Our dining room needed a makeover. The coastal theme, while calming, had run its course, and it was time to elevate the space with a touch of modern elegance. After careful planning and much inspiration, we finally achieved the look we envisioned—a sophisticated yet warm and inviting dining area that blends classic elements with contemporary flair.
Be sure to check out the interior designer debacle I had: My Integrity Development LTD Nightmare: 5 Lessons Learned
The Focal Point
The transformation began with Custom Woodworks Plus installing custom wainscoting and painting the accent wall in Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore. This deep, moody shade instantly added depth and a sense of drama. To highlight this feature, I installed a Philips Hue light strip behind quarter-round molding at the bottom of the wall. The soft uplighting accentuates the wall’s texture and creates a cozy, ambient glow that sets the mood for dinner gatherings.
A Subtle Touch of Glamour
I chose a textured grey wallpaper with pale gold flakes to complement the dark accent wall. Shoutout to David Koon Inc for putting this up. This choice brought in a subtle sheen and texture, balancing the boldness of the Iron Ore with a lighter, more refined touch. Above the dining table, we swapped out the old light fixture for a stunning gold chandelier adorned with mini linen shades. The chandelier’s warm glow beautifully enhances the gold accents throughout the room.
Dining Room Furniture and Accents
The furniture also received an update. We introduced a classic pedestal dining table that anchors the room with its timeless design. Surrounding it are upholstered side chairs, offering both comfort and elegance—perfect for long, leisurely meals with family and friends.
On the far side of the room, a buffet with gold accents now serves as a functional storage piece and a statement decor item. One of my favorite DIY touches in this room is the metal sculpture lamp, which I painted gold to match the rest of the decor. This small project easily tied in with the metallic theme and added a unique, personalized element to the space.
Dining Room Sound and Technology
As much as aesthetics were a priority, so was the space’s functionality. I integrated two 8″ Klipsch ceiling speakers into my whole house audio system, ensuring high-quality sound for entertaining guests or simply enjoying music during dinner. The lighting is controlled by a Lutron Caseta dimmer switch in black, allowing us to adjust the brightness to suit any occasion—from intimate dinners to lively gatherings.
A Personal Touch
To make the space truly our own, I added a framed canvas print of a serene black-and-white photograph of our daughter at the lake. This piece adds a personal touch and enhances the tranquil yet elegant atmosphere we aimed to create.
The Finished Look
The result is a dining room that exudes modern elegance while feeling inviting and comfortable. The mix of rich, dark tones with light, shimmering accents creates a balanced space perfect for everyday meals and special occasions. This room now reflects our style—sophisticated, warm, and a little glam.
I hope you found this blog helpful. If you have any questions, connect with me on social media. Be sure to check out my other home projects here. Thanks for reading!