It’s time for another “give & take” post where I tell you how I would tweak a reader’s space. Jennifer actually sent me pictures of her family’s kitchen dining area a while back, and then she ended up making some changes in the meantime, so she sent me the update. I think things are coming along really well and asked her if I might do a post focusing on her gallery wall. She agreed—and I added a few other suggestions for her space, as well.
Here’s where she started:
After some updates:
I just have a few ideas for how I would finish off the space. I really like the way she brought in pattern with the new curtains, but. . . I think it would make a HUGE difference if the curtains were hung all the way to the ceiling. I would suggest possibly using the little trick that Courtney used to lengthen her living room drapes. I also think she could bring in another bright pattern with a new fabric on the smaller chair seats. Speaking of chairs, I’m always a fan of mixing up styles, but the end chairs feel a little bulky, so I offered a suggestion there, as well.
As for the gallery wall, I like the idea but would just clean it up a little. Adding a piece of furniture on that wall would probably feel too crowded, but she could still create a pretty big statement by using a couple of picture ledges filled with artwork. My thought would be to anchor the arrangement with a few bigger, colorful pieces that would stay there all of the time, and then to rotate the kids’ artwork and framed family photos in and out as she feels like it.
Some picture ledge/gallery wall inspiration for the space. . . I love a colorful mix of artwork and would probably use two long ledges that extend the length of the wall. I would hang art on the wall below the bottom one, as well, to take advantage of the whole wall space.
Images (clockwise): BH&G (design by Milk & Honey Home, Elle Decor, BH&G, BH&G
Flower painting // Blue abstract art // Crab print
Picture ledges // Upholstered chair // Fabric
PS—I’m headed to church camp for the next few days with my two oldest kids and will be computer-free. (Yay!) Although I’ll be away from email and blog comments, I do have a fun little series of posts scheduled for this week, so check back in. . .
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The height of the drapery rod & the wingback chairs were the first things that stood out for me.
I use picture ledges in my own home. I love that you can change out your pictures or add to your collection without making holes in your walls.
Emily thank you so much for all of your help! I can’t wait to get to work with your suggestions!!
:) Jennifer
I love this series and look forward to these posts! Great idea, Emily!
I’ve been playing with my own dining nook all afternoon. This post could not have been more timely!
How do you feel about the table pushed to one side of a room with the bench / built in type thing, and then shelves / gallery wall on opposite side? Hmmm.
Could be confusing question?!? I’ll look at your inspiration pictures!
Yes, love that look. In Jennifer’s case, the kitchen bar is on the other side of the room, but I definitely like the look of the bench.
Hi Emily, Great suggestions, very helpful to me!! It’s amazing how the trained eye can detect what a lot of us would overlook:)
Hi Emily!
You are really good at this! These are my favourite posts of yours!
OMG! These are my favorite posts! You are amazing at this!!!!
Hi Emily. Love these posts! I always learn something. Jennifer’s dining space is already really pretty, but will be even better with your suggestions.
Emily I love your ideas. If I were Jennifer I would change the chairs, remove the mirror and the drapes. I would try to find some chairs as per what you have in the 1st picture, I would add a colorful rug (something like this http://feltballrug.com/inspiration ) and on the wall (as you suggested) I would add two long ledges with pictures/art etc on them…hmmm… What do you think?:)