So I’ve dropped a few hints that we were changing things up in the dining room, and I am so excited to share it with you today! Let me rewind just a little. For over a year now, I have wanted to make this change. I was tempted with it years ago, but we ended up putting up a chair rail in our dining room instead with picture frame moldings to follow. Well we never got to the picture frame moldings, so I felt like I was never really 100% invested in the chair rail. It was nice and it gave the space some character, but it just never felt complete for me. Then this one tiny little wall started to stick out to me. And then it started to drive me nuts, which brings me to about last year, when I finally just made it up in my mind that we were going to do this, a switch needed to take place. What little tiny wall was it, you ask, that prompted this whole mini-makeover?
This wall, with the 3 plates on it, in between the chalkboard door and our hearth. What started to bother me, was where the mantle hits the wall, and the chair rail below it, and it felt disconnected. Now I just had to convince the hubby to tackle the project with me. And let me explain why! It’s not because I don’t know how to use a nail gun or tools or anything like that, because I do. But in our 170 year old house we have sloping ceilings. Maybe you’ve noticed in pictures before, maybe you haven’t. But the entire house slopes to the middle of it, over years of settling. Not badly, but it’s an old house, and we call that character. So making sure things are nice and level and straight is not really something I wish to spend time one. I couldn’t be bothered with it, or slowed down by it for that matter. I’m an eye-baller, a “ya that will do” kind of person. It drives my husband batty. So on the big things, I let him handle it, because well hey it’s better for my marriage. We already put board and batten in our bedroom, and in the tiny hallway at the bottom of the stairs. I love this treatment, I seriously think it’s my favorite, so naturally it’s what I wanted in here too. 
We brought it right up to beneath our mantle, and it makes me so much happier. Not to mention the room a lot brighter. 
Do you see what else is new? I have been in love with these chandeliers since ohh I first ever laid eyes on them years ago. I love the weathered wood mixed with wrought iron.
Chandelier found HERE. 
I haven’t added a whole lot of decor back into the space. I filled the antique tool caddy by stacking an old window and reclaimed wood frame. I kept the vignette to being contained by the tool caddy for a simpler feel.
I’ve actually been craving some simpler spaces for awhile, and was waiting to implement a “quieter” look after the holidays. I’m still waiting to let the space speak to me, and don’t want to rush into any decor decisions until I know for sure. 
To keep things simple, but add a fresh pop of green, I filled my dough bowl with fresh eucalyptus.
Even as it begins to dry, it still holds nicely, so I’m able to use far past the expiration date fresh flowers give me. 
One more Before & After, because it’s always fun to look back and see the change again! Before :
After:
To see our most current Dining Room updates, click HERE.
Do you know what the green wall color was in the before pictures?
Hi Ashley! Oddly enough the wall color has never changed in this room. It’s always been Wood Smoke by Glidden, which is a warm gray 🙂
I am new to your blog. Love your style, oh I so wish I could purchase them in Australia.
I love this room…I have been looking for some table lamps that look similar to the two you have. Where did you get them from?
Thanks Allison, they are from Target a few years ago.
I love your table and bench. Did you paint them yourself, and if so, what did you use?
Hi Tuesday, you can get the paint and stain colors from this post here – https://roomsforrentblog.com/2014/02/our-new-farmhouse-dining-table/
Love what you have done with the space. It is beautiful. What is the color on the walls?
Thank you,
Laura
Thanks Laura, The dining room paint color is Woodsmoke by Glidden.
Hi! Been looking for curtains like that and check pillows- where did you get them!! They are perfect for my dining room!! Ty!!! Beautiful!!
Hi Kim. The curtains are from Bed Bath & Beyond, although I’m not sure if they are still available, and the check pillows are from Caitlin Wilson Design 🙂
Hi Bre,
I’m wondering where you got your beautiful wicker chairs u have in the dining room?
Just came across your blog and love it!
Hi Susanne, the wicker chairs are from IKEA 🙂 Thank you!!
Hi Bre, I just love your style of decorating. I have a similar chandelier as the one that you replaced in your dining room and was wondering what length are the lampshades that you had on it and where you purchased them at? I love both chandeliers – the before and after. I was also wondering how do you hang that big heavy pick on your wall and it not fall off? You’re an awesome decorator and just love how you shop wisely and make some things yourself to make your dollar go even further. Thanks so much for all of your information and great tips. Rhonda
Hi Rhonda! I purchased the lampshades at Lowe’s in their lighting department. I’m not sure on the actual length, but I found them in the section where all their chandelier shades were. They had a few to choose from 🙂 And the heavy pick, is kinda a funny story. At first I had just put a screw in the wall and hung it, and then my husband came home and about passed out when he saw what I did. He immediately took it down, and put one of those heavy duty wall anchors in, where it expands behind the sheetrock, and then we used a massive screw. He still wasn’t confident that would be enough, but it’s been hanging there for almost 5 years now, and hasn’t moved. Hope that helps, and thanks so much for following along 🙂 XO
Love your style!
I noticed in one of the pics that you have a large white platter hanging over your fireplace mantle. What are you using to hold it up? I have a platter that is sitting on my counter bc I am fearful to hang it using the ring that is attached to a disc that was basically glued in place. I’ve used this style many times in the past but not on a platter. I want to avoid the wire plate hangers, just takes away the look.
Thanks for your help
Hi Pam, thanks for stopping by. The white platter is hung by, believe it or not, a wire plate hanger. You can find them in 3 different sizes at Lowes or Home Depot, and I used the largest one to hang the platter. I’ve never had patience for the glue discs to dry, so I just use the trusty old wire hangers every time 🙂
love this! so beautiful! Wondering what color are your walls in your dining room?
Thanks Karina! The wall color is Woodsmoke by Glidden 🙂
Beautiful! Your blog has been very inspirational to me. Thanks!
Bre,
First off I love your dough bowl and how you’ve styled it. The chandelier is just beautiful. It really is a great piece and matches your table beautifully. Can’t wait to see all your Christmas decorations.
Jenn
LOOOOVE! It came out sooo beautifully!
Looks amazing Bre!! Love the bead board and that chandi is perfect in this space!!! Inspiring as always!!
Looks beautiful! Love the changes.
Thanks for sharing.
Love it!!!!!
Absolutely beautiful
It’s gorgeous! Love love love the fresh look and new feel! Hugs,CoCo
just beautiful!
Love your blog!! Where do you buy the eucalyptus? I seem to have a hard time finding it. Thanks!!