1 Room, 2 Looks: Fix This Dining Room!

See how Drew and Jonathan rethink an outdated dining room.

By D&J Editors | November 15, 2022

The Atlanta-based Thompson family loved all the light their dining room got but wanted to give it a bit of an update with new furniture and decor. “It’s in desperate need of a facelift, but I don’t know where to start,” says mom Sara. Lucky for them, Drew and Jonathan came to the rescue and digitally transformed their room from blah to brilliant!

Drew’s Design

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To insert some personality and warmth in the Thompsons’ dining room, Drew started by adding a built-in spanning the length of one wall. Next, he chose a deep green paint with coordinating window treatments to make the space feel cozy—a perfect touch to make family meals and dinner parties more welcoming.

A modern brass chandelier brings a little sleekness to the space, and a round cement table seats six to eight, so there’s lots of room for cocktails and conversation! “Brass fixtures modernize the space while the built-ins and wallpaper bring a classic, timeless feel,” Drew says. Plenty of potted plants, artwork, and other decor on the shelves add the perfect finishing touch to this newly improved space.

Jonathan’s Design

Jonathan wanted to create a brighter dining space for the Thompsons, so he started with an airy palette of light neutrals and added self-adhesive wallpaper for texture and interest. A large mirror on one wall opens the space up and reflects the light, and a wool rug grounds the dining area.

A spacious sideboard provides plenty of room for serveware and table linens, and a pair of brushed-brass lamps adds a touch of glamour to the space. “Light fabric upholstery reinforces the room’s neutral palette while allowing metallic elements to shine,” says Jonathan. Plus, the roomy table accommodates up to eight, so there’s seating when guests come over.