“I know my dining room is in need of an update.  I do have a beautiful wood table with matching chairs that my husband would just die if I threw out or painted!!  Any ideas how I could update my dining room and include my furniture?”

A great question for a common dilemma.  Many down sizers go through this exact same issue.  What to keep, what to toss, what to donate….you want a current look in your space but your existing pieces were expensive, high quality, in good condition – what to do?

Well, you do have a number of options that won’t involve altering your wood furniture.

An all wood furniture set can make a room feel dark and heavy especially if you do not have much light in the room.  So how about brightening up the space with colour and light? Try updating your chandelier for a more current look and more light.  A great, versatile option is a lantern style – it works with traditional furniture and farmhouse styles but it can also transtion well with other styles too.

You can also add light with table lamps on your buffet piece.  Look for shades that will allow light through – white, cream or beige are best.  We also like these table lamps that have a traditional vase shape but in glass so they don’t add bulk.

If you have a china cabinet that you don’t want to part with or separate – try wall sconces for additional light.  They won’t add an abundance of light but they will help with mood lighting for dinner parties. This images shows off sconces with multiple heads flanking the china cabinet.

Mirrors are also great because they allow light to bounce around the room making the room feel brighter and larger.  Mirrored furniture or accessories like decorative bowls, frames or vases can add some brightness to the room too. This image shows how the combination of mirrors and glass make a bulky piece look lighter.

Try switching up your wall paint.  The colour on the walls could also make the room feel dark and heavy.
Wood furniture has a weight to it already so if it is in a smaller room without much light, the room will look dark so try lighter tones on the wall for a fresh update. Soft creams, beiges and greys are timeless and won’t take away from your furniture or art.

If that isn’t adventurous enough for you – you can certainly add colour on the walls just be sure to balance it out with some other lighter items.  This dining room is a mix of classic traditional and contemporary elements.  The dark wood furniture and floors and the navy wall paint together would normally be too dark but paired with the light beige upholstery and textiles, white trim and wainscoting, lighting and the decorative plate wall – there is the right amount of balance in this dramatic dining room.

Many wood furniture sets are lacking in ‘punch’ meaning they are very tone on tone.  Lots of browns in the stains but often in the upholstery.  Why not re-upholster your chairs for a fresh look? The possibilities are endless and it makes a huge impact without even touching the wood!  We have done this with a number of clients and they love the look and the price point.  It is way more cost effective and your set will look new!

You can opt for something neutral with a subtle pattern for some visual interest.

You can stay pretty neutral but then go bolder with captain’s chairs

Or make a statement with colour and pattern.

If you are really looking to make a big leap outside of the box, try some new chairs all together and opt for something modern to really update your space. This farmhouse dining room looks updated with these Eiffel dining chairs in cream – they fit with the colour scheme but they are totally unexpected.  By adding modern chairs to a traditional table you get a more casual feel.

Other updates…..

Try adding some bold art – something big, bold and graphic really updates any space plus it is an easy addition. Look at arranging your current art collection in a modern gallery style.

Try an accent wall with wall paper.  Another way to add visual interest to the room using pattern.  We used to see rooms with wall to wall wallpaper and that can be overwhelming and even stuffy but just one wall is fabulous.  We also love to see another statement piece like art, photography or a mirror hung on that accent wall.

Try a bold area rug.  Make a statement on your floor with a bold area rug – it’s like art on the floor.  This image shows how the area rug can be the centerpiece of a room – the colour scheme revolves around this rug.  A classic colour combo but a big statement.

What ever you do make a plan.  For instance if you decide you want to paint, re-upholster and add a new light fixture be sure those elements work cohesively that way the whole room update will look spectacular!