This Dark, Dated Dining Room Got a Bold Makeover - Thanks to One Unexpected Color

"My goal was to brighten things up with a fresh palette of terracotta, pink, and teal tones, grounded with some warm wood pieces. And because life with a toddler is unpredictable, the design had to be stylish but practical. So, nothing too precious or hard to clean."

"I started with the basics: patching wall holes, sanding, two coats of priming to cover up the dark color, and warm white paint (Behr's Fresh Popcorn). Instantly, the room felt lighter and bigger. To add warmth, I taped off 6 inches from the ceiling and painted the ceiling - and that little bit of the wall - using an earthy, orangey-pink (Behr's Terra Cotta Clay) that's warm without being overwhelming."

"The old chandelier was comically heavy and outdated, so I swapped it for a handblown glass pendant I found on Etsy. It's playful, unique, and, I'll admit, my favorite part of the room."

A dining room renovation transforms a dark, outdated space into a bright and inviting area through strategic color choices and design updates. The project begins with wall preparation including patching, sanding, and priming before applying warm white paint to expand the visual space. A terracotta-pink accent is added to the ceiling and upper wall for warmth without overwhelming the room. Wood molding installed at the base of the accent color adds architectural interest and visual definition. The outdated heavy chandelier is replaced with a handblown glass pendant light that serves as a focal point. Throughout the design process, practicality remains a priority to accommodate life with a toddler, ensuring all choices are stylish yet easy to maintain.

Read at Apartment Therapy