Eve’s Design Dilemma: Solved
That’s right, we have after pictures for ya! We’re over the moon about Eve’s stunning dining room makeover and we’re here to share her amazing transformation. Back in February, Eve contacted us for some decorating help with her dining room, so we supplied paint color suggestions for the fireplace, wall, and trim around the room along with a few accessory ideas for the window and the table that would really make all the difference in her space (without breaking the bank). Here’s her letter:
When I first contacted you for help I promised myself that not only would I implement your recommendations immediately, I would also immediately send the after pictures. Here I am three months later – but I have an excuse… I cannot believe that such a simple thing like paint color can have such a grand effect. I LOVE MY ROOM NOW! The change was so immediate and so wonderful, I wish there was a way to capture the feeling of the room in my pictures. The new curtains made quite a difference too, and a quick trip to the basement helped me to uncover a white mirror I had purchased for my daugther’s room and never hung (it found a home on the fireplace wall). The paint colors you suggested are colors I would never have chosen, even as I made the purchases I was nervous of the end result. I’m so happy I trusted you. Walking into the house now gives me a sense of peace and order. At first my family and I felt like we were living in someone else’s house. Now we want the whole house to feel this way! You guys are awesome, THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! – Eve
Here’s the before picture of Eve’s dining room (she wanted our help making it more “glamorous and luxurious”):
And here’s the super fabulous after thanks to a few easy and affordable recommendations:
The difference is night and day, eh? But if you look closely you’ll see that it only took a few inexpensive changes to totally transform this room: painting that dated fireplace, bringing in a new wall color, adding a larger mirror above the fireplace, hanging new curtains and blinds on the window, and bring in a pretty tan runner to break up the large wooden table. And because we love a good budget breakdown, here’s Eve’s:
- Wall paint (Glidden’s Silver Plum): $23
- Fireplace paint (Glidden’s Ready Mix White): $23
- Mirror: free from basement
- Curtains & blinds (Ikea Ofelia Rund curtains, Target clearance jute blinds): $33
- Plants & planters in window (planters from Ikea): $28
- Tabletop accessories (from Pottery Barn & Ikea): $50
- TOTAL: $157
If that’s not proof that style is accessible at any budget, I don’t know what is. Fabulous job Eve! We actually also suggested that Eve stain or paint the table more of a mocha color but she has yet to tackle that project as she feels it’s a bit more involved than painting the walls or hanging new curtains! And although a darker table would really polish things off nicely in the future, we love the room just as it is- and we’re so thankful that Eve sent us the fabulous after pictures!
What do you guys think? Did Eve not do an amazing job executing the big dining room transformation? And speaking of a transformation, if anyone else is in need of some decorating help of their very own, we’d be happy to help.
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Comments
Amazing! It always amazes me how little things can make such a huge impact. The lighter wall color definitely enhanced the room! I am looking to make some changes to my bedroom and I’ll be contacting you soon to schedule a Decorating Chat!
Been a reader since early this year and got to say, you both rock! Love the ‘after’ result here.
I just commented on another makeover but this fireplace is identical (brick color I mean) to ours! I REALLY want to paint it white…was it hard? Any advice for me? We’re doing the floor now, wish I would have done the fireplace prior but still REALLY want to do it. Thanks!
Hey MelisaG,
Here’s our tutorial for painting a brick fireplace! It’s simple and easy and can be completed in an afternoon:
http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/01/how-to-paint-a-brick-fireplace/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Wow! This makes me want to go move some furniture around and see how it looks. Great job on a tiny budget!