Rustic Farmhouse Dining Room Makeover: From Dark to Delightful

Craving a light and airy rustic farmhouse dining room? Banish the darkness! Wait until you see this amazing before-and-after transformation from a dark, outdated space to a bright and cheerful rustic farmhouse dream.

Have you ever dreamt of a bright and cheerful dining room, a space filled with light and laughter? If you currently find yourself staring at a dark, dingy dining space longing for a transformation, then this post is for you!

Today, I’m sharing the incredible journey of my very own dining room makeover, taking it from a dark and outdated space to a light, cozy, and beautiful rustic farmhouse dream.

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Before My Rustic Farmhouse Dining Room Makeover

I loved my red dining room. Not like a little. But a lot. However, I was ready for a change because I had already started refreshing other areas of my home. And it started with my kitchen.

It’s almost like that book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? The refresh started with one room and progressed to others. But another reason I decided to refresh the dining room is because I had 2/3 of a can of paint leftover from the living room refresh I had just finished the week before.

Is that a reason to redo the space? Not really, but I knew there was enough to paint the dining room.

And I also found these incredible vintage-looking botanical prints that I wanted to use on the large empty wall. Since I didn’t want to display the prints with the red walls, I just used the rest of my living room paint and did a quick makeover.

When we added a second story to our small 3 bedroom ranch home 12 years ago, we painted all of the rooms with sage, gold, and cranberry tones. So my dining was a deep hue of cinnamon red. And I really loved it.

But now, I’m ready for a change. Let’s face it, the “before” wasn’t exactly inspiring. The dark walls and heavy furniture created a cramped and uninviting atmosphere. But with a vision for a light and airy space infused with rustic farmhouse charm, I knew this room had the potential to be something truly special.

The Transformation: Bringing Light and Farmhouse Charm

I tackled this makeover one step at a time, focusing on key elements that would completely transform the space.

Painting

The first step on our journey to a brighter dining room was paint! Choosing the right color was crucial. I opted for a light and airy shade that would instantly open up the space (think crisp white or a soft greige). The new paint color did wonders, instantly bouncing light around the room and creating a more inviting atmosphere.

For my dining room, I used Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan and let me tell you, it is the perfect greige. It’s not too beige and it’s not too gray and looks great in different types of lighting.

Furniture

Next, I addressed the furniture. I LOVE both my table and China cabinet with hutch so I was neither getting rid of it nor refinishing them. If you don’t love what you have swap out the heavy pieces for a farmhouse-inspired set that complements the lighter feel.

Hit up some garage sales, thrift stores, or flea markets for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. A reclaimed wood table with a warm finish could become the centerpiece, while distressed chairs or china cabinet can add a touch of rustic charm

The Decor

Finally, it was time to bring in some rustic farmhouse touches! And I incorporated various elements to complete the look. Galvanized metal accents, like hanging wall sconces, decorative baskets, houseplants, and fake plants, introduced a cottagecore farmhouse look. While vintage botanical prints and rustic wall art added some personality and completed the overall aesthetic.

After My Rustic Farmhouse Dining Room Makeover

Fast forward, and our once-dark dining room is now a light and airy, gorgeous dining room! The light paint color, paired with the natural wood tones of the furniture, creates a bright and inviting space. The rustic farmhouse decor adds a touch of warmth and personality, making it a space we can’t wait to gather in for meals and create lasting memories.

More Tips and Inspiration for Making Over Your Dining Room

Feeling inspired to create your own rustic farmhouse dining room makeover? Here are some additional tips:

• Achieving the look on a budget: Who says farmhouse has to be expensive? Look for pre-loved furniture with a little wear and tear – it adds to the charm! You can also find affordable farmhouse décor at flea markets and thrift stores.
• DIY touches: Feeling crafty? There are tons of DIY projects you can tackle to personalize your space with rustic farmhouse charm. Think about building your own farmhouse table or creating vintage-inspired signs.

Conclusion

This dining room makeover is a testament to the power of transformation. With a little planning and creativity, even the darkest space can be reborn. So, take a leap, embrace the light, and bring some rustic farmhouse charm into your own dining room! Share your before-and-after photos or ask any questions you may have in the comments below. Let’s get inspired together!

Renovating the Rest of the Main Floor

Now that my kitchen, living room, and dining room are updated with a lighter, neutral color palette, I had to paint my front entry too.

I just had to keep going! With those makeovers complete, the only rooms left to update are the bathroom and laundry rooms. And we recently remodeled them both. You can check out the bathroom remodel HERE and the laundry room renovation HERE.

So let me know what you think of the updates in the comments below!

More Related Posts You May Enjoy

• Shocking Before and After Living Room Makeover
• Before and After Bathroom Makeover
• How to Paint Wood Cabinets with Chalk Paint
• Have a Laundry Room You Can Be Proud Of
• How to Gel Stain Wood Cabinets

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