Our Modern Classic Dining Room Makeover Plans

It’s hard to believe it’s been 4 years since we painted this dining room. Right when we moved in to this house, I was doing a lot of soul-searching and going through a bit of an identity crisis.

dining room with kendall charcoal walls and slipcovered dining chairs

In the modern farmhouse era when the craze was at an all-time high, we had moved into a very traditional, colonial house, and I felt a little lost. It didn’t feel right to hang shiplap on these walls. (In fact, remember when I vowed to walk away from farmhouse for good? And started transitioning away from my old farmhouse style?)

So going dark and moody in our dining room felt like the right step. I still absolutely love it. Do you remember how it looked before?

dining room

I always envisioned picture frame molding on these walls (like we did in Regan’s nursery), but when we first moved in and started painting walls, pulling out the miter saw to craft dainty millwork was the last thing on our priority list.

Fast forward to just a few weeks ago, when we decided our $100 Facebook Marketplace table I painted was on its last legs (literally, those legs were about to snap), it all sort of snowballed into, “What if we did the picture frame molding we always wanted to do in here? And what if we got a nicer heirloom table that we could pass down to Regan since Olivia will inherit her great great grandmother’s?”

One thing led to another, and here we are. The Dining Room Phase 2 makeover plans.

I’m honestly so ecstatic because now that this house and I have gotten to know each other better, the new direction feels like it just fits.

When I stumbled across this image of the scenic mural inside picture frame molding, it all clicked.

scenic mural and picture frame molding in a traditional dining room

Source: House Beautiful

And to keep our “moody” vibe, this navy molding / mural combo hits the nail on the head!

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navy picture frame molding with scenic wall mural

Source: The Makerista

For the furniture, I wanted to try an oval table like this one from Studio McGee since space can be a tight squeeze and cutting off table corners will help with traffic flow. It adds a modern touch to the more traditional walls.

Studio McGee Dining Room

Source: Studio McGee

After debating between all kinds of peel and stick scenic murals out there, here’s the new vision.

We’re still keeping the secondhand buffet because we worked our booties off way too hard on that one to let it go.

modern classic dining room mood board

Sources:

I know it’s not for everybody. I know it’s so different from what we’ve done before. But the beauty of designing your own home is you do not have to apologize for being yourself.

This just feels like us and this house’s personality. This little colonial house is a lady, but she doesn’t take herself too seriously.

We’ll be racing the clock to put up molding and start painting before the furniture arrives, but I have faith that we can do it. I’m manifesting it. Want to see the progress as we work away or do you want to be surprised?

 

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18 Comments

  1. So pretty! And I was probably one of those that sighed “Finally” when you started to transition from farmhouse. I only embraced small pieces and so glad. I’ve always felt put what you love in your home and it will stand the test of time (and trends).

  2. Oh my gosh the navy molding and mural! I can’t wait, this is going to be gorgeous! I love your plans!

  3. I love everything except the table. It looks too mid-century modern for my taste but it is not my taste that is important here. I am sure you can pull this off. Looking forward to the finished room. I am sure it will be lovely..

  4. I love that you’re brave to go this direction. I think it’ll turn out so pretty! And I have your buffet (it’s Pottery Barn). I bought mine at retail with a dark stain…. I cannot believe the deal you got on that. I love that makeover. My hubby would never let me touch ours with the amount we spent on it.