So this has been a long time coming mostly because I’ve been waiting for the kitchen to be finished too (that will make sense a little later) but finally, I’m really happy to show you around our dining room, which has had quite a big makeover.
If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have already seen sneak peeks, and even here on the blog where I reviewed our brand new floor from Harvey Maria, but today I want to show you a few more pictures, including the before and afters, as well as a little video tour I put together.
So here’s what the room looking like before:
The wall mural was installed back in 2012 as a very early blog collaboration (we even made a video on how to install a wall mural) but the time had come for a radical change. This wall was definitely the focal point in the room but many other aspects of the space were dated and worn, so it was ready for a makeover.
The floor was the first product and I worked the rest of the design around this. I knew I wanted a greenery feel to this room, with lots of plants and greenery styled art and accessories. And our large dark grey sofa wasn’t working for us anymore. It took up too much space and we hardly ever used it. So I sold it to a local family who will make great use of it, and welcomed in the beautiful green velvet Charnwood Loveseat from Darlings of Chelsea.
This sofa is the softest, most comfortable little seat and takes up less space of course, but still allows two of us to sit side by side. It’s just perfect. You can read more about it HERE.
The room works hard for us as a family. We don’t use it exclusively as a dining space; the table is extended and pulled out at weekends when we eat together, if we want a change from the breakfast bar. And of course when friends or family come to eat with us. But generally it’s reduced down in size and sits on one wall. It’s used as a bit of a dumping ground to be honest but that’s fine, it’s still useful.
The sofa and white IKEA storage gives us a hangout space separate to the living room. The girls have their Wii in here or can watch Amazon Prime on the spare tv. The eldest daughter loves the sofa and lays out, scrolling through IG and her phone (as teenagers do) but it basically allows us extra space that we need now.
I removed the door through to the kitchen a few years ago and it helps the two rooms feel more connected. Taking the flooring through to the kitchen has only enhanced this, and whilst our Victorian home won’t afford us full open plan living, this is the next best thing and seems to work well.
Other key elements in the room? Well I picked up the vintage (read, second-hand) drinks trolley, just like my Nan owned when I was a child, from eBay for £50 and have used it in the corner as storage (and to hide all the router wiring). It houses a few plants as you can see and a growing candle collection in room scheme colours.
The white storage units are from IKEA, in their Besta range. It’s a collection I really love. The modular designs allows you to build exactly what you want and need, and add to it as you go. We originally had the bottom and larger units, and in this makeover added the 3 wall units. It all adds A LOT of storage, more than we really need right now, but I’m sure we’ll fill it over time.
I have one more piece to add which hasn’t arrived yet but check out Instagram or Facebook for an update when the new rug makes it here from France. I love La Redoute but you never quite know how long their products will take to arrive.
So if you would like a tour, check out the little video I’ve made giving you a further insight into how the space looks and feels.
And if you’re interested in the products I’ve used in the room, here’s a full list. Let me know if there’s anything else.
Disclosure: Those pieces marked with a * were gifted for free at various times, either recently or over the past few years, all others have been purchased with my own cash.
Products used:
*Paint: Farrow & Ball, Middleton Pink
*Sofa: Charnwood Loveseat in Aqua from Darlings of Chelsea
*Flooring: Check by Neisha Crosland at Harvey Maria
*Pink Stool, Black Cushion, Large Cactus Art: Homesense
Black Floor Lamp: Habitat
*White Side Table: byAlex Design
Table: IKEA
*Chairs: Selection from Habitat and Voga
*Wall Art above Fireplace: Green Lili Art
*Bioethanol Fire: ImaginFires
White Storage Units: IKEA Besta range
Gold Drinks Trolley: Vintage from eBay
*Grey Concrete Lamp on Trolley: Next
*Small Pet Furniture in Corner of Room : Omlet
Yellow Stool (from Kitchen): Sklum
I’d love your thoughts on the makeover. It’s looks so different I think you’ll agree, and I can’t quite believe how much bigger it feels now it has a less busy decor. Leave a comment below, and if you’ve any questions I’ll do my best to answer them.
Jen x
Jen is an interiors writer and blogger and has an insatiable love of home style and decor
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It looks lovely, you must be so pleased. I love the mix of pink and green – calming but vibrant! x
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Thanks Cate x
What a triumph Jen. That floor looks sensational and I love the subtle pink on the walls. I’ll bet you use it more in future, it’s such a nice spot to hang out.
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Thanks Carole, yes we already seem to be using it lots more actually, and I hadn’t really even noticed x
It’s absolutely GORGEOUS Jen. Love that you’ve kept the door open so you can see the floor run all the way through both spaces x
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Thanks Karen, yes removing that door gave us more space in the dining room too x
Oh it looks fabulous Jen! Loving the flooring and all those beautiful plants! You must be so pleased! xx
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Thanks Kimberly, let’s hope I can keep the plants alive !x
Beautiful Jen. It looks really fresh and is such a great update. I love the colour scheme and all the lovely little touches you’ve added. Love the Besta units from IKEA, so practical. I hope you and your family enjoy using the new space.
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Thanks so much Stacey x
It looks lovely Jen. Great work. Love the pink walls. I’m embarking on major revamp of 2 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms in the new year. Can’t wait to start. x
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Thanks Geraldine, and good luck with your makeovers! x
Hi,
Oh, it looks wonderful Jen! Loving the flooring and every single one those pretty nature!I hope you and your family enjoy using the new space.
It looks great Jen, I love the flooring and taking it through to the kitchen is a great idea. I love Harvey Maria flooring. The pink and green co!ours are so pretty too
Great job Jen! Your new dining room looks so gorgeous yet so peaceful.
It looks lovely, I love the mix of pink and green!!!! 🙂
You’re right, the floor really makes a statement. Also, thanks for the tip on the bioethanol burner. I didn’t know about it and it seems like the perfect solution.
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You’re welcome Juan, and thank you 🙂