It’s hard to believe four years have passed since we first painted this dining room. Back when we moved into this house, I was rethinking my style and feeling a little directionless. The modern farmhouse trend was at its peak, but our colonial home felt too classic for shiplap and farmhouse clichés. I remember deciding to move away from farmhouse decor and gradually shift toward a style that better suits this house.
From the beginning, I loved the idea of going dark and moody in here — painting the walls a deep, dramatic color felt like the right move for this traditional dining room. I still love that original direction. At the time, I also pictured picture frame molding on these walls, but installing delicate millwork wasn’t high on our priority list when we first moved in.
A few weeks ago we realized our budget dining table from Facebook Marketplace was falling apart — the legs were literally about to snap — and that prompted the idea to finally do the picture frame molding we had imagined. We also started thinking it might be nice to invest in a more substantial, heirloom-quality table that could be passed down to our daughter, making the dining room feel more intentional and lasting.
With that, phase two of the dining room makeover began.
I’m genuinely excited because now that we’ve lived in this house a while, the design feels more natural and right. When I came across an image of a scenic wall mural enclosed by picture frame molding, everything clicked: a traditional, moody backdrop with a subtle, classic mural felt like the perfect balance of historic and fresh.
To keep the moody atmosphere, we’re leaning toward navy molding paired with a scenic mural. The deep blue frame highlights the mural while maintaining that dramatic, sophisticated look we love.
For the table, I’m considering an oval shape. Oval tables can improve traffic flow in tighter spaces by eliminating sharp corners, and their softened silhouette brings a modern edge that complements the room’s classic architectural details.
We debated many scenic mural options, especially peel-and-stick varieties, but ultimately developed a clear vision: navy picture frame molding around a tasteful scenic mural, an oval heirloom-style table, layered lighting, and classic upholstered chairs to balance comfort with elegance.
We’re keeping the buffet — the thrifted, footed grasscloth piece we refinished is too special to part with. It anchors the room and connects with the traditional bones of the house while adding texture and interest.
Sources:
- Paint color: TBA
- Mural
- Chandelier (we found a secondhand option locally, retail version shown)
- Rug
- Curtains
- Buffet (Thrifted DIY)
- Table
- Upholstered Chairs
- Side Chairs
- Vase with Stems
I realize this direction won’t be everyone’s cup of tea — it’s darker and more traditional than some of our past projects — but designing your home is about being true to what feels right for you. This style fits the house’s personality: a graceful, slightly formal colonial that still has a playful, approachable side.
We’re on a bit of a timeline to install the molding and paint before the new furniture arrives, so there’s a bit of a race to get the prep work done. I’m optimistic we’ll pull it off and can’t wait to share the progress. Would you like to follow along with step-by-step updates, or would you prefer a full reveal when it’s finished?
