Our navy blue dining room transformation is complete, and I can confidently say I’ve never loved a room quite this much. Join me on a tour to see how this dramatic makeover unfolded and discover why I’m now convinced that wallpapering everything is the secret to breathtaking design!
Hello, design enthusiasts! It feels like just yesterday we embarked on this navy blue dining room journey, and I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that it’s officially DONE! To truly appreciate the dramatic shift, let’s rewind and take a moment to remember its previous incarnation. Like many rooms in this house, it began its life cloaked in various shades of brown and beige – a common theme that permeated our entire home when we first moved in. If you’re curious to see the full “before” picture of our house, you can explore part 1 and part 2 of our “before” tours.
And now, prepare to be amazed by that very same view, reimagined and revitalized.
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The Vision Behind the Navy Blue Dining Room
While this transformation might appear to have happened at warp speed, the truth is, the design wheels started turning much earlier. My vision for this space began to crystallize LAST YEAR, sparked by an overwhelming adoration for the Daydream wallpaper in blue. I knew, almost instinctively, that this wallpaper, with its serene pattern and captivating blue hue, was destined for our dining room ceiling. I seized the opportunity to order it during a major sale, making it the foundational element of our entire design. This approach – identifying a core piece to build around – is a fundamental principle I outline in detail in my design guide, Designer in a Binder®.
With the wallpaper firmly in place as our design anchor, and a strategic decision to repurpose existing major elements from our old dining room – including the rug, furniture, and even this impressive giant dimensional piece of art – the remaining design choices for this space fell into place with remarkable ease. Around five weeks ago, I finalized selections for lighting, additional artwork, and miscellaneous decor, placing all the orders to ensure everything would arrive on schedule. Prior to that, we diligently tested various paint samples over several weeks, ultimately making our decision and purchasing the paint well in advance. This meticulous planning truly set the stage for a smooth and efficient renovation.
A Week of Transformation: From Vision to Reality
By last Monday morning, with our girls off to school, we were fully prepared to dive into action. The painting phase, a crucial step in bringing our navy blue dining room to life, was completed in just one day. This efficiency was largely due to the fact that we primarily focused on the walls, leaving the existing trim color, Divine White by Sherwin-Williams, largely untouched, save for a few minor touch-ups. This crisp white trim provided a perfect contrast and frame for the deep navy we envisioned. The following Tuesday was dedicated to wallpapering the ceiling panels – a task I approached with a mix of excitement and trepidation, but one that ultimately went far more smoothly than anticipated. The secret to this success? Being able to pre-cut all the wallpaper panels to identical sizes, thanks to the uniform dimensions of our coffered ceiling. This meticulous preparation truly paid off, saving us considerable time and effort during installation.
Modernizing a Traditional Coffered Ceiling
Before we embarked on this journey, the ceiling in our dining room looked like this. It was certainly traditional, but we craved something with more personality.
My husband, Joe, and I share a mutual appreciation for traditional architecture but often find super traditional coffered ceilings a bit too formal for our taste. We were eager to infuse a more modern and even slightly “funky” vibe into the space. And oh, did we succeed! Witnessing the transformation of our dining room ceiling now fills me with an almost unbelievable sense of joy. The exquisite wallpaper worked its magic, completely reinventing the overhead space, and the stunning new light fixture undeniably plays a significant role in enhancing its modern appeal. The combination of the intricate wallpaper pattern within each coffer creates a captivating focal point, adding depth and unexpected texture that truly elevates the entire room.
The Power of Preparation: A Seamless Finish
With the painting meticulously finished and the wallpaper gracefully adhered, the final stage involved bringing all the carefully chosen elements together. This included hanging shelves, placing artwork, and precisely positioning the rug and furniture. Trust me, the difference made by planning every single detail ahead of time cannot be overstated. It was instrumental in the smooth execution of this project. My comprehensive guide, Designer in a Binder®, goes beyond just providing worksheets for listing tasks and purchases; it also includes a dedicated worksheet specifically designed for outlining your project timeline. This invaluable tool ensures that every step is considered, from material acquisition to installation, minimizing surprises and maximizing efficiency. This dining room makeover was a testament to the power of preparation – because we were thoroughly prepared, the entire process unfolded beautifully, resulting in a space that truly exceeded our expectations.
A Closer Look at the Finished Navy Blue Dining Room
Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for! Take a deeper dive into our finished navy blue dining room with these additional views. Every detail, from the rich wall color to the intricate ceiling, contributes to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Below, you’ll also find a complete source list, so you can easily replicate elements you love in your own home.
Dining Room Source List
- Wall color: Gale Force by Sherwin-Williams. This rich, deep blue provides a sophisticated backdrop, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere perfect for dining.
- Trim color: Divine White by Sherwin-Williams. A classic, creamy white that perfectly complements the navy walls and brightens the overall space without feeling stark.
- Ceiling Wallpaper: Hygge & West Daydream in Indigo. This captivating wallpaper was the inspiration for the entire room, bringing a unique, modern twist to the traditional coffered ceiling.
- Dining Table: Article Seno Extendable Table. Its sleek lines and warm walnut finish offer a beautiful contrast to the cool tones of the room, and its extendable feature makes it perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.
- Upholstered Chairs: Article Feast Chairs in Twilight Blue. These comfortable and stylish chairs integrate seamlessly with the navy theme, adding a layer of texture and softness.
- Wood Chairs: These charming pieces were a lucky Goodwill find, costing only $35 for all four! They add a touch of vintage character and warmth to the modern setting, proving that amazing finds can be achieved on a budget.
The synergy of these elements creates a dining room that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly functional and welcoming. It’s a testament to how thoughtful design choices can elevate a space, making it truly special.
For those eager to discover the remaining sources for the various accents and decorative items that complete this stunning dining room, simply click on any of the product images below for full details. Each item has been carefully selected to enhance the overall aesthetic, adding layers of interest and personality to our navy blue haven.
Curious about how I approach transforming rooms and spaces throughout our home, from initial concept to the final reveal? Dive deeper into my structured design methodology with Designer in a Binder®. This comprehensive resource provides you with the tools and guidance to tackle any home decor project with confidence and achieve results you’ll love. It’s designed to demystify the design process, making beautiful, intentional spaces accessible to everyone.
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