Hello!
My dining room has gone through a few changes over the time that we’ve lived here. Wallpaper removal. Painting (and repainting, after have a case of painter’s remorse). I was going for a light, bright, neutral backdrop, after taking down some not-so-light-and-bright wallpaper. Here’s where it started, wallpaper and the swaggy drapes in all of their glory, before we moved in back in 2010:
I painted it once in Horizon Gray by Benjamin Moore. And while it was a lovely color, it just wasn’t quite right:
I was going for a light, bright, neutral backdrop, and Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams, was the color that ultimately won.
And here is a more recent photo, from this past Christmas. Yes, changing out the chandelier is still on my list…
I know, I need a rug. We’ve actually gone through a couple of them now – thanks to my brilliant idea of adding a puppy to the house… So, we’re rug-free in here for the moment.
The Christmas gallery wall came down, and I’ve been staring at blank walls, and not loving the color as much as I once did. I’ve been loving rich, saturated colors lately (and I’m a sucker for contrast, as you well know), so I’m contemplating another change in here. Something a bit more dramatic.
This dining room caught my eye for the high drama factor all around. Now I’ll admit, that with three kids and two dogs (and a dog crate in our dining room), we don’t live this way, but I do love the dark, dramatic walls, and how this room still manages to feel bright with the furnishings and accessories. Gorgeous.
Dear Lillie does contrast, and does it well, every time. I love the Kendall Charcoal gray walls against the crisp white woodwork in this beautiful dining room.
If I did go dark, I would definitely have to add some bright artwork of some sort. Whether it’s through a gallery wall, or some other means. I love how these plates just pop against the dark walls in this dining room. And the crisp paneling along the bottom of the room, definitely helps in here too.
One way I could lighten things up is with some slipcovered chairs or even an upholstered bench, like this –
This dining room at Inspired Charm manages to pull off gray walls while also keeping it bright and cheery. I love the pops of green in here.
So, what do you think? Yay or nay?
Jenny
11 Comments
Cassie Bustamante
March 15, 2017 at 9:17 amYAY! do it!!!!!! i love the darker colors! and we are rug free, too- the only exception i made was a hide rug for a little while because it can handle the doggy issues.
Marty Oravetz
March 15, 2017 at 9:30 amI say yes, it would look amazing.
katie
March 15, 2017 at 1:55 pmWe are currently building a house and I cannot wait to paint my dining room walls black. I am thinking Ink Well by Sherwin Williams after I saw it on a blog post. (check out the ceilings on http://www.addisonswonderland.com- she did an amazing job with her paint choices) I will have coffered ceilings and board and batten trim that will be painted a crisp white for contrast. I am excited about the dark walls making a statement, being bold and adding a little drama. With a large window, it will still have plenty of natural sunlight. DO IT!!! 🙂
Pam Bolton
March 15, 2017 at 6:49 pmI say yes. With the gorgeous large window and the light tile floors, you can do dark without it being dark.
South Shore Decorating Blog
March 16, 2017 at 1:54 pmI love the dramatic look. My dining room is black and white and I haven’t changed it in a while. I was thinking of something new, but I DO love the high contrast
Stacy
Jenny
March 19, 2017 at 10:56 amI’m a high contrast girl too! Worst case, I repaint, right? 😉
Becky Atckison
March 18, 2017 at 4:10 pmI agree it could be a dark color with all the light from that pretty window.
I love your Christmas gallery wall. Any tips on getting the frames arranged so straight and perfect? It looks wonderful.
Jenny
March 19, 2017 at 10:54 amI’m thinking I can pull off the dark too – and if I don’t like it, I can always change it, right? As for hanging the gallery wall photos, I use a paint stick with a screw drilled into it to use it as a guide. Here is a link to the post I shared about it – it’s a life saver when it comes to hanging artwork – especially gallery walls! https://evolutionofstyleblog.com/2012/11/moody-blue-powder-room-revea.html
Becky Atckison
March 25, 2017 at 3:44 pmThank you!
Calypso in the Country
March 19, 2017 at 10:36 amI recently did a post about changing my red dining room to something else. Yes, I have only been talking about doing this for a few years now! It’s been red for like 14 years so it’s time! I have the same dilemma between wanting dark vs. light. You seem to have a ton more light in your dining room than I have so I think you could definitely go for the darker look! Can’t wait to see what you choose!
Shelley
Jenny
March 19, 2017 at 10:55 amAnd if I don’t like it dark, I can always repaint, right? 😉 I’m thinking if I have light accessories and artwork, it will help balance it all so that it works. I’m excited though – ready for a change in here!