Create a Vibrant Dining Room with Inexpensive Shelving
What do you do when, after trying different furniture and styling ideas, no one (including you) enjoys hanging out in your dining room?
That’s not uncommon, especially in older homes that have a separate room for dining. Everyone loves to be where the action is and often that’s the kitchen.
A few months ago I wondered how it would feel if I drastically decluttered our guest room and turned it into my version of a luxury suite.
In the process of creating that, I had 2 large chrome utility shelves that needed a new home.
As the dining room had lots of space, I decided to store them there temporarily.
Before the Change
The shelving looked strange but I decided to play around with my simple things starting with a set of framed artwork removed from the wall. Next, I added candles, vases, flower pots, stone garden rabbits, dishes, baskets …you know, the important stuff.
You may be thinking, “Margit, I thought you got rid of that stuff…” and I did but when you let go of one layer, more pops to the surface and you repeat the decision/keep or let go process.
I limited the colors to cream, white, clay, and clear glass.
After having that room be so minimal, I felt sure this wouldn't work. Instead, the utilitarian shelves took on a market-cafe feel that is sparkly and fun.
View from the Home Office Retreat
Every day I enjoy sitting at the table as well as the view from my Home Office Retreat which is directly across the open hallway.
View from the Dining Room
Some takeaways from this:
Figure Out...
1)How You Want to Feel. Decide how you want to feel while in this room. Just the first thing that comes to mind. Relaxed, inspired, connected, reminded to be thankful? (For the room above, I wanted to feel like I was in Italy, enjoying sunshine and olives! I wanted to hear laughter and to feel happy. )
Photo by cottonbro studio by Pexels
2) Room Functionality. What is the purpose of this room? It may be meals, homework, projects, folding laundry, a quiet place to regroup - pin this down. If your room is uncomfortable or filled with too many things, it won't be used and enjoyed.
Photo by yucel-moran with Unsplash
3) Use What You Have First. What items do you have already to fulfill the purpose? Go slow with new purchases. Be open to needing something and then being gifted or finding it at just the right price - or trading something with friends.
4) Try What Has Inspired You. But don't limit yourself to that. If something doesn't work out, fall back on simple. Play around with things. Often your belongings come together in a better way.
Photo by Lina Kivaka with Pexels
5) Lighten Up. Don't take this too seriously. If you can have fun with this, do it!
