Last night, hubby and I stood in the dining room {cocktail in hand} and saluted the end of the dining room renovation.
And….yes….
there were a couple of high fives involved.
As well as endless, well deserved, compliments going back and forth.
Honestly, if there had been a bottle of Cristal in the fridge, I would have popped the cork.
We can now draw a figurative line through another room on the seemingly endless renovation list. I have to admit, we are getting quicker, and much better, with each room, and I can’t say that we are “rookies” anymore.
The dining room had a few minor challenges and, what I am learning with each room, is that rarely does anything go simply, or as planned. But we are getting better at rolling with the punches {instead of sobbing on the floor} when something unexpected happens…..and trust me, some unplanned thing, always happens.
If you haven’t been following along, you can see the beginning of our rookie DIY renovation journey here. We started with the kitchen, then the den, and now {thank The Good Lord}, the dining room is finished.
Here is what the dining room looked like before we started.
It was still rockin’ it’s 1970’s avocado green, flocked, wallpaper, hot pink drapes, baseboard heat units, and popcorn ceiling.
Some of the positives were the original parquet wood floors, stunning French chandelier, a built in china cabinet, and an amazing, arched stained glass window.
The dining room also had some architectural interest with two brick walls, one featuring two antique, cast iron, Italian plaques built into the brick, and an amazing arched brick doorway leading into the formal living room.
And here she is, after the renovation is completed!
We began the renovation by scraping the popcorn ceiling {I use the term “we” loosely, hubby and I flipped a coin to see who had to scrape the popcorn…he lost} , removing the baseboard heat units {new heating system was installed last Fall}, and attempting to remove the flocked wallpaper.
One wall of wallpaper came right off…….I immediately thought, “Wow, this is going to be a piece of cake!”
But, alas, I spoke too soon.
The second wall of wallpaper wouldn’t come off no matter what we tried…..
steaming,
professional solutions,
homemade solutions,
yada, yada, yada.
Nothing. worked.
Every piece of wallpaper that we pulled off brought huge pieces of sheet rock with it. So we took the easy route.
We planked the walls.
Everything got fresh coats of paint, pale gray walls, crisp white trim, and the double doors leading into the kitchen received a coat of darker gray for contrast.
We extended the crown moulding to give it a little bit more depth and also added more decorative moulding over the doorway to give added height to the room.
The stained glass window was thoroughly cleaned of years of build up and now, the newly painted window trim really showcases the beauty of the stained glass.
The built in china cabinet was updated with ASCP chalk paint in French Linen, and I painted the inside of the cabinet in Provence for an added pop of color.
Bringing the furniture back into the room and getting everything styled is always my favorite part. And I’m sure it will get tweaked many more times before I’m through with it for awhile.
I love my old European trencher and it usually stays on the table, just getting the contents switched out with the seasons. The old French side chairs are mostly completed……the two cane back chairs still need a coat of wax, and the seats need upholstering…..I may just do some ruffled slipcovers for the seats.
And I need to find a rug for the floor, but I’m not completely sure what I want yet, so that will wait until I decide.
I love my antique French wingback chairs, bought several years ago at one of my favorite antique stores in Alabama. They are gold leafed and upholstered in burlap…….love the contrast.
Old books, white ironstone, burlap, and preserved boxwood…….all favorites.
The beautiful Italian mirror belonged to the previous owner of the house {Ms. Irene}. When we bought the house, there were several French chairs and this Italian mirror still in the house. We asked if they could be included in the purchase, and Ms. Irene’s estate was kind enough to leave them. The dining room is the perfect place for her gilt mirror.
This gorgeous statue is one that I bought locally a couple of years ago. I had every intention of selling it, but once I got it home, I decided that I couldn’t part with it. She’s very unusual and her imperfections make her……well…..perfect.
My mama {Edith} loved bird nests, so I find myself using them a lot in the Spring decorating. They make me think of her every time I look at them.
An antique oil of the Madonna and Child finds a perfect place in the dining room. The colors tie in beautifully with the gilt mirror, the color Provence inside the china cabinet, and the other shades of blue and gray.
I love the way the dining room turned out, and now, I think we’ll take a few days off before we start on the next room on the never ending list……the master bedroom…….can you say, “pink rose metallic wallpaper?”
Cheers ya’ll,
Cindy
Sharing with Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Coastal Charm for Show and Share
Cedar Hill Farmhouse, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, and Worthing Court for The Scoop
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
The Essence of Home , No Minimalist Here, Common Ground, 21 Rosemary Lane, The Vintage Nest, Northern Nesting, Uptown Acorn, and Dixie Delights for Share Your Style
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
It’s gorgeous! I love the fact that you were able to keep the mirror, and it’s just perfect with your “look”…also, just wanted to say that my grandmother was also Irene. I’ve always loved the name.
Can’t wait for the next chapter!
Judy
LikeLike
Thank you Judy! Hope we get to see you out “junkin'” soon!
LikeLike
Cindy, I love when you reveal another masterpiece and I always gasp at the first after shot! Love your mixed chairs at the table. Everything is just perfect and my oh my that window!
LikeLike
Thank you Kim! When we first bought the house, I was not crazy about that window at all…..it was hard to see the beauty with the avocado green wallpaper and hot pink drapes fighting it for attention! But as the pallette got neutralized, the beauty of that old stained glass began to emerge and now it can take center stage!
LikeLike
Very pretty!
LikeLike
Thank you Donna!
LikeLike
Absolutely beautiful! Love, love, love. Do you mind sharing your paint colors on plank wall and doors please.
LikeLike
Thank you Carolyn! The color on the planked walls is Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. The color on the doors is Sherwin Williams Pussywillow.
LikeLike
I knew there had to be a reason I was so drawn to those colors. I just painted my son’s room in Agreeable gray a few months ago! You’ve inspired me to perhaps try the darker color on the doors. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Oh Cindy another FABULOUS makeover!! Your dining room looks stunning…love it!
LikeLike
Thank you Martina!
LikeLike
Stunning, absolutely stunning!
LikeLike
EThank you Linda!
LikeLike
Congratulations on the completion of your dining room. I absolutely love your taste! Always look forward to receiving an email from you.
LikeLike
Thank you Pat!
LikeLike
OOhh Cindy,if I bring the Cristal can I stay a day or so to admire it all?!
So beautiful. Having to go back again for another look!
LikeLike
But of course,Gee! Lol!
LikeLike
Absolutely beautiful, Cindy! I love the way you mix your formal art and accessories with natural fabrics such as burlap and feed sacks. I love your color scheme as well. And your sweet bird nests! Looking forward to more of your project results.
LikeLike
Thank you Lynda!
LikeLike
So charming and elegant at once . . . such a fan 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Mary!
LikeLike
It looks beautiful!! Love every detail. I’ve been thinking about painting the inside of our china cabinet Duck Egg, but I just.can’t.get.up.the.nerve!! Good for you for doing yours! 🙂 ~Zuni
LikeLike
I have recently found your blog and love your French style! While my home has more warm colors, I appreciate your cool interior palette. I love your use of different textures and rustic touches. In your dining room, I especially love your high back host and hostess chairs. The height differential in your seating adds so much character and interest. Of course, the rest of the room is stunning as well. Kudos for such a terrific renovation! I can’t to see what’s next –
LikeLike
Thank you Lisa!
LikeLike
Cindy,
The room looks OUTSTANDING!!! Congrats on winning the bet (maybe we should do that when we start removing our popcorn). LOVE those chairs from Alabama…they look perfect for the room. What a nice bonus to get that beautiful mirror with the house.
Blessings,
Linda
LikeLike
Thank you Linda!
LikeLike
This tasteful and charming redo is making a FRENCH decor lover of me. It’s so warm and organic….just love it, Cindy. All of it. Every square inch. Congrats, Susie
LikeLike
Thank you Susie!
LikeLike
Everything looks beautiful Cindy! I’m in love with those wing chairs! Vanna
LikeLike
Thank you Vanna!
LikeLike
Hey Cindy! I am so GLAD I have found your blog- I so look forward to reading it and look forward to your fabulous reveals! Every room in your home is just beautiful! You must be so proud and feel such a sense of accomplishment. Thank you for sharing this adventure with us. Everything is truly beautiful! Adele
LikeLike
Thank you Adele!
LikeLike
Cindy – I love everything that you have done with that house! Every room is simply amazing – such a quiet elegance! I too look forward to your next installment. You’re such an inspiration – keep up the good work!! You and you’re husband are quite the team!
Celia
LikeLike
Thank you Celia!
LikeLike
Beautiful! I love the chairs. I would love to find the perfect host chairs for my dining room. I am so happy I found your site. You are incredibly inspiring to me. I love everything! Your painted furniture is divine. I have to learn how to paint like that. I love the religious artifacts that you have lovingly placed in your home. Thank you for sharing this journey. I am loving the destination.
LikeLike
Thank you Pamela!
LikeLike
Love it! Simply beautiful! You two have found your calling (-: What’s next? Whatever it is we’ll all be watching !
LikeLike
Thank you Jan! Next up is the master bedroom! We sure do miss seeing you! Hope you’re doing well!
LikeLike
Cindy, You have created another gorgeous room! I am in love with every detail.
xx,
Sherry
LikeLike
Thank you Sherry!
LikeLike
I am swooning! Every details of this room is absolutely perfect. Thanks you for sharing!
LikeLike
Thank you Jesse!
LikeLike
Love the room. It’s not my style but it feels so welcoming. Love what you did with the built in cabinet. Did you lighten the floors or is it just all the light coming from that great window? Can’t wait to see your next re-do!
LikeLike
Thank you so much! Didn’t do anything to the floor except clean and polish with some good wood floor cleaner.
LikeLike
Oh so breathtaking! You did a beautiful job! Love Love Love your style!!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!!
LikeLike
This is such a fabulous dining room makeover. Just fabulous. The chairs, the cabinet, the brick… Just loving this!
LikeLike
Thank you Angelina!
LikeLike
Wow! What a gorgeous home. You did a wonderful job with your dining room. and that kitchen wow. I love your taste.
LikeLike
Thank you Deb!
LikeLike
Your dining room is amazing! Love all the details you have put into it!
I have an question regarding your popcorn ceiling. Did you test it for asbestos before removing?? We too are renovating a home built in 1968 and have removed all the popcorn except the bedroom. Someone just asked if I had tested for asbestos before we removed it and I am kinda freaking out because we did not .
LikeLike
Hi Deb! No, we didn’t test for asbestos, however we did take all the precautions as to wearing protective gear such as masks, gloves, and goggles. We try and do it on a day that we can open all the windows and we also mask off all other adjoining rooms to keep the dust contained. We don’t do anything in the room without a mask on until all the popcorn and dust from the removal has been cleaned and vacuumed out. Hope that helps!
LikeLike
The room is beautiful. I love what you did with the built in and the pop of blue. Love the colour scheme overall. It looks like a room I’d want to have a meal in. Congrats!
LikeLike
I’m new to your blog and I’m in love! What a beautiful home you’ve created.
LikeLike
Thank you Sandi!
LikeLike
Your dining room is just gorgeous! I love your grain sack covered chairs and the burlap wing backs at each end. I love the extra large dough bowl in the center of the table too. I just bought one on a recent trip and love it. It’s always fun to see others ways to use it. You made such good choices with that room. Thanks so much for sharing on Share Your Style!
LikeLike
Very charming room! Love the wing chairs! I am dying for the wooden oval bowl (not sure what to call it!) on your dining room table! Where did you find it? 🙂
LikeLike
Everything is just gorgeous. This house really has good bones. I’m in love with the brick walls.
LikeLike
Stunning! I popped over for the first time today from Savvy Southern Style. All I can say is wow what a stunning home. your colors are perfection! I’m now following along!
LikeLike
I am in awe! What a gorgeous dining room! I found you on Hometalk and just had to see more of your makeover. I’m following you on Hometalk and Facebook so I don’t miss any of your great ideas. Thanks for sharing your amazing talents.
Blessings, Edie Marie
LikeLike
Absolutely gorgeous. You gave me several ideas and I thank you. You are so fortunate to have room for so many cupboards/cabinets/dressers in that room and they all look fabulous. Love what you did when you painted them. That archway is the cat’s meow! Love, love, love that room.
Carol Paulus-Kalis
LikeLike
Hello, love your completed dining room. I have a question concerning the dining room table. I noticed you said you painted the dining room china cabinet, Did you also paint your dining room table? Did you use ASCP? I have Pennsylvania House dining room furniture that I am thinking about updating to the look you have completed in your dining room. I am afraid to paint the furniture, I have had it for a long time and am afraid once it’s painted there is no going back without a lot of expense to return it to it’ original look. What do you think? I value your opinion.
Thank you so much for your time. P.S. The stain of my dining suit is your standard reddish brown.
Thanks, Maggie
LikeLike
Cindy, I found your blog via Hometalk, where you featured this renovation. I gushed there and I will gush here. You have a new follower. I can’t wait to see what else you have done to your home. Your taste is exquisite, and you do exactly what you should do: follow your heart in your decor.
“Smiles across the miles”
Rebecca
LikeLike
Good Morning Cindy~
As I’m looking through the pictures I keep saying “oh how pretty” – everything about your dining room is beautiful, but the window is my favorite.
You must love hosting dinner gathering in your D/R – so peaceful.
Enjoy your week
Rose
LikeLike
Wow what a stunning transformation!!
I love everything you did! You have absolutely impeccable taste. So glad I found your blog.
LikeLike
Applause! I do believe that Cristal should be opened to celebrate this gorgeous and welcoming room. It is a beautiful transformation. I’m sure you will enjoy the many meals and gatherings that will take place in this pretty dining room.
LikeLike
Your beautiful dining room is being featured tomorrow night on Share Your Style:-)
LikeLike