Love the color! The table seems a little big for the room, does it have a leaf you could take out? And then you could have only 6 chairs around the table.

I think it looks really nice. Maybe a hue with a bit more terra cotta.closer to the picture you posted earlier?

I'd replace the chandelier and remove the mirror for an instant update.

You could also add straight molding to the top of the corner cabinets

Living Room · More Info

My Houzz: Brooklynites Take Up a Rural 1940s Farmhouse · More Info

I agree with Er, take off the formal do dads from over the china cabinets. (I'm sure they have a specific name but I don't know what it is). Then, (and I know this is sacrilege around here) but consider a tablecloth. It tones down a fancy dining room table immediately and easily. I have a formal dining room set similar to yours, and I use a table cloth with it all the time. Plus you can play around with all kinds of looks with color and texture. And if you get bored of that look, off it goes and you are back to the table top, only now it isn't scratched! You could recover the chairs with something more neutral or not, if the table linens don't clash the chairs will fade into the background, their visual impact is low when the table has a tablecloth hanging down the sides . . . . At the very least, a runner would soften the look . . .

Throw some fun art on the walls and some cas tableware and no one will be the wiser. And you can still put on the ritz whenever you want with very little trouble.

P.S. I grew up with a piano in the dining room. It's a great way to give a room double duty . . .

I love what you’ve done, and I also love your table chairs and chandelier. But the slip covers will be great. I think you now need a light rug, maybe ivory, but picking up your new colors. But the overall lightness will life the weightiness of the room.

Thx. I saw a question on the color. It’s sherwin williams grenadine. Mirror won’t go back...doesn’t go with the colors now BUT looks great in the piano room as it turns out. I’m definitely on board with changing the molding on top of the built ins. I’ll need a pro for that-they don’t just come off...but I also don’t think it will be all that expensive to take off and replace with straight molding. I think my next move is the chandelier...and I like the idea of a rug too! Thx for the inspiration today, Houzzers. Definitely going the right direction and I have somewhat of a plan to keep going. You’re the best!

I like the suggestion to remove the doors from the cabinets, they look formal and stuffy. Recovering those chairs will be expensive, you could probably buy new chairs on sale in a more contemporary color for about the same money.

See those nice ivory chirs in the pic you love, that's what I think would look great.

I wouldn't obsess about the chairs. I think they are charming. Why make work for yourself. The new color really adds a fun vibe to the room. I'd go for something 'boho" instead of "colonial" or "federalist" or whatever that molding style is. There's nothing wrong with it, but in a casual small dining room it isn't necessary. Put some fun art on the wall that says "you" and I think you won't worry too much about the chairs. I say that because I swore the first thing I would do was ditch Mom's fancy dining room set when I inherited her house, but it started to seem wasteful . . . and I'm finding that with the right mix, you can find new ways of using old thing as part of it. Just my approach, YMMV.

Normally I love a chandelier, but in this case it would be removed along with the cabinets on the walls.. tho practical, not the best for visual.

All good suggestions. Current chandelier will be removed and replaced with a more casual fixture. I'm thinking something in the brass family, warm wood or something white. I feel like nickel will just be "blah". Thoughts on the right style?

Is the existing fixture bright brass? Maybe just age the metal? You haven't shown us a clear picture of it yet but it looks to be very nice and it's the right size. (Also it feels good to reduce, reuse, recycle where possible.) https://theletteredcottage.net/7-easy-diy-brass-chandelier-makeovers/

That fantastic new wall color just made me jealous!

Part I’m, here is the fixture now (green, terracotta and tan). I have never loved it in the room (existing when we bought the house...). This is the best pic I have of it. I really don’t think it works....but maybe if it was white?

Thx petula67. :) I'm loving it as well (but the husband not so much...but he will come around!!!)

At first I thought no way on painting the chandelier white ... but then saw this gorgeous room:

Obviously a much more elaborate light here, but kind of a similar feel with coral, brown, white.

Showing this one for the woven shades ...

The new grenadine paint color looks fabulous.

Jinx - I'm sold on the woven shades. 14 years in this house and we have never been able to decide on a window covering for that window! I have nothing to lose by painting that light white. If it works, saves me hundreds of dollars for a new one. Its resale value on something like craigslist is probably $50 no matter how good it looks...and if it doesn't work I can probably still sell it on craigslist for the same $50 (and it will probably sell a lot quicker). LOL.

Thx apple_pie_order.

This is a fun project! Love seeing your updates. :)

Knowing you, the light will be painted within the next 20 minutes. 😄

If that doesn't work, I was seriously considering this light (although I really don't want to pay $700 for a light.)

https://www.ethanallen.com/en_US/shop-lighting-chandeliers/ariel-drum-chandelier/093622.html#start=1

That is good-looking!

Since the chandelier is already painted, you have nothing to lose by re-painting it. You could go with a solid white re-paint, or antique it a bit by sanding off the white paint in spots. Or even spray paint it the metallic paint of your choice e.g. an antique brass finish.

If you're up for a bit more than simply spray painting it, I loved this look from the link I posted above.

https://maisondecor8.blogspot.com/2013/01/painting-brass-chandelier-and-big.html

Or this one

https://inmyownstyle.com/dining-room-chandelier-make-over.html

I actually thought I might paint the Chandelier tonite but the hubby said no way he feels like getting it down tonite so I have a little more time to think about it. I have always wanted to try chalk paint. Partim, those were some nice tutorials. The first white Chandelier jinx found is probably where I would go...it’s white, but I don’t think it’s “solid” white. Seems to have some patina.

I came across this rug, which is a very understated light blue "plaid" (though not REALLY a plaid....) What do you think about this rug for my dining room?

https://annieselke.com/Rugs/Shop-Rugs-By-Size/All-Rug-Sizes/10'-x-14'-Rugs/Harris-Blue-Ivory-Micro-Hooked-Wool-Rug/p/DA1183

I’ve been looking at lights. I’m feeling this lovely mostly glass looking chandelier. Thoughts?

Ps. Painting my existing chandelier will be a “nightmare”...lots of nooks and crannies bc it has these flexible metal leaves that are just attached at their base that tend to hug the chandelier arms.

And two other lights I’m considering as well

I like all of your choices here! My fav lights are the first two.

Love your first chandy candy!

If you are still considering painting your existing, use several very light coats of spray paint so the paint doesn't pool and drip.

Update. Over Thanksgiving, there was an uprising. The family has revolted against the bold pink/coral...as a result I have gone a little warmer in the coral family with sw coral reef. You can see the old color and the new color together in this pic (I just got a sample quart do I didn’t cut in or anything).

On my screen there's hardly a difference at all with the proposed new color, though it's a little softer...

The difference is subtle...just a little warmer. If you aren’t looking directly at it you might not notice the difference. It’s not to obviously pink now. If this still doesn’t work for the family I’ll move to another color entirely I think.

I think it looks great.

From looking at your kitchen pics, your style seems to be transitional. I like the color. I love the built in's (even the beautiful doors). What I don't like is the pediment at the top. It dates the built in's and not in a good way. Any chance that section could be removed and the top squared off without damaging the rest of the cabinet? I feel your pain about expensive furniture. I've had Henredon, Baker, etc. You can't give it away now. I wouldn't bother slipcovering the chairs. I'd store them and get new ones with cleaner lines. That and a new chandelier will make a huge difference.

I pulled at the finial the other day hoping it was removable...it’s on there! I’m thinking it was glued in place. I suspect I could get it sawed off pretty cleanly if my husband will cooperate. Lol. Chandelier is coming down tonight. Not sure it will paint easily because it’s got lots of nooks and crannies but I’m gonna try.

I meant trying to square off the top. Yes, taking off the finial, but also the scroll that surrounds it. It would probably have to be cut off by a carpenter.

Chandelier in process. I’m liking it so far...

I am using Grenadine on a console in my living room! Love your color in the dining room.

Yes to painting the chandelier.....make sure bottom of chandelier is 30-36 inches from table top for good proportions. You got this!

Chandelier is looking good! The key is using thin coats so the paint doesn't drip, or pool in the nooks and crannies.

While the chandelier looks better white, it really doesn't tame down the formality all that much. It's too ornate with too many swirls and such. Of the 3 chandeliers you've posted, I like the second one the best - the black one with the shades.

Design girl, I agree with you (although the eye definitely doesn’t see all the details the same way with it all being white). However, figured I’d try. A lot less expensive than buying a new one and if it doesn’t end up working I think it will Craigslist a whole lot faster. For a couple of bucks it was worth a try.

I can't wait to see how this turns out. You've inspired me! I have a navy dining room that I was going to paint gray (to match living room) but now I think I should do something bold!

It’s only paint...and that is the beauty of picking a wild color. As long as you are willing to put in the work, it’s so easy to change...

Slight wall color finished and painted chandelier hung. Piano gone to a good home! Unfortunately working from home again (in the DR) due to COVID. Curtains to be hung hanging over the back of a chair.

I’m really liking how it’s turning out. It’s updated and has a fresh look, but has a great vintage charm, too. I think the chairs look great with the new colors. This looks like a wonderful collected style.

I think I would take the cloth off the table and add a white orchid centerpiece.

Can't wait to see the drapes up and art on the wall.

What a yummy and stimulating color. I love the freshness and yet it still has a formality to it! What a great vision you had.

Love it! The white chandelier looks like it turned out well. It contrasts nicely with the wall colour.

Find a good furniture refinisher and have the 'handels' taken off the top of your chairs. They will be SO much less fussy and you will be able to make a slipcover down to the floor

covers the entire chair hiding the wood.You may be tired of the table after 20 years but I think it's Bea utiful!