Hi, friends! I'm excited to share with you the final room tour in my home today. This room has been through quite a few evolutions. When we first moved in, we were working from my home, and we used this room as our studio (mostly storage for our craft supplies). So we put up this fun Instax wallpaper.
After we moved our work to a separate location, this room became kind of awkward. I didn't redecorate it for quite a while. It just became a nothing space.
Last summer I decided to redecorate it and I made a plan. We noticed that we never had enough seating at parties, and especially at parties where children were invited (most of our close friends have children, so it's not uncommon to have a party with 5+ kiddos running around). We decided to make this room into a second dining room because, for us, it was the most functional way to stop wasting this big open space.
I started with a table I loved from West Elm. We considered trying to build something similar, but ultimately decided that, when you factor in their frequent sales, it would be cheaper (and for sure what we wanted) to purchase it new (we love it!). I found our rug on Turkish Kilim Etsy, and we decorated the rest of the room around those two pieces.
The thing I spent the most time on for this room was picking out all the art for this gallery wall. I wanted to pick pieces in a similar color scheme that felt airy and light. I had so much fun picking out abstract pieces, I could do it all day. (Anyone need me to pick out art all day? I kid.)
Print sources: (top left) Lola Donoghue, (top right) Found via Society 6, (bottom left) Kelly Ventura Found via Society 6, weaving by Rachel Denbow, (bottom right) Found via Society 6. *note: I couldn't find the specific artists on Society 6. If you know their names, please share in the comments and I'll get this updated right away!
Say hello to our new wine cabinet. Josh built this custom for our space. It's one of my favorite things he built during his time with ABM. This wall was previously home to our crate storage (seen here and in our book A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home
), so once that was taken down, it felt pretty empty. We chose to build this long side table to both fill the space and provide some much needed storage. Plus, I love pretty storage for wine bottles!
We decided to move our spirits collection to the top of this shelf because it wasn't as child-safe as we needed on our bar cart (again, even though we don't have kids, we have children in our home often, and anything that stresses out their parents, stresses us out too).
I minimized our collection to just the things we use most often and plan to continue keeping a smaller collection on hand from now on. Less is more (well, not always, but with liquor bottles I think it is!).
This Jonathan Adler vase was a gift from Jeremy's late grandmother, and it makes me think of her every time I refill it with a new single bloom (which is often). The little things in our home that were gifts or have memories tied to them are by far the most special.
Since we moved this record player here from the front living room, we've used it quite a bit more. My niece, Penelope, now knows how to play records and which ones are her favorites (Katy Perry and Nirvana!). I love having it in a more central location in the house and right by the kitchen.
This record wall was a recent DIY addition. I've done this type of wall in previous homes and would definitely do it again. I like the grid for random memories.
Since this room has great lighting and the record player, I have been using it to paint in nearly every Sunday afternoon. I don't really have an official painting space anymore, but I kind of like just moving it around with me wherever there are good vibes. I don't keep too many supplies on hand anymore, so I just store what I have in the record cabinet.
I bought this chair from Sarah (a set, actually) right before they moved. I think it will be an outdoor chair in the future, but for now I am enjoying it in here. What do you think—paint it? Leave it? Upholster it? Just add cushions and call it good?
Just a few detail photos!
These two blueprint copies fill up the space opposite the gallery wall and complete the room nicely. Love the neutral texture!
Thanks for taking a tour of our new dining room! I had fun sharing my home with you! xx. Elsie
More links and resources: Our book—A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home. View my entire home tour here. Or take a video tour here.
Credits// Author: Elsie Larson, Photography: Janae Hardy. Photos edited with Color Pop of The Signature Collection.
86 Comments
Love how you mixed so many styles and eras here, but the eclectic items are all anchored by the colors and style of the two pieces you started with!
On an unrelated note, where did you get that lovely mustard yellow skirt?
-Molly
http://www.modcircus.com/
As someone who is pretty terrified of color (light blue nail polish constitutes a “wild” moment in my book), I have to admit you have kind of made me want to give it a go. The “pops” and “pows” and utterly un-subtle color all over the house looks amazing and just makes me want to smile! So thank you…because of you I might just go crazy and throw a blue pillow or yellow rug in my house somewhere. Maybe I will just start with a vase..
I love the way you smile elsie. Big fan of yours from last 5years x>. I idiolize your every move & so happy to always get replied by you in comments. So amazing to see how much down to earth you are.
ps i love that grey mug.^
That wall art! Be still my beating heart.
Huge PRIMARK Haul May 2015 + Try on!
Love the table & the wine/liquor cabinet. Great job on that Josh!!
I love your dining room.
It´s so funky and cosy!
Greetings & Love
Ines
http://www.eclectichamilton.com
Elsie this room looks absolutely beautiful! I love all the colors you brought in and the kilim rug. I think it’s so smart that you turned this into a second dining room if that’s what you can use – a lot of people would shy away from that, and then be totally out of sorts every time they have a get-together and don’t have enough seating. I’m a big believer in making your home a place that’s easy to do the things you love to do there…if that’s hosting, 2 dining room minimum 😉
Thanks so much Molly!
xx- Elsie
Hehe! You can do this!
xx- Elsie
Thanks so much Saoirse!
Thanks for reading all these years! 😀
xx- Elsie
I really love your gallery wall. Looks so gorgeous!
Navellina
This room seems so happy with lots of personality! Love it!!
That chair is a vintage Homecrest Rivera Rocker, FYI. I have several vintage Homecrest patio pieces from that era. They are SO COMFORTABLE!
Here’s a link to a vintage catalog featuring your chair:
http://www.homecrest.com/documents/catalogs/homecrest63-64.pdf
🙂
I love your dining room, Elsie! That wooden table and benches from West Elm are gorgeous! I also think the record wall is such a cute and fun idea!
-Helen
http://www.sweethelengrace.com
Fun! Thank you!!!
xx- Elsie
That table is amazing!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Wow!! We just love all the color! What a happy looking space. We wouldn’t mind sharing a meal there. 🙂
I looked at that same table, but was put off by some reviews that described it as having a very rough (splintery, if that wasn’t a word before) surface…would love to know what your experience with it was and if you did anything to hasten the aging process to make it smoother/softer?
Honestly, I think it’s a taste thing! If you don’t like that “reclaimed” look I can see how it wouldn’t be worth it. But I love it and lots of my guests have been obsessed with it! But the first time Emma saw it she said to send it back (haha!) because it has nail holes all over it. Totally a matter of taste!
I wouldn’t agree with the splintery part, in my opinion. But, for example, when the kids are coloring I put a notebook under their paper because they table is naturally very textured!
I don’t regret it at all, but I also wouldn’t classify it as “timeless”. Just depends on your room, your lifestyle and what you’ll be using it for. Hope that helps! xx- Elsie
Oh, I love your style of home decoration! It’s really nice and looks friendly! <3
I really like your blog, because it looks so colourful and cheerful.
And I also love the table, it's just my style! <3
Have a nice afternoon
XoX Daily Dreams
Love it Elsie!
I adore your home and have used so many ideas in my own home.
I noticed in your home tour video that you have a vintage looking popcorn machine in the corner of this room, just wondering where you got it? Also what color paint did you use on the green chair?
Lots of love xx
I love this room! The decorations and colors are amazing, but I also love how you can use the space for a variety of things. The bar that Josh made is amazing.
Laura
http://laurahager.blogspot.com
Woaw! What a beautiful place! I love it and it will inspire my new dining room for sure!
Rose…
http://www.malondarose.com
Oh my gosh..amazing!
What a great space!
So much color!! 🙂
-Adrienne. xo
Citizen of the World
Citizen of the World
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This was easily my favorite room on your home tour video! The lighting is amazing!!
http://www.tusksandtails.com
Just incredible, I love it x
http://www.wild-cherrytree.com
It’s actually not vintage. My father-in-law gifted it to us for Christmas two years ago! I love it! Not sure where he bought it, though. 🙂 Sorry- not sure about the teal paint color either.
XOXO! Elsie
Thanks so much Ashlee!
xx- Elsie
Love this space! It’s so lively and fun
http://www.littleblackshell.com
Gorgeous space! I love that it is light and full of color.
Happy Monday 🙂
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/
Loving this inspo! I love how there’s so much going on but it’s so cohesive and bright. This looks like such a positive, fun-filled space to be in! Interior inspo 100% 🙂
xx, Mel
http://melinspired.com
JEWELRY GIVEAWAY: https://instagram.com/p/2RF9jJidgn/
wow what a space, that table and rug are killing me these so beautiful!!!
Can I be you roomie?
Xx,
http://sacosha.blogspot.com
Such a stunning space. That bar! Geez louise, girl! SO beautiful. And as always, your use of color is ON POINT. 🙂
http://sometimesgracefully.com
Lookin’ lovely! A beautiful balance of light, airy, anchored, and totally inviting pops of color. Gorgeous.
The dining table is fabulous – everything is fabulous. I want to know how to care for the succulents in the small containers. I made table-top succulents and they looked darling at first, when the plants were small, but they grew like crazy and I didn’t know what to do with them. How do you keep them tiny to fit in the hanging glass drop? (which I love.)
http://www.everydaystilettos.com
Love love your home!
We are doing little changes in ours, ande love it, little things make the difference!
The way you spoke about just moving around to paint wherever the good vibes are in your post + on Instagram yesterday totally resonated with me! On Saturday I moved all of my painting stuff outside and worked in the sunshine for a couple of hours and it was magic! Love seeing what you have been creating 🙂
x, Paige
http://www.paigepoppe.com
Ahhh I love that gallery wall so much! I love all the white. I’m going to making one when I move in a few months and I’m so excited to finally get to do it!
The White Corner Creative
I love all the color and boho style in your home. I’ve gone boho myself since moving to this apartment. Color cheers me. Neutral homes remind me of a neglected coloring book! I envy you the record player. When I got divorced four years ago, it didn’t even occur to me to go through old records or CDs. Now I wish I had the old records!
Brenda
The teal pillow was cute. I like the bright colors and the terrarium on the table.
-M
http://www.violetroots.com
Awe I love that!!!
xx- Elsie
Hi KJax,
Succulents are all different. I have some that grow, some that don’t, some that need more water, some that need less. I guess my one tip would be to buy more of whatever variety doesn’t die on you! haha
xx- Elsie
oh my goodness the table! and the rug! so nice 🙂 xx
http://nicole-emily-heath.blogspot.com.au/
This is so gorgeous! I absolutely LOVE everything about it! I have that table, too and I adore it! We use it for everything!
is there going to be a DIY for the wine cabinet ?! It’s so great!
I’m totally in awe of the gorgeous pink accents and this awesome dining table! I LOVE bench seating and I think it feels so much more relaxed and intimate than chairs.
xx Jill
Latest Post – Naughty Girl Preppy: Cut off Denim and a Suit Jacket
This is such an inspiration http://www.hannamarielei.com
Where do you get your large canvas prints done? Or do you do them yourself? Such an authentic space. Love it. Thank you for sharing your work. So inspiring!
The art prints are linked in the post (mostly society 6 and easy), the canvas paintings are made by me. 🙂
xx! Elsie
Nope! But if you like it feel free to use the images as inspiration for your own project! :))
xx- Elsie
Made me happy looking at all of it. Thankyou
What a stylish dining area, it totally reflects your personality! The wall art definitely sets the tone of the space. No wonder you spent most time on picking out which art! Great work, I am sure it took a lot of time and energy, but the result is exceptional!
Juju Sprinkles
http://www.jujusprinkles.com
Elsie! Where is your skirt from? (I love it)
Hi Naomi,
I think I got it from Shop Ruche (a year or more ago, though)
xx! Elsie
I love the chair as is. Gives an air of vintage with the peeled paint. The throws are perfect. Great space, as they all are. You can spend a day finding me art for my new little studio anytime the mood strikes. 🙂
Emily
http://faitboum.com
Absolutely love the colour scheme in this room – so beautiful!
Great idea about making the bar section more child safe – I don’t have children but quite a few of my friends do also – and I usually learn the hard way after their visit that I should have placed certain objects out of reach…!!
Love your style and how everything looks! Where did you get the pink and red dachshunds? I have to get some!
Elsie you should hang your paintings too because they’re really beautiful 🙂
I loved your video tour so much!! But it somehow didn’t take away (at all) from how special it feels to read about each individual room in your home. I love the space you and Jeremy have created 🙂 it seems like a perfect reflection of you guys (based on what I’ve read all these years!) 😉
Did you help Jeremy decorate his studio?! It reminds me of your style too!
Ps. I vote painting it yellow and adding bold polka dot pillows xoxo
Wow! Everything looks so beautiful! I love the carpet, so gorgeous!
I’m loving that bar setup!
I have been looking at that same table for our breakfast nook from West Elm! I absolutely love it…
charity
lifeafterbaseball.net
It really does help! I don’t mind the reclaimed look at all…it’s what drew me, but I think I want it to be smooth as glass as well which is unrealistic I suspect. I guess I just need two dining rooms as well, that way I can indulge both sides of my style! Yeah, perfect!
I love the chair as is! I was thinking about how cute it was with the added blanket and throw pillows before I even read that you were thinking about changing it up somehow. It’ll be great outdoors, but indoors is so fun too!
And I loooooove that you always have flowers everywhere. I am definitely striving to incorporate that in our home (and also nudging the husband letting him know that it really is ok to bring flowers home to me as often as possible!) 😉
Love the room! Thanks for sharing!
Hey Kristina,
Yes- Jeremy decorated most of his studio himself. 🙂 I just helped him pick big pieces.
XO! Elsie
I got them from Target a few years ago. My niece, Penelope, loves them. :))
xx- Elsie
Will there be a tutorial for the wine bottle storage piece? It’s lovely! 🙂
so perfect! love that long cabinet!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
Is there a tutorial for the wine cabinet?? We’ve been looking for something like that for our house for ages!
Hi Kristen! I’m sorry, but there isn’t a tutorial for that one! – Jacki
Absolutely stunning!
Absolutely stunning!
Awesome. Love it, Els. Especially the table.
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
I’ve been looking into picking up a few Mexican blankets for yoga + around the house and LOVE the one you have on the chair. Do you have a favorite source or brand for it?
Fantastic tour! I’m officially head-over-heels in love with that table. GAH!
Hi Britta!
It’s from Urban Outfitters and I think they still carry them. Quality is good (I’ve machine washed it a bunch already because of my dogs)
XOXO! Elsie
Nope, sorry. We felt like it was too custom to make a good tutorial. Feel free to use our photos as inspiration to make your own!
xx- Elsie
Very beautiful room – so filled with your spirit.
what is all that beautiful art hiding on the ground!!!
do you have the links for the art on the walls? wouldn’t you be able to look about at purchases on Society6?
great taste!
bottom left Emily rickard
http://society6.com/product/library-ii-txe_print#1=45
omg I love the rug and your pictures, so colorful :))
I really looove the record shelf. Did you build it or purchase it somewhere? I’m looking for something like that for my own record collection and would love some tips!!
Thank you so much for including my artwork in your beautiful home Elsie! I absolutely LOVE the bar & gallery wall combo, such a fun space!!
Emily
http://society6.com/emilyrickard
Absolutely in love with all the bright colours used in this space! I’m a little afraid of it myself but will use you gorgeous wall of artworks as my inspiration in my own home!
Hi Natalie,
reclaimed timber isn’t always textured or rustic, it just depends on how the surface was finished sanding wise. You could speak to the retailer for what oil / wax product they recommend for the piece as applying a coat of this regularly may hasten the development of a lovely patina.