Sometimes it just takes a few tweaks to totally transform the feel of the space. If you are just now tuning in, let me introduce the Sterling Project. The homeowners hired me to help them transform the look of their 12 year old ranch-style home from primitive/antique to something more classic, cozy and timeless. See the Sterling Project Living Room, here & Dining Room here. Today, I'm sharing how we made over their dining room with just a few simple changes.

The existing furniture was great quality, but the space didn't feel as cohesive as it could. Especially since we were updating the other spaces in their open concept home. My first suggestion was to remove the dry sink (barely visible in the before, but it was on the left hand wall) and move the green credenza to take it's place. A floor mirror on the opposite wall adds style and interest without taking up any floor space. My next suggestion was to modernize the round table by painting a rich, matte black. I had originally suggested a banquette placed in front of the window, upholstered in a pretty stripe fabric but my client fell in love with the details of these pewter parsons chairs. I can't say I blame her! They add such a cozy feel to this small space. 

The breakfast nook is situated on the back end of the house and the dining room is in the front with the kitchen in the middle. So even though these spaces don't directly open onto each other, I wanted to select cohesive art between the two spaces. This set of four canvases mimic the style of the vintage bookplates in the dining room, but are unique enough to set this space apart. I love the way they look with the green credenza, which I accented with hints of black, white and gold. 

Sources: Botanical Canvas Art set | Floor Mirror | Pottery | Antique Brass & Glass curio box

We didn't do a lot to this space, but the result exceeded our expectations. Don't you think it looks like the dining room should have always been this way? This is the perfect example of my design philosophy in action: Essentialism (leaving just enough furniture for the space to feel full, not cluttered or sparse), Eclecticism (mixing and matching finishes and styles for a collected look) and Elegance (staying away from anything too trendy, and being true to the geographic location and architectural bones of the home). 

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