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Emily A. Clark

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A Client’s Bachelor Pad Overhaul: The Dining Room

March 16, 2011

    
Today, I’m sharing part two of a project I’ve been working on.  You may remember the client’s living room makeover that I posted last week.  The couple also wanted a pretty space to entertain so we made some major changes to their dining room, as well. 

Here’s the “before” shot we all love to see:

The room was suffering from a case of too much wood furniture (all in the same tone), a lack of color on the walls that prevented you from even noticing the trim, and outdated lighting.

After making these changes, this is how the room turned out:

We started by painting the walls the same gray-blue as in the living room.  Since these two rooms are only separated by a small foyer, we used color to connect them and make them feel like one larger area for entertaining. 

By the way, I know several of you have asked. . . The paint color is Santorini Blue by Benjamin Moore:

Much to my delight, the client had this dining table and wicker chairs in storage!  I love the texture that the chairs bring into the space, and they keep the space from becoming too formal.
I found the china cabinet at a consignment shop, in perfect condition; the back was already gold-leafed. My client received the bird prints as a wedding gift (isn’t that the best part of working with newlyweds?).

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Welcome to my newest sponsor, Bamboopink!

I hope you’ll take a minute to pop over to the site and shop for some beautiful jewelry, while also helping a great cause.  Our Bamboopink consultant is Lisa Mende, who is starting a project here in Charlotte, NC, to provide loving environments for low income families when they acquire their first home.  She is using her profits from Bamboopink sales to generate income to help with this venture.  (You can also find more information on how to become a Bamboopink representative by emailing Lisa.) 

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Filed Under: before and after, Client Project, dining room

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Andrea says

    March 16, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Wow, what a transformation! I love the hutch you found. Works perfectly in that room.

    Reply
  2. Jaclyn says

    March 16, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Beautiful. Where did you find those curtains? I really like them. Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Carrie says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    I wish I had stuff like that in storage – what a great score for the room and at no extra cost! Bravo! Thanks for sharing the paint color as well. Love the contrast of the Before and After – well done, as always. Thanks for sharing it with us!

    Reply
  4. Torch Lake Prep says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    Looks great !! Loving the drapes, where did you get those ???

    Reply
  5. Laloofah says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    What a huge improvement you made – doesn’t even look like the same room at all! I love how the pattern on the curtains compliments (and almost mimics) the design of the china cabinet.

    Reply
  6. Handbags*N*Pigtails says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    Everything looks AMAZING Emily!But you had to know we’d all be aking where those drapes came from. GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!
    XO,
    Sarah

    Reply
  7. Jill says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    where did you find the curtains? That is exactly what I am looking for in my living room

    Reply
  8. Ange (Love From My Kitchen) says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    Beautiful! Are those Ballard curtains because I am in love! Those pictures are really just a great addition to the room and who doesn’t love to use something you already have! You did a great job, once again!

    Reply
  9. Dixie Sargent Redmond says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    I love, love, love this room. It is great! Thanks for sharing the color name. I might use this in my bedroom.

    Reply
  10. [email protected] says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    I love that you used those chairs!!! love them in the space! Those prints on the wall are perfect. And the china cabinet….Totally swoon worthy!

    Reply
  11. Laura Trevey says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    I love that blue gray color – it’s very calming…

    Reply
  12. tale of many cities says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    looks lovely.. love the casual informal feel. nice work!

    Reply
  13. April a.k.a. "A. Liz" says

    March 16, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    Ohhh, that china cabinet – just beautiful! I know they were stunned with the outcome. Nicely done!

    Reply
  14. Melanie says

    March 16, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    Another gorgeous transformation by Ms. Emily Clark!

    Reply
  15. Amy says

    March 16, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Beautiful! You did an amazing job. I would love to know where to find bird prints like those if you have any suggestions.

    Thanks and job well done!

    Reply
  16. Mom of 2 Cuties @ Sprinkles of Joy and Laughter says

    March 16, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Completed to perfection! Very nice job..I love it!! Your friends must be mailing invites to the fabulous party that awaits. Hopefully..more jobs for you when they see your talent!!

    Reply
  17. casey at loft and cottage says

    March 16, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    So so awesome! I can’t believe they had that table and those chairs in storage! Lucky you! The whole room looks as if it could be in the pages of my old fave Cottage Living. Great work!

    Reply
  18. Mr. Goodwill Hunting says

    March 16, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    Emily. I always love the way each of your projects come out. In this case, it was great to see you use some of the existing pieces they already had to make an amazing space.

    Although some people spray paint wicker, leaving it in this condition certainly add texture and warmth.

    Do you have any additional rooms to share with us?

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting

    Reply
  19. Dana {Southern Inspired} says

    March 16, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    It’s gorgeous!! That china cabinet is absolutely perfect! Charlotte has definitely got it going on in the consignment shop area! :) I’m in desperate need of a china cabinet like that!

    Reply
  20. Katie Jones says

    March 16, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    Emily!!! I live for posts like these! This totally made my morning! :)

    Reply
  21. Janell @ Isabella and Max says

    March 16, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    It’s fun to see the two rooms together, the flow between the spaces is beautiful! Janell

    Reply
  22. Jessie says

    March 16, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Great makeover! Loving the beautiful geometric curtains. Where did you get them?

    Jessie from http://www.mixandchic.com

    Reply
  23. amber says

    March 16, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    i love how it turned out!! i see a couple others have already asked, but where are the curtains from? They look like they might be exactly what I am looking for in my dining room!

    Reply
  24. Sue says

    March 16, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    Comfy and chic, all in one fell swoop. Love.

    Reply
  25. Rene says

    March 16, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    I love this transformation Emily! The perfect mix of everything.

    Reply
  26. Victoria says

    March 16, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    gorgeous!! i’ve been contemplating buying a rug like that for my dining room – BUT, I’m nervous food will get stuck in the texture of the rug? Does anyone have any insight about dining room rugs? Is it better to just go inexpensive with the understanding it will need to be replaced often??

    Reply
  27. I Do Declare says

    March 16, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    I love the china cabinet!!!

    Reply
  28. autumn says

    March 16, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    so pretty! i love that it has a great balance of masculine and feminine!

    Reply
  29. christine {bijouandboheme} says

    March 16, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    Fabulous transformation!!! I adore the whicker chairs.

    Reply
  30. bluehydrangea says

    March 16, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    Emily,
    love it! And that paint color is fabulous!! I may have to use that one myself!

    Reply
  31. Libby says

    March 16, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Emily, really impressive! Looks like a picture from a magazine.

    Reply
  32. Hyphen Interiors says

    March 16, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    Love it! Love that he is cool with starting completely over!

    Reply
  33. jillian :: cornflake dreams. says

    March 16, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    o wow! the wall color makes SUCH a difference. such a stunning room. as always a job well done. xoxo jcd :: do stop by, im hosting a custom print giveaway i think you would love! cornflake dreams

    Reply
  34. Laura Burciaga says

    March 16, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    Looks great! Love the curtains. Where are they from?

    Reply
  35. Cindy says

    March 16, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    This is incredible! Another jaw dropping transformation. I am shocked at how pretty this is now!

    Cindy

    Reply
  36. Heather Peterson says

    March 16, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    Love it. Isn’t it amazing that people have stuff in storage that is SO MUCH better than what they are using?
    Looks awesome.

    Heather
    loveyourspace.blogspot.com

    Reply
  37. seriously175 says

    March 16, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    I’d also like more information about those curtains! Lovely room…

    Reply
  38. Anne says

    March 16, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    Gorgeous! I have a hard time looking at an empty room and seeing potential.

    Reply
  39. Richmond Thrifter says

    March 16, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    WOW WOW WOW!!! Looks fantastic! Another great job!

    Reply
  40. Tessa says

    March 16, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    This turned out SOOOO pretty. The fabulous hutch makes the whole room! Great job!!

    Tessa

    Reply
  41. An Authentic Life says

    March 16, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    Bachelor, what? Looks too gorgeous for a dude!

    Reply
  42. [email protected]:podge says

    March 16, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Love how you used what they add and with a few additional pieces and new paint colour – viola! a new space!

    Reply
  43. courtneyoutloud says

    March 16, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Such a pretty room – perfectly transitional with a touch of the old and the new.

    Reply
  44. Cove and Grey says

    March 16, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    Amazing! The new dining room is fantastic!

    Reply
  45. Simple Dwellings says

    March 16, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    The rooms are gorgeous! I love the wicker chairs and curtains and everything!! Great job! :)

    Reply
  46. tracyvanhorne says

    March 16, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    Such a beautiful transformation. Can you tell me the name of that fabric? It would be perfect in my living room/breakfast area. :)

    Reply
  47. My Interior Life says

    March 16, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Wow, Emily, it looks fabulous. That china cabinet – what a score! And to think they already had that great furniture in storage.

    You did a wonderful job pulling it all together!

    Reply
  48. Mrs. SE says

    March 16, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    I heart this room! It’s nice without being uptight. Love the juxtaposed white table w/dark wood chairs.

    Reply
  49. Amy says

    March 16, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    Any idea where the homeowners got those chairs? Love!

    Reply
  50. Heidiopia says

    March 16, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    You ROCKED this project, Emily! I know they must adore their new spaces… the china cabinet? *swoon*. :) Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  51. SHERRY HART says

    March 16, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    Do you get tired of all of us saying what a great job you did??? Once again…you pulled it together so nicely. I m sure they are just thrilled to have discovered you :)

    Reply
  52. Becca says

    March 16, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    hope you have more before and afters i LOVE to see these transformations!

    Reply
  53. The Sister Sophisticate says

    March 16, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    Oh my goodness how pretty! I love those wicker chairs. Its always a ++ when you can work with something you (or shall I say your client’s) already have! Did you get those curtain’s from Ballard? I almost got them for my bedroom, but I am holding off because I think I want to go for something with some more color. Very beautifully done!

    Reply
  54. Camille says

    March 16, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    Another great transformation by the great Emily A. Clark!

    Reply
  55. Jenny says

    March 16, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    Emily, I love your make overs! You really bring a room to life, it looks fabulous well done yet again. ;-)

    Reply
  56. ninniemuggins says

    March 16, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    That china cabinet is AMAZING! Love what you’ve done with BOTH rooms!

    Reply
  57. Jessica says

    March 16, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    It looks fantastic! It makes me wish I had room for a china hutch in my dining room.

    Reply
  58. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    March 17, 2011 at 12:12 am

    The two spaces are beautiful and look effortless. Well done.

    Reply
  59. journeychic.com says

    March 17, 2011 at 12:28 am

    The china cabinet is stunning! Where did it come from? Santorini Blue is the perfect blue for me. It’s on our bedroom walls and if I could paint the whole house that color without seeming like a total weirdo, I probably would. :)

    Reply
  60. [email protected] says

    March 17, 2011 at 12:52 am

    Stellar. Again. They may have had that stuff, but it takes an amazing eye to put it all together. The china hutch is to die for. You need to be in a magazine, girl! :)

    Reply
  61. InteriorGroupie says

    March 17, 2011 at 1:05 am

    What a drastic change! It looks completely amazing. Isn’t it great that they had all of those items at their fingertips?? The china cabinet is the perfect addition.

    Reply
  62. Tenia says

    March 17, 2011 at 1:56 am

    Holy After Picture Batman….that is AMAZING!!!!!

    Reply
  63. Tonya says

    March 17, 2011 at 2:38 am

    another gorgeous transformation! Love those chairs!!

    Reply
  64. Caitlin says

    March 17, 2011 at 3:18 am

    Amazing!! You’re clever! Where are the curtains from? they are fantastic!

    Reply
  65. Megan {Honey We're Home} says

    March 17, 2011 at 3:30 am

    The room is so inviting now! And you’re right, the paint color made a world of difference!

    Reply
  66. Lou says

    March 17, 2011 at 4:24 am

    I have the same problem! I’m getting married in exactly a year from today and my future husband inherited the family “antiques”. I think I can get away with replacing the table & chairs, but is there any way to make a buffet exactly like the one pictured work in our dining room??

    Reply
  67. Ann says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:44 am

    Oh wow! what a wonderful transformation you did there.
    I love that bluish gray shade on the wall.

    Reply
  68. Vicky @ Pearl District says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:55 am

    INCREDIBLE! I love your style!

    Reply
  69. Lori says

    March 17, 2011 at 10:17 am

    Love the transformation! I can’t imagine how happy these newlyweds are to come home to this inspired space everyday!

    Reply
  70. Jenny says

    March 18, 2011 at 2:32 am

    Stunning room Emily! The color, the hutch, the curtains! I have been eyeing those curtains myself and seeing them in a room (nearly the same color as my master), makes me want them even more!

    Reply
  71. Karen says

    March 18, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    A beautiful room Emily, love your work.I’m now following you.

    Reply
  72. classic • casual • home says

    March 19, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    I like how the wainscoting pops now. Following you.

    Reply
  73. christine @ {simple starfish} says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:26 am

    OMG, this is beautiful. I also need to know about the curtains. Are they from Ballards? I’m going out curtain shopping today so if anyone could post back info on the curtains I would appreciate it so much. Thanks.

    Reply
  74. Emily A. Clark says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:53 am

    @Christine Info on the curtains:

    http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2011/03/your-burning-curtain-questions-answered.html

    Reply
  75. Kerrie says

    August 30, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    Any idea where the ottoman came from? I’m looking for one to match my living room.

    Reply

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