We transformed our big dining room into two spaces: a functional scullery, and an intimate, cozy blue dining room. We sacrificed space and a long table for a more practical (and beautiful) outcome!
Sources of where items are from are linked throughout, and all together at the bottom of the post!
Table of Contents
The Dining Room Renovation: From One Room to Two
Intimate & Cozy
We needed more space for our kitchen renovation. You can read about our kitchen reno here, but essentially that project had us removing a big kitchen wall – and those kitchen items had to be relocated somewhere! Taking out part of the dining room was the most practical.
This new layout wouldn’t align symmetrically, so coffered ceiling also had to go. But, we added box paneling to the new dining room walls – plus an arched doorway; and now this room has enough shapes in play without adding ceiling squares!
The Floors
White oak solid hardwood floors were installed in 2006 when the house built; we refinished them with a clear sealer. See details of our white oak floors here.
Where we split the room into two, the arched doorway frames out a prettier view. I chose marble floors to flow well with the blue dining room walls next to it. Read more about that space at the bottom of this blog post!
Love For (Another) Blue Dining Room
This is actually my second blue dining room! (See our previous dining room, with navy grasscloth). While my design evolves with each new home, a blue dining room can be recreated in so many ways – why change a color I love so much?
We chose Benjamin Moore Slate Blue for the walls. If you are thinking of using this paint color, it may be significantly lighter. Our dining room looks out onto a covered porch. Lack of natural light combined with a dark ceiling makes the paint appear darker.
The paint job stands out by incorporating two unique elements. First, we used the “color drenching” technique. This refers to saturating a room by using the same paint color on the walls, trim, and ceiling!
Secondly, instead of standard Benjamin Moore paint, we used a lacquer finish made by Fine Paints of Europe. Lacquer paint is known for its’ extreme glossyness (more so than high gloss paint – it’s like a mirror!), and a durable finish. It requires experience, so ask your painter if he/she is familiar with using Fine Paints.
You might have noticed the HVAC vent to the left of the mirror. This venting used to be in our foyer, an obvious eyesore!
Our HVAC tech shifted it over inside the walls, discreetly venting the return here, instead. A white vent in a blue dining room still isn’t ideal, so I got creative! I added a decorative cover, and our painter sprayed it. Once painted and properly covered, it looks great! Find similar decorative covers here on Amazon or on Etsy.
I love a blue dining room. The color is almost a neutral; it organically flows with the rest of our home!
Details of The Space
Lighting
For lighting elements, I picked out the double TT sconces on either side of the archway, and the Larkspur chandelier. This light is nice looking online – but stunning in the room! Rattan always brings a casual feel; I love a balance.
Table & Chairs
A square dining room requires a round table; we opted for the Modern Farmhouse Dining Table from Pottery Barn. This extends to 78″, so we can squeeze in 8 people… but 10 in a pinch!
As a centerpiece I used Target’s amber vases and faux dried hydrangeas from Amazon; these in the coffee color and these in the purple & yellow mix.
We wanted upholstered chairs for comfort, but budget-friendly for my four kids, so we chose chairs from Target. They are soft – you sink in! I do not expect “budget” chairs to actually be comfortable!
Decorative Details
Once I saw how beautifully the room was coming together, I wanted a reflection! I relocated the Grande mirror from my office to our blue dining room. Please attach this to the wall studs for safety. It’s easy to secure it!
The flat weave rug from Pottery Barn offers customizable measurements (within reasonable limits). One common mistake with rugs in dining areas is a too small rug. Chairs should fully slide out from the table without leaving the rug.
I introduced more pattern with these gorgeous drapes. A splurge – but Pepper-Home’s Serena Sea Salt print is a fun addition! I detailed it with their Sky Velvet band as trim (the exact shade as the blue dining room walls)! The drapes are a thick material, but not so heavy I couldn’t use my Target drapery rods.
I’m thrilled you all seem to love this room as much as we do! You can take a little tour of our scullery here.
Shop Our Blue Dining Room:
Chandelier | Sconces | Table | Chairs | Customizable Rug | Large Mirror | Drapes | Drapery Rods
Table Centerpiece: amber vases | dried faux hydrangeas here in coffee | here in purple/yellow
