I am absolutely thrilled to finally unveil my Mom’s stunning mid-century modern inspired dining room makeover! This project, born from a desire to transform a bland rental apartment into a cherished home, faced numerous delays and slight design adjustments as the world shifted around us. We even tackled the painting and wallpapering during the year’s most scorching days – definitely not according to plan, but entirely worth every bead of sweat. The final result is a space we both deeply adore, a true testament to patience and perseverance.
This ambitious dining room transformation subtly spilled into the adjacent living room, receiving fresh paint and carefully curated furniture and accessories to ensure a seamless flow. While the living room awaits its own dedicated makeover in the future, it now beautifully complements the elegant jewel of a dining room we’ve brought to life. Join me on a detailed tour as I delve into my key design decisions and the thoughtful choices that shaped this space. Next week, I’ll follow up with practical DIY tutorials covering everything from the intricate wallpaper installation to sewing the bespoke curtains – and perhaps a charming, quirky DIY you might just spot!
Sharing these photographs fills me with immense joy, though I must confess, capturing the true essence of this apartment through a lens can be challenging. Despite being bathed in an abundance of natural light, the unique quality of the illumination, so different from my own home, presented a learning curve. I’m confident that these images, while beautiful, don’t fully convey the incredible warmth and inviting coziness this space now radiates.
A Look Back: The Before
To truly appreciate the transformation, let’s revisit the “before.” While not inherently offensive, the dining room was characterized by its quintessential “rental blandness”: beige walls, scuffed white trim, a generic light fixture, and mismatched curtain rods inherited from previous tenants. My Mom experienced the significant loss of her previous home a few years ago, making this makeover deeply personal. My primary goal was to imbue her rental apartment with a sense of permanence and comfort, creating a space that genuinely felt like her own sanctuary, rather than a temporary dwelling. For a comprehensive visual tour of the original state, you can explore the “before” post here.
The Exquisite Hygge & West Wallpaper: A Bold Statement for a Rental
I’ll be forthright: wallpaper isn’t always the most conventional or practical choice for a rental apartment. However, we wholeheartedly embraced the challenge! While I may eventually lament the task of stripping this beautiful wallpaper when Mom eventually moves (though we’re optimistically hoping her landlord falls in love with it enough for it to stay, fingers crossed!), its current impact is undeniably transformative. It infuses the dining room with an unparalleled sense of elegance and luxury, a quality inherent in Hygge & West wallpapers, which are screen-printed by hand, exuding a high-end, artisan feel in person.
Our selection, Hygge & West’s Bloom in Taupe, generously provided by Hygge & West, sparked some initial skepticism when I shared the choice on my Instagram stories. Many followers expressed surprise at my selection of a neutral pattern. Yet, this decision was made with my Mom’s unique aesthetic firmly in mind. She has always been drawn to this particular design, and her personal style leans towards soft neutrals (recalling the grey and pink kitchen makeover we undertook years ago). Despite its subtle nature, I knew this wallpaper would provide a sophisticated and versatile backdrop, allowing for slightly bolder design choices elsewhere, such as the captivating patterned rug, the soft aqua ceiling, and the luxurious green silk curtains. The organic movement within the design, coupled with its clean, crisp mid-century modern vibes, resonated deeply with us. We were so enamored that we temporarily shelved our plans for additional artwork, opting instead to showcase as much of this breathtaking pattern as possible.
The Hand-Tufted Wool Loloi Rug: Grounding the Space with Color
Inspired by my own dining room, which features a Loloi rug that my Mom absolutely adored, we decided to incorporate a very similar piece into her space. The rug, a thoughtful contribution from Loloi, is from the Ziva collection (ZV-04 Denim). It shares the same exquisite hand-tufted wool construction but boasts a slightly more intricate pattern and a moodier, richer color palette. This rug became the definitive anchor for the dining room’s entire color scheme, prompting me to meticulously select cool tones for the ceiling paint and the curtain fabric. Much like myself, my Mom finds solace and tranquility in the cohesive and coordinated color palettes that bring a sense of calm to any space.
Interestingly, my Mom has recently gravitated towards a cooler color palette. While I personally lean towards brighter turquoises and teals, she prefers the softer nuances of grey-blue or indigo. To be honest, we’re currently meeting somewhere in the middle; she’s been embracing beautiful jewel tones, and I’ve found myself drawn to really soft grey-greens and muted grey-blues. This pleasant divergence, however, might eventually pose a delightful problem for our future shopping trips, as our shared adventures usually thrive on our appreciation for distinct styles!
Captivating Tabletop Accessories: A Blend of Old and New
The tabletop accessories are undeniably eye-catching, so let’s dive right into these delightful details! FinnStyle graciously supplied an array of exquisite new pieces, including the captivating sea blue Kastehelmi plates and bowls, along with that gorgeous Iittala Aalto vase, all in the same mesmerizing hue. You might recall seeing these beauties in my Mother’s Day Lake Superior inspired tablescape. The vibrant sea blue truly pops against the clear Iittala dishes and glassware my Mom already owned, treasures we’ve accumulated through years of dedicated thrifting and eBay finds.
The elegant brass flatware is another personal thrift store discovery from a while back. While it will eventually find a new home in an Etsy shop, as my Mom has her own cherished flatware collection, I absolutely adored how it perfectly complemented the brass chandelier for these photographs. (For those looking to replicate the look, here’s a highly-rated, beautiful brass flatware option available for purchase.) The charming blue-grey napkins, a treasured heirloom from my maternal grandmother, were dyed by me years ago and serendipitously harmonized beautifully with the new dining room’s palette. Both Mom and I revel in the art of setting a beautiful table, and we’re so excited to have this exquisite new dining room for such occasions. We’ve collected countless treasures over the years, and we take immense pleasure in enjoying and utilizing them in our everyday lives. Given my continued avoidance of retail stores, the flowers gracing the table were personally gathered during a scenic road trip, their sunny yellow providing a cheerful pop of color.
The Pim Chandelier from Kichler: A Touch of Mid-Century Glamour
I am utterly captivated by the Pim Chandelier, generously provided by Kichler. I proactively reached out to Kichler after discovering this light online and instantly falling for its sophisticated brass finish and the distinctive shape of its glass shades. They bear a striking resemblance to my own triple bubble dining room light fixture, a piece my Mom has long admired. Therefore, this chandelier presented the perfect opportunity to introduce that coveted aesthetic into her dining room, albeit with an even more refined and glamorous flair.
The chandelier’s elegant mid-century modern silhouette creates a beautiful dialogue with the organic pattern of the wallpaper. I particularly adore the warmth radiating from its fox gold finish, which provides a stunning contrast against the cool, soothing blue-grey ceiling. This fixture isn’t just a source of light; it’s a statement piece that perfectly encapsulates the blend of vintage charm and contemporary sophistication we aimed to achieve in this space, elevating the entire room’s ambiance.
The Premium Spa Silk Shantung Curtains: Custom Luxury
By the time I had meticulously selected the wallpaper and rug, I had already begun curating a shortlist of favorite fabrics on the Online Fabric Store website, anticipating the creation of custom-sewn drapes. I distinctly recalled this particular silk and felt an immediate certainty that its luxurious texture and color would perfectly complement the Loloi rug – and indeed, it does so magnificently! The fabric is utterly dreamy; you can truly appreciate the incredible sheen and opulent quality of the silk in some videos saved in my Instagram stories (look for the highlight: ORC 2020).
I believe the silk fabric introduces a subtle touch of formality to this space, a characteristic that perfectly aligns with the architectural era of the building itself. Moreover, my Mom had never before had a dedicated dining room – my childhood home only featured an eat-in kitchen – so it was paramount that this dining room felt truly grand and special, even within its modest dimensions. The Online Fabric Store generously provided this exquisite silk, and I am excited to share a comprehensive sewing tutorial very soon. The creamy white curtain rod, a piece I previously owned before we enlarged the windows in my own home, found a new purpose here as it no longer fit my space. I’m delighted my Mom can now utilize them, adding another layer of personal history to the room.
The Vintage Table, Chairs, and Credenza: A Fortuitous Find
We hit the jackpot with this exceptional vintage dining set – comprising a table, chairs, and a perfectly matching credenza – discovered on Kijiji! (You can delve deeper into our find in this dedicated post.) My Mom had previously found the mid-century modern teak chairs I lent her to be quite uncomfortable, making the comfort of this new set a top priority. These newly acquired chairs are significantly more comfortable, yet they retain the clean, minimalist mid-century modern lines she adores.
Adding to our good fortune, the coordinating credenza proved to be the ideal size for the wall situated just outside the dining room. This was a delightful coincidence, as there simply wasn’t enough space within the dining room itself for additional furniture. Positioning the credenza just beyond the doorway, however, maintains its practicality and accessibility. I previously shared a detailed post outlining my quick method for refinishing the set and expertly recovering the chairs in a beautiful linen blend fabric, featuring a sophisticated palette of blues and greys. While acquiring a coordinating set wasn’t my initial design intention, the scale, style, and incredibly appealing price point of this particular ensemble were simply too good to forgo. Ultimately, I truly appreciate the cohesive aesthetic it brings to both the dining room and the adjacent spaces, enhancing the overall flow and harmony of her home.
The Wall, Trims & Ceiling Paint from Sherwin-Williams: Embracing Color from Above
I have harbored a long-standing desire to experiment with a colorful ceiling! Having previously adorned floors, cabinets, and walls with vibrant hues, the ceiling represented the final frontier in my personal design explorations. Luckily, Mom was entirely on board with this playful idea! Given the neutral character of the wallpaper, this dining room presented the perfect canvas to introduce a softly colored ceiling. Furthermore, the ceiling itself features beautiful plaster work and boasts an impressive height of nearly nine feet, making it an element truly worthy of highlighting (unlike my own ceilings, which possess no such distinguishing features, hence my never having attempted a colored ceiling at home!).
The ceiling was painted in SW-6491 Open Air, a product generously provided by Sherwin-Williams. This shade is the quintessential pale aqua – sophisticated and muted, completely avoiding any resemblance to a nursery pastel. We were so smitten with its effect that we extended this serene hue to the ceiling in the living room as well, fostering a beautiful visual cohesiveness between the two somewhat open-concept spaces. I’m currently even contemplating a sample of this exact color for an upcoming project in my own home, a testament to its versatile appeal.
For the trim work within the dining room and the walls of the adjacent living room, we carefully selected SW 7566 Westhighland White, pulling this elegant shade directly from the background of the wallpaper. This particular white, also provided by Sherwin-Williams, is wonderfully soft, warm, and impeccably clean – a truly significant upgrade from the apartment’s original builder’s beige. As this rental is characterized by various shades of beige throughout, our intention is to gradually extend this inviting creamy white across the entire apartment, creating a harmonious and brighter aesthetic.
The Thoughtful Extra Little Details: Personal Touches and Future Visions
My Mom already owned the charming plant stand, which I simply refreshed with a coat of creamy white paint to give it a renewed lease on life (visible on the left in the photo below). I had initially hoped to discover a few other small treasures through thrifting – perhaps a vintage bar cart or a quaint tea cart – to add further character. However, with limited opportunities for thrifting in recent months, we gracefully made do with the wonderful pieces we already possessed. While I wished I could have updated the pocket door leading to the kitchen, I was hesitant to paint anything not already painted in a rental. Moreover, the door fits so snugly that its existing finish has worn away in places, leading me to doubt that a fresh coat of paint would hold up well in the long run.
The elegant lamp on the credenza, along with many of the other accessories and pieces of artwork, were cherished items my Mom already owned. Although I had planned to embark on a hunt for new treasures, for now, we “shopped her space,” curating and styling with what she had. There’s always the delightful possibility of restyling and introducing new finds down the road, allowing the space to evolve organically. Mom and I are absolutely overjoyed with how this mid-century modern inspired dining room makeover culminated! It strikes a perfect balance: a touch of elegant sophistication, yet infused with a playful spirit. It undeniably possesses a distinct vintage vibe and, with its serene, watery color palette, subtly evokes the majestic beauty of Lake Superior.
While this transformation bears my unique “style stamp,” it equally showcases my Mom’s inherent aesthetic, her profound love for comforting neutrals, and her enthusiastic embrace of pattern – perhaps even more so than my own! I eagerly anticipate countless family dinners in this beautifully revitalized space; after all, my Mom is an absolutely phenomenal cook!
Essential DIY Projects We Tackled: Your Guide to Replication
For those inspired to embark on their own home improvement journeys, here are the detailed tutorials for the DIY projects that brought this dining room to life:
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Refreshing the Dining Table with NO Stripping & NO Sanding: Learn how we beautifully restored our vintage dining table without the arduous tasks of stripping or sanding, preserving its character with minimal effort.
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How to Sew Silk Drapes (DIY Back Tab Curtains): Discover the secrets to crafting your own luxurious silk drapes with a professional back-tab finish, adding elegance to any room.
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How to Hang Hygge & West Wallpaper: A step-by-step guide to installing high-end wallpaper like Hygge & West, ensuring a flawless and stunning result.
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How to Paint a Fireplace with Chalk Paint: Transform your fireplace with the versatile power of chalk paint, creating a bold new focal point in your living space.
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How to Recover Dining Chairs: Breathe new life into old dining chairs by mastering the art of re-upholstering, making them both comfortable and stylish.
Mom’s Mid-Century Modern Inspired Dining Room Makeover Sources:
Every exquisite detail of this dining room transformation was carefully selected. Here’s a comprehensive list of sources for your own design inspirations:
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RUG: ZV-04 Denim (c/o Loloi) – A hand-tufted wool masterpiece grounding the room with rich color.
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WALLPAPER: Hygge & West Bloom in Taupe (c/o Hygge & West) – An elegant, screen-printed pattern providing a sophisticated backdrop.
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DINING ROOM LIGHT: Pim in Fox Gold (c/o Kichler) – A glamorous mid-century modern chandelier with a warm brass finish.
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CEILING COLOR: Open Air (c/o Sherwin-Williams) – A muted, sophisticated pale aqua that elevates the space.
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WALL & TRIM COLOR: SW 7566 Westhighland White (c/o Sherwin-Williams) – A soft, warm, and clean white chosen to unify the apartment’s aesthetic.
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CURTAINS: DIY (Premium Spa Silk Shantung Fabric c/o Online Fabric Store) – Custom-sewn drapes adding a touch of formal luxury.
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CURTAIN RODS: West Elm (discontinued, here’s a similar one) – Reused creamy white rods that found a perfect new home.
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DINING TABLE & CHAIRS: Vintage – A comfortable and stylish mid-century modern set discovered through a fortunate find.
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CREDENZA: Vintage – A perfectly sized matching piece offering practical storage just outside the dining room.
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CREDENZA TABLE LAMP: Vintage (here’s a similar style) – A classic piece contributing to the room’s vintage allure.
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VASE: Iittala Aalto Vase in Sea Blue (c/o FinnStyle) – An iconic Finnish design in a captivating hue.
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PLATES & GLASSWARE: Iittala (Vintage & c/o FinnStyle) – A beautiful mix of cherished vintage pieces and new additions.
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FLATWARE: Vintage (here’s a similar style) – Elegant brass pieces perfectly complementing the chandelier.
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DYED NAPKINS: DIY dye project (here’s a similar color) – Sentimental heirloom napkins revitalized with a custom blue-grey dye.
A Sneak Peek: The Living Room Fireplace Transformation
As I hinted earlier, this comprehensive makeover wasn’t confined solely to the dining room; it thoughtfully extended into the adjacent living room, where the fireplace received a striking and bold new coat of paint. This transformation completely redefined its character and presence in the space. For a dramatic before-and-after comparison and all the details on this specific project, be sure to click here to see the fireplace transformation.
Don’t Forget to Pin for Later!
If you’ve been inspired by this mid-century modern dining room makeover, save it for future reference and design inspiration!