Our dining room has transformed dramatically over the past few years. What began as a simple color refresh evolved into built-ins, custom seating and a carefully curated collection of art, textiles and books. When we first moved into our 1930s house in 2017 the space looked very different; this room has changed as my style has matured and as I’ve gathered heirlooms and meaningful finds.
Today this moody, jewel-toned room is my favorite in the house. Below I’ll walk through the key updates—what we did, why we did it and some practical notes on how the choices improved both the function and the look of the space.
Designing Custom Built-ins
The biggest visual and financial change was adding custom built-ins. Before the renovation we had a round table centered in the room, which looked nice but wasn’t practical in our small footprint (about 8 by 9 feet). Chairs blocked walkways and we constantly bumped into each other.
We previously used freestanding white bookshelves, which were a helpful temporary solution, but we needed more storage and display room. One wall in this room has no window, door or archway, so it felt like the perfect place to maximize vertical storage with built-ins.
We designed a built-in bench with concealed storage around the corner so the table could shift slightly to open up pathways. The bench gives comfortable seating while hiding items inside. Alongside the bench we installed floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, which dramatically increased our shelving and display space.
Our handyman carefully removed and repaired the original molding and re-installed it around the new bench to keep the room’s architectural character intact. I had an upholsterer create a tailored bench cushion and made the back pillows myself for extra comfort on the windowsill. The fabric I chose has a woven, tapestry-like texture but is more affordable than authentic tapestry textiles.
We painted the entire room, including the ceiling, in a rich blue. Extending the color to the ceiling makes the room feel like a compact jewel box and adds to the cozy, enveloping atmosphere. I’m still considering picture lights above the shelves but haven’t decided yet.
DIY Faux Roman Shades & Cushions
I fell in love with a green designer fabric that was beyond our budget if used for full window treatments. Instead, I made faux roman shades that allow me to use the fabric sparingly while keeping our functional cellular shades in place. This approach gave the visual impact of the fabric without the full cost.
The dining chairs are vintage Spanish finds from Facebook Marketplace; they’re comfortable and have great character. I added cushions made from a vintage Moroccan blanket discovered at a flea market. When making cushions, consider repurposing curtains, blankets or sheets as budget-friendly, unique upholstery sources.
Art & Decor
We mixed family heirlooms, travel souvenirs and flea market treasures throughout the room. A set of family silhouettes—an affordable, sentimental souvenir—hangs on the wall and adds a nostalgic touch. The rug is a vintage find with vibrant pops of color that tie the palette together.
Our rattan pendant lamp anchors the table and brings warm texture overhead. I covered the cord with a patterned cord cover to continue the layered look upward and draw the eye toward the fixture. Small details like that help the room feel cohesive.
Other decor pieces include family heirlooms—like a century-old trophy—travel finds and many beloved books. Layering different objects and textures makes the shelves feel lived-in and personal rather than styled for a photoshoot.
Cost Breakdown
Below is a breakdown of major costs to give a realistic sense of investment. I did not include the many small decor items because there are too many to list and their prices vary widely.
- Custom Built-Ins: $5,900 (materials and labor)
- Paint and Labor (Bell Blue): $1,200
- Custom Bench Cushions: $265
- Fabric & Pillow Inserts for Back Cushions: $244.93
- Faux Roman Shades (DIY): $459
- Vintage Moroccan Rug: $2,628
- Rattan Pendant Lamp: $550
- Cord Cover: $55
- Dining Table (gifted value included): $1,599
- Vintage Dining Chairs: $250
- Chair Cushions: $100
Grand total: $13,250.93
The room came together over more than two years as we prioritized custom pieces and hunted for the right vintage finds. Taking the time to source items thoughtfully allowed the space to evolve naturally and feel authentic to our family.
One of my favorite small discoveries was a giant pillow found at a yard sale that now doubles as a coordinating dog bed—practical and charming. Overall, the updated layout, added storage and rich color palette made the room both cozier and far more functional for everyday family life.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
Design by Kelly Mindell
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