For What it's Worth

A friend of mine asked me to blog about Dining Rooms. I hardly knew where to start, because I have SO many dining room pictures, that I didn't know which ones to post. So, hope these pictures can help inspire you.

It is hard to know what to do with the dining room sometimes, because unless you are entertaining, you don't really use this room.

Again, at this time in my life, I like simplicity...maybe it's kids, maybe it's a style phase, maybe I'm just lazy and don't want to clean around everything...whatever it is...I like simple.

So, this room, even though it is very eye catching...it's got a little too much going on for me. However, if you are going to do something fun and crazy, you can do it in a dining room or powder room, because you don't have to see it all day long...like a kitchen, bedroom, family room, etc.

Also, most of us live in cookie-cutter houses...so we look at something and think, 'I don't have the house to do that'...well, it can be very simple making things look a little more unique...like wallpapering...something that is back in. I love these walls (I believe they are papered). If you would like to learn how to wall paper, I could do a class and teach you...I have been wallpapering since I was in Jr. High...or before...really, I started young.

Another way to make a room seem more unique is to add crown molding, or a great light fixture, or paint the trim of the door...all things that make this room look more upscale.

I love this room, but it would be too much for everyday,

so I would do fun table cloths only when guests came.

Here is an example of a room that seems fun when you see it flipping through a magazine,

but I would HATE if I had to live with it.

This room has a lot going on, but the neutral colors help it not look overdone.

I love the this room. The light, the mirror on the ceiling, the color on the walls. Isn't the panelling great?! Another way to give a house character. My sister Rebekah did this to her dining room...picture next.

My sister's dining room. Isn't it pretty? She made all the chair covers herself.

Get a great light.

I love the chandelier and one piece of artwork. That's another thing, if you have one thing you love, don't distract with a bunch of other things that don't mean anything to you.

Botanicals are always great to decorate with.

Aren't the throws on each chair so fun?

Great floor and hutch. Simple table, chairs and walls.

Simple colors and decor.

this room is such a romantic feel with the drapey curtains and table cloth.

I love this room. And if you notice,

most of these tables have one arrangement or nothing at all on them.

Love the gauzy table cloth, color of walls...very nice.

Love the long drapey curtains, the chair covers and great table.

elegant.

More casual, but so nicely put together.

One of my favs!

Love the old hutch!

I almost didn't post this room, because really, who has AMAZING rooms like this

in their house. But it's so great that I had to post it.

And for my ABSOLUTE favorite dining room picture that

I have had for a few years now. I just LOVE it!

The wall color is oh so perfect, the chandeliers, the floor, the chairs,

the fireplace...ok, I am being a little dramatic, but really, don't you think?

Hope this helped inspire you Mindy.