It's week three of the One Room Challenge and the transformation of my tiny dining room so far is tremendous. In the last several weeks, my team and I have brought this room back to life with a fresh paint palette, grasscloth wallcovering, new lighting, antique furniture restoration, and custom drapery construction.
As this room comes together and each element of the design is completed, I have begun thinking of the "decoration" part of the project. This is the time I consider accessorizing the room to add comfort, visual rhythm, and give it the character it needs to reflect the personality of my client.
This short stack of old books I covered in vintage maps and hand made paper for a little "world history" in this historic home. They are fun to use as props for a centerpiece on the dining table or a spot of interest on a sideboard.
These are some photos of part of the process of the book design. This is one of my DIY projects for this challenge and a surprise gift for my client. Pretty leftover drapery fabric sewn into some table linens may be another.
No one can deny that a beautifully designed table setting is always inviting. I intend to use preserved boxwood topiaries of varying heights and shapes in a collection of cobalt blue ceramic containers as a centerpiece, which will be a lovely alternative to fresh flowers and a little more tailored for my client.
This beaded ombre chandelier has just the right amount of spunk, yet is current in its style and use of materials. We put the light switch on a dimmer (always!) so the lighting will cast a lovely glow over the dining table. It's a show stopper.
The lighting in this room is probably the most important accessory - functional and necessary...in more ways than one.
The previous chandelier was completely out of scale and out of date.
All so wrong.
Jewelry for the home - lighting installation day!
Working with my electrician taking precise measurements and hanging the chandelier at the perfect height above the dining table. A good team and tape measures make things right.
These simple slip covered ottomans were delivered this morning from my upholsterer and are intended for the master bedroom. However, I may just use them as accent seating in the dining room. They are way too fun to hide in a bedroom.
When I design custom furnishings, I love to mix up the textiles and patterns to create a personalized piece that is unique to my client. For these ottomans, I selected performance fabrics in velvet - one solid navy and the other a modern geometric pattern - they are a perfect pair.
This 160 square foot dining room is destined to be the heart of the home and a desired place to gather. So much more to share, but you will have to wait until next week.
💙💙💙
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Next post October 29th.
