One of my readers, Janet, had me do a consultation for her diningroom awhile back and she has just finished the transformation, so I wanted to share with you the fabulous makeover that was accomplished. Don’t you love BEFORE and AFTER photos? Me too!
I had a lot of fun with Janet’s room, it has great bones, but needed some tweaking to get it into shape and updated. First, let’s look at the BEFORE pics:
While these toile drapes were pretty, they weren’t doing anything for her windows. They are sitting right on top of the windows instead of framing them and accenting the windows. So, first thing I told her was to get some new drapes that go to the ceiling and come outside that window frame to “frame” the windows and allow them to shine. She will hopefully be able to use the toile drapes in another room.
She’s got this GREAT built-in china cabinet (her house is older, great bones!), but the way the drapes are hanging, it totally looks lopsided having a space on one side, but not the other. So, we have to get that evened up with drapes and illusion. And get rid of the sheers. I’m not a fan of sheers. 
Also, I thought the bottom color on the walls was too “off” from the top color and was a little bottom heavy, so I advised her to paint that out the same as the trim color. Taking it a step further, would be to add some molding like I did OR some beadboard wallpaper would be fabulous too. I mentioned this to Janet too for a future project. 
Adding a new chandelier will make a huge difference too. 
The old rug has to go too and Janet is recovering her chairs in a neutral fabric.
Her hutch and mirror are pretty, just need some accessories to finish it off.
Are you ready to see the AFTER pics?? It’s amazing what a few changes can do to a room! 
Ballard Designs drapes hung all the way to the ceiling look so much better. She had to bring the drapes into the window somewhat because of that built-in china cabinet, but these look SO much more updated and fresh now.
Looks like a whole new room.
New chandy from Ballards also, makes a big statement in the room. Bye-bye brass! And no more gap on the right side of the built-in. The drapery panels balance out that wall now. Go back and look at the Before pic and you’ll see what I mean.
She decided to cover the host chairs in the striped fabric and the 4 other side chairs in a creamy neutral, which looks really good. A plush new rug in some yummy neutral colors from Overstock.com finishes off the room.
Along with a pair of buffet lamps from Ballards also, the sideboard is looking lively now. Janet said she shopped their sales and got some good deals.
And I see that Janet is starting a collection of white too. The bug has bit!
Here’s what Janet said when she emailed me back the AFTER photos:
Thanks Rhoda – I think it turned out great too! The changes have really made me love that room! I’m so happy with how it turned out. My husband was quite dubious when I initially told him that I contacted you, but is certainly a believer now! So funny, now he’ll ask me . . . “did you check with Rhoda” on this or that when I buy something for one of the rooms.
That is all I needed to hear! Thank you, Janet, and I look forward to see the after photos in Janet’s livingroom, which I also helped her with.
If you’d like to get a consultation for one of your rooms too, click here to find out all the details.
Added to Sarah’s Before and After party today.
The series of small changes you suggested made such a difference! It all looks so great great! Nice work both of you!!
It’s amazing how much the drapes alone improved the room!
Nicely done! I love the drapes! I’m in total agreement to go high and wide {if you can}.
We love the way the room turned out Rhoda! Thank you so much for your help! Stay tuned — the living room is next!
Janet
looks fab! the drapery totally makes a big diff. lovesss it!
What a gorgeous transformation. I love it and the colors are so soft and inviting. Hugs, Marty
Great advice you gave her, Rhoda. Much warmer and more contemporary. I do think she could but some color back on that wainscot now… just not as dark as before… and your idea to use the beadboard wallpaper is good too. (I finally ordered mine… it might even be here today!… I’ll let you know what I do with it)
Wow – great transformation. It just looks so crisp and pulled together. Lovely…
Wow! Yall did such a great job. It all looks beautiful and I love what the drapes did for the room! So talented.
Love the new drapes!!! I am so jealous of her china cabinet…what a “wow” spot in her dining room. 🙂
Hi Rhoda…
I hope you had a nice week-end…you sure are a busy gal…what an awesome china cabinet…nice job !!
I have to tell you hubby asked and I quote here “Any chance we can have Rhoda’s Londonbroil soon”….LOL so I have had it soaking up those magical juices….can’t wait for it myself…..
All the best,
Kathy 🙂
Hey Rhoda,
I like the transformation as well, but why aren’t you a fan of sheer curtains? I love them because I can open the drapes, get some light and not feel exposed. Are they a faux pas, out of date or just personal preference? Thanks! (I love your blog, BTW.)
Great ideas, Rhoda! The room definitely feels more cohesive and inviting:)
thanks for sharing!
tamera@doubledelight
Great job by both of you! Like the new look!
pk @ Room Remix
A much more updated feel to the room. Good job to you and Janet.
Looks great. Love the effect hanging them higher has. Did you think about just eliminated the curtains next to the built-in and just have the two on the outside of each window?
I love the changes, just would also love to see some color on the walls…..but that’s just me, I can’t stand white walls:):) I know hers are a pale yellow, just seem too pale to me…..like I said, it’s just me:):) XO, Pinky
Thanks for stopping by, glad you all like it too.
To answer a few questions:
Kim, it might be personal preference, but I’ve never been a fan of sheers. Honestly, they just feel “old lady” to me & I’ve never cared for the look of them. I’d much rather have some pretty white wood blinds or Roman shades over the window itself, instead of sheers of any kind. That’s my preference & I’m sure others might not agree with me!
Pinky, she could definitely go a little darker on the walls if she wishes. A shade darker would make the molding and china cabinet pop even more, but that will have to be her call, since Janet picked out that paint color. I just felt the bottom was too dark and it looks much better like this. And adding some wainscot or beadboard will really add to the look too.