the chair slipcovers… where did you find them?
Thanks
Susan
Homeroad
The picture looks like it says “Roll Tide” but I’m sure many others have noticed by now as this was posted several weeks ago but I just found your blog via Addicted 2 Decorating.
I love your slipcovers. Where did you find them? I have chairs very similar to your but every cover I have tried is way to short and have never seen ones that work with arm chairs.
Your dining room’s new look is amazing!! Love your woodworking skills!!
The spoon and fork there caught my attention!! Nice makeover!!
Love this room!!! I especially love the gallery wall. Well done!!
What a transformation! It’s awesome. Love the gallery wall and the flooring and the chair covers. I’ll bet you home sells in a hurry and you’ll be on your way to Hotlanta.
Babs