Designing Around the Pieces You Already Own
This Month’s Subscriber Dining Room Reveal.
I always say that a room doesn’t need a full gut renovation to feel entirely new. Sometimes, it just needs a few refined upgrades. Functional, beautiful decisions that breathe fresh energy into what’s already there.
This is my third installment of my subscriber mood board series, and watching this idea come to life, with all of you, has been nothing short of fulfilling. The first two submissions are already well on their way to becoming finished spaces, and I can’t wait to see this one follow suit.
This month’s submission came with a very real request. Something I think we all experience in our homes.
A dining room that just needed a little love. The table and buffet would stay; they are great foundational pieces, but everything else is fair game. Her thoughts: New chairs. A new light fixture. New kitchen stools. The intent was clear: keep what’s working, improve what isn’t.
A quick note: These subscriber mood boards are designed to serve as a visual starting point. A source of inspiration to help you see your space in a new way. While I take into account the intended use of the room and any existing pieces you plan to keep, I don’t review measurements, detailed layout specifics, budgets and so on.
If you’re looking for more personalized guidance tailored to your exact space, you’re welcome to send me a message here to discuss the scope of work or use this link to book a design consultation.
Okay, now onto how I approached the update and added not only what she requested but also what I thought the space needed to feel more intentional:
1. Swap in cream slipcover chairs for softness, brightness, and practicality.
The existing table has great structure, but the room itself felt visually heavy…dark wood table, black buffet, deep-toned walls. To balance that, I added six cream slipcovered chairs. They soften the space, brighten it, and add a relaxed elegance. And with little ones in the home, the fact that the covers can be cleaned made them the obvious choice.
2. Introduce a new light fixture to elevate the room.
I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again…lighting has the power to instantly update a space. I chose this modern fixture that adds texture, warmth, and scale without overwhelming the room. It draws the eye upward and helps center the entire dining area.
3. Tie it all together with a rug.
A rug was a must to anchor the space and bring in that layered, collected feel. I selected this woven neutral rug for its texture and grounding effect. It defines the dining zone without competing with the furniture.
4. Upgrade the kitchen stools for comfort and cohesion.
The kitchen and dining areas are open to each other, so while we weren’t trying to match them perfectly, I did want the transition to feel intentional. The new counter stools offer backs for support and a soft, cushioned seat. Practical updates that also complement the refreshed dining room.
5. Add trim for architectural detail.
To elevate the walls without overwhelming them, I recommend adding simple trim around the art and sconces. It’s a subtle way to frame the design, create symmetry, and give everything a more tailored, custom feel. It’s the “Let me upgrade ya!” (in full Beyonce voice).
6. Style the buffet for personality.
The existing buffet is beautiful and anchors the wall, so I focused on what would sit above and atop it. I added a large art piece to introduce some movement and softness, flanked by these classic sconces. For styling, I kept things clean and layered: a few brass candelabras, an irregular cream vase with greenery, and a favorite stack of books topped with a sculptural picture frame.
Shop the Mood Board: As always, remember to measure carefully to ensure everything fits your space properly.
Sconces: Classic Wall Sconces
Art Piece: Large Framed Artwork
Rug: Woven Neutral Rug
Light Fixture: Woven Pendant Light
Dining Table: Rectangular Dining Table
Curtains: Linen Pleated Curtains
Buffet: Black Buffet Cabinet
Candelabras: Brass Candlesticks – Zara Home
Stools: Counter Stools with Backs
Dining Chairs: Cream Slipcovered Chairs
Paint Color: Urbane Bronze – Sherwin-Williams
Designing these mood boards for this community continues to be one of my favorite parts of what I do. It’s proof that even small changes can make a space feel entirely new. more functional, more beautiful, and more lived-in.
If you’d like to be considered for next month’s subscriber design feature, become a paid subscriber and send me a photo of a room you’d love help reimagining. And I’ll take it from there!
With Love,
Kathleen
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