Our dining room had creamy white walls when we moved in, and a large freestanding oak hutch that the previous owners left to us. Brandon and I plunked our dining table and chairs in the room, filled the hutch and arranged a display on its shelves, and that was about it. I would love to put up wallpaper eventually, but we still have some work to do on the first floor that will have us opening up the walls so it doesn’t make sense to paper them now. I was growing tired of the wall color though, and I figured it was time for a new coat of paint.
The dining room windows are north-facing and the house next door is pretty close, so we don’t get a ton of natural light in there. I didn’t want to go too dark with the walls since I had already painted the adjacent room black, so I chose Benjamin Moore’s ‘Basking Ridge Beige.’
It’s a subtle, historical pink, one shade darker than the color I used in the nearby library. I love the way it turned out, but at night the room still read as really yellow.
I’ll be working on four projects over the next four weeks, making over rooms with just $100 from Target and GE reveal® LED light bulbs. I knew right away that the dining room would be my first pick for this series, because swapping out that old fluorescent bulb would definitely improve the look and feel of the space. I also decided to use sheets of wrapping paper that we had on hand to line the hutch, new candleholders that I’d repurpose as vases, and napkins that played off of the pierced metal hurricanes.
I put together this video, detailing the changes to the room.
So much better! We eat every meal in our dining room, and we need the light on more often than not. The wall color looks far more true with the new bulb than it did before. Also, I’m so glad that my idea for fixing the lighting fixture with parts from a decorative knob worked! That hole in the bottom of the glass always bugged me.
Ah, the table. It would be lovely to have fresh flowers all the time, but of course I can use the candleholders for their intended purpose too, and the napkins work with them either way.
The dining room was fine before, but it’s making me much happier now.
I’ll be hosting a Twitter chat with GE Lighting, along with Mandi from Vintage Revivals and Brooke from All Things Thrifty this Thursday night at 7:30 Central. I hope you can join us!
Also, Target will be holding a demo day for GE LED bulbs (including GE reveal®) across the country on March 1 with $1 off coupons. The bulbs are also on sale, buy two get one free March 1-7 with no coupon required.
Giveaway
If you had a $100 gift card to Target and GE reveal® bulbs, what would you bring in to update your dining room? Comment below for a chance to win your own #100reveal makeover!
See the complete rules for more information.
I’m so excited to be a GE reveal® #100reveal sponsored blogger. Opinions are my own, projects have been chosen by me, and additional products used in the project were selected by me and provided by GE reveal®.
Whitney
February 25, 2015 at 11:23 pmSince we moved into our 1960s duplex this summer, our dining room has been the last piece needing completion. We need something large to go on our one blank wall–maybe a shelving unit or some pretty art. The original light fixture could use a good cleaning and a new light, too!
haleigh
February 26, 2015 at 9:13 amLove that pink! I would definitely put my winnings toward new dining chairs. I’ve been eyeing some of Target’s options- so good!
Emily
February 26, 2015 at 10:34 amSince we’ve completely gutted our house, we’re starting from a blank slate! We could definitely use a new table and chairs, and I would love a little sideboard or credenza to spruce it up :)
Sarah
February 26, 2015 at 10:35 amI would love a new rug for the family room!
Amber
February 26, 2015 at 10:35 amWe would start work on our dining room! I am all for new light fixtures, new chairs, and probably a whole lot more new!
Liz M
February 26, 2015 at 10:45 amI’m in the process of redoing our dinning room too. I sold our table & Chairs and we are currently using folding chairs and table.
Erica
February 26, 2015 at 11:32 amArmed with a $100 Target gift card, I’d love to add some kind of sideboard/ storage hutch for our dining room to hold linens and serving dishes! It would also be a great place for a little bar cart!
Tiffany Smith
February 26, 2015 at 11:39 amI would add a rug , we have 1960’s laminate flooring right now with gold flecks. I would also add those light bulbs, i truly cant believe how much better your paint color looks with them!!! Next week I’m all over the coupons and putting those in my bathrooms where we currently have horrible florescent lighting!
Nikki
February 26, 2015 at 11:40 amWith a Target Gift Card and new lightbulbs I’d definitely replace the dated light fixture over our dining room table with something more modern. And maybe replace the chairs as well!
patricia g
February 26, 2015 at 11:52 amI would get a plant and some greenery for my dinning room
Kelly
February 26, 2015 at 11:56 amI would add a rug runner to our upstairs hallway.
Sarah
February 26, 2015 at 12:25 pmCurrently working on the dining room so wall decor and something for a table centerpiece would be nice!
Patti
February 26, 2015 at 12:29 pmA new Warehouse of Tiffany chandelier and Torre & Tagus decor fo the dining table and shelves!
Nichole K
February 26, 2015 at 12:32 pmI would love to try the Reveal bulbs in both my dining room and living room, plus my dining room table needs a new centerpiece for spring! I already have eight dining room chairs from Target! :)
Miri Nadler
February 26, 2015 at 12:34 pmWe just recently inherited my great aunt’s 100 year old dining room table. It’s very long and very weathered. My husband and I have decided not to refinish it just yet as it fits in with our 100 year old Western/Spanish style hacienda in nestled in a Ventura County canyon in California. We’ve been known to place some flowers or a candle in the middle of our long 12-seater dining table, but the look definitely needs a little more to brighten up our super-brown dining room. Hoping a Target gift card will make that possible!
Nicole Huckins
February 26, 2015 at 12:42 pmTarget has these amazing hanging planters that I am dying for!
Katharine
February 26, 2015 at 12:43 pmIf I had a $100 gift card to Target and GE reveal® bulbs, I’d totally buy those white candleholders (I spied them the other day, but was already at my self-imposed Target shopping limit). I’d also hope to find the reveal bulbs in a size that works for our chandelier.
Kim
February 26, 2015 at 12:46 pmI have been obsessed with Target’s collaboration with Threshold for awhile now and would love to use this gift card towards some new accents and accessories. Even if we can’t buy all new furniture, little changes in decor can make a big impact!
Laura Irons
February 26, 2015 at 12:48 pmOur current wooden dining chairs are hand-me-downs from my husband’s parents, and they are really dated. I would love to paint a couple of them a bright color to contrast with our navy walls, and mix in a couple of metal chairs from Target to have some variety!
Lisa Lucht
February 26, 2015 at 12:51 pmOur dining room table is pretty beat up, so I’d live to replace it. Target is one of my favorite places to shop so this would be perfect.
ellen
February 26, 2015 at 12:52 pmi would consider a fun new lighting fixture! one of the glass shades on the existing chandelier has a crack and we’re having trouble finding a replacement because it’s been discontinued.
Lindsay
February 26, 2015 at 12:59 pmA new rug to go under my in-law’s antique dining table they gave us!
Nicole
February 26, 2015 at 12:59 pmI would splurge on some much needed matching dinnerware. We’ve been using mismatched plates, bowls and cups for far too long!
Yajaira Leal
February 26, 2015 at 1:52 pmI would use the money in our kids room, the room needs a new light fixture.
Isabel
February 26, 2015 at 1:59 pmI recently updated the dining room, which included up cycling a buffet I purchased at a Habitat Re-Store and painting a deep red. However, I’m still struggling to find the right decor for the buffet and a centerpiece for the table. It is round so it has proven especially challenging. Lastly, I would trade a couple of my current dining chairs for upholstered ones to mix things up.
Xin
February 26, 2015 at 2:01 pmOur dining room light isn’t fluorescent, but it’s a really dated design and gives off dim, yellow light. We’d love to find something more modern!
Adrian
February 26, 2015 at 2:25 pmI’d update the light fixture in my dining room. Target has some new cute fixtures on their website that I saw recently!
adina treise
February 26, 2015 at 2:27 pmI am moving soon into a new to me home that is builder grade to the MAX! I’m only renting so major changes cannot be done, but I know Target will have the ultimate hook-up of amazing accessories I could use to make the dining room and even the rest of the house amazing!!
Pam Cappucci
February 26, 2015 at 2:35 pmUpdate the light fixture with a new bulb and possibly a whole new light fixture. I would be nice to add nice proportional basket/wood bowl or some type of nice accenet in the middle of our round dining table.
Tammy Maloney
February 26, 2015 at 2:58 pmSilver ceiling paint. #100reveal
Wendy
February 26, 2015 at 3:08 pmMy dining room table is completely bare, so some beautiful vases or candle holders would go a long way. I’d also purchase a few picture frames to finally get some stored artwork up on the walls.
Heather
February 26, 2015 at 3:18 pmAfter recently moving back into the country we are taking our time to put our home together. We would either put in a light in the room to brighten the space, apply a fresh coat of paint or add a rug to help pull the room together. Our options are endless.
Trisha D. @Black and White Obsession
February 26, 2015 at 3:42 pmI would actually tackle (and finally finish) about 4-5 lighting projects with that kinda money (shop on clearance ‘yo)! I’ve personally witnessed the difference between the light bulbs and its night and day (har!).
AshleyM
February 26, 2015 at 4:11 pmI would love to update the light bulb in my dining room pendant and the light bulbs in the lamps on the nearby buffet. And for the table, I would like to bring in some fun placemats/chargers and kind of glam it up. I’m having a ‘welcome Spring’ brunch and my serving dishes are severely lacking, too!
Your dining room looks awesome and I love the pink and ESPECIALLY the paper in the built ins! Makes a subtle but lovely difference!
Shelly Traveller
February 26, 2015 at 4:19 pmI would use the money to buy me a lot of these bulbs! I love th brighter light! #100reveal
Mercedes Conde
February 26, 2015 at 4:22 pmI’d love to replace the cheap Ikea fixture on the ceiling with something nicer and also a different light… The one we have right now looks also yellowish…
Thanks!!
Nicole
February 26, 2015 at 4:29 pmI think a new tablecloth and some candleholders and vases would be nice.
Mackenzie
February 26, 2015 at 5:37 pmSince my husband and I live in a studio apartment, our kitchen is also our dining room. We would use the $100 from Target to add some art on the walls and bring in some greenery with Target planters. This would be such a special treat!
Dylan Leopold
February 26, 2015 at 5:49 pmI need to add some plants and some new artwork to the dining room!
Alicia C.
February 26, 2015 at 6:30 pmWe just moved into a new house so the only thing in the dining room is the table and it’s a small one. Now that we have more space, i’d love to get a bigger table and sideboard. Also, the builder used really old lightbulbs in the fixture and we’ve only been in this house for 6 weeks and half of the lightbulbs have burned out. we’d love to replace them with energy efficient bulbs.
Heather T
February 26, 2015 at 7:36 pmA new rug for the dining room.
Erin
February 26, 2015 at 7:49 pmMy dining room would certainly be a lot spiffier with some non-stained tablecloths!
Mandy @ This Girl's Life
February 26, 2015 at 9:12 pmI would love to grab a new pair of dining chairs for the ends of our table! :)
jennifer colton
February 26, 2015 at 9:15 pman actual table! we’ve eating off an architect’s flat file and floor pillows, moroccan-style.
jennifer colton
February 26, 2015 at 9:17 pman actual table! we’ve eating off an architect’s flat file and floor pillows, moroccan-style. #100reveal hashtag
jennifer colton
February 26, 2015 at 9:18 pman actual table! we’ve been eating off an architect’s flat file and floor pillows, moroccan-style. #100reveal hashtag
Joshua
February 26, 2015 at 9:24 pmI would use the gift card to buy some new rugs and light bulbs for the bathroom that I just remodeled.
Joshua
February 26, 2015 at 9:36 pm(I forgot the #100reveal hashtag!) I would use the gift card to buy some new rugs and light bulbs for the bathroom that I just remodeled.
Claudia
February 26, 2015 at 9:27 pmI would update the light bulbs in my kitchen because I would like to make it brighter.
Claudia
February 26, 2015 at 9:42 pm#100reveal hashtag. I would update the light bulbs in my kitchen because I would like to make it brighter.
Victor
February 26, 2015 at 9:34 pmI would get a new lamp for my desk. I am a student and it would definitely help.#100reveal
Danielle
February 26, 2015 at 10:40 pmWould love to spend it towards new chairs!
#100reveal
Antonella
February 27, 2015 at 6:19 amNot participating in the contest here!
Just wanted to say that you really made it lovely! I’m copying your hutch makeover for the inside of my wardrobe!
:-)
Catherine
February 27, 2015 at 8:10 amToday we’re closing on my dream house: a ranch with a walk-out basement. It’s the first time we’ll have an actual dining room (current house has dining area adjacent to living room). I am excited to keep a leaf in my table and have it ready for company at all times. I’d like to see a new larger lamp on my sideboard and a cheery runner on my table. Target has these things!
Jamie G
February 27, 2015 at 10:01 amThanks for the contest! I would love to add a table runner and some nice cloth napkins to my kitchen table, as well as some candles. Good luck, everyone!
Katie
February 27, 2015 at 10:37 amI love the Rifle Paper Co in the hutch! Adds just the right pop of color/pattern to the room! I would love to get some new accessories for our porch/garden for Spring!
cvjn
February 27, 2015 at 10:54 amLinens! I need more cute placemats, napkins and table cloths, both for everyday and special occasions.
Lori
February 27, 2015 at 11:02 amI actually already use GE Reveal bulbs in my dining room chandelier, and I love them! I’d love to get some new cloth napkins and some decorative elements to spice up the top of my buffet. It looks great at Christmas time when it’s filled with glass trees and reindeer, but it’s sad the rest of the year.
Kathleen Preslar
February 27, 2015 at 12:52 pmLove your historical style. We recently bought some new bulbs and I can’t believe the difference it makes in our kitchen!
JENN
February 27, 2015 at 2:21 pmLINENS- DEFINITELY- I NEED TO UPDATE MY LINENS. tHANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN. LOVE THOSE NEW NAPKINS BY THE WAY!
Sarah @ 702 Park Project
February 27, 2015 at 3:15 pmMy dining room needs something on the walls. Like, bad. I love the purple that we decided to go with, but our walls seem to go on forever and they are looking pretty naked! I’m definitely going to try out those bulbs…the closer to natural daylight, the better!
Celestin
February 27, 2015 at 7:33 pmI would love to get new linens and some decorative pieces for our sideboard! And I will definitely be trying out these bulbs.
Carrie
February 28, 2015 at 10:42 amI would love to try out those new bulbs, in a new floor lamp for my living room.
Megan m
February 28, 2015 at 10:22 pmMaybe some new dishes!
Rosemary
March 1, 2015 at 2:07 pmI would definitely change out the bulbs in my dining room…most especially in the sconces. I also need something on the windows
emily
March 1, 2015 at 2:13 pmi have a friend who leaves her table set all fancy year round. i think your set table looks so inviting!
Carrie
March 1, 2015 at 4:42 pmI already use GE Reveal light bulbs in our chandelier. The best lighting! I’ve been thinking about adding something to the walls and a spring centerpiece.
Lauren
March 1, 2015 at 10:07 pmI need three new light bulbs like yesterday! Hahaha I’m excited to try out these GE ones. My dining room definitely needs some help. It needs some color and something on the walls. I love flowers and a fresh bright look so I would find items to brighten up my small space. I love those chairs you have! If only target had those cheap. :)
Jen
March 2, 2015 at 1:28 amI would love some new drapes and target has so many to choose from! Thanks for the fun giveaway!
Ashley
March 2, 2015 at 12:00 pmI really need a new light fixture!
Judy N
March 2, 2015 at 12:54 pmWhat a simple refresh of the dining room, but so effective! I have been a fan of GE Reveal bulbs for a long time now, and am running low on my supply, so I would definitely get some more if I won. They are really nice in our windowless bathroom. I would also like a new shower curtain and spring/summer towels—something bright and cheery. Thanks for the chance to win!
Judy N
March 3, 2015 at 8:13 amOops–I forgot the #100reveal hashtag!
Amanda
March 2, 2015 at 7:40 pmI would love to buy a table cloth and runner, and cloth napkins. Maybe a serving dish or 2. I’ve also been wanting to do a plug in lighting solution for above the dining table, I want to DIY something.
Patricia
March 3, 2015 at 8:54 amSo good Nicole your are genius at subtle yet impacful improvements. I want to try these bulbs now, everything is so yellow around here at night. Love the the target candle holders too!
Kathleen
March 3, 2015 at 5:34 pmOur 1904 townhouse lacks a dining room, but my eat-in kitchen could use some love in the form of some non-chipped dinnerware and flatware that doesn’t fall off the plates because the handles are too heavy!
Docia Fuller
March 3, 2015 at 11:36 pmi love those bulbs, I just need a new light to put them in !
Cvjn
March 4, 2015 at 10:16 pm#100reveal
Forgot to put that hashtag on this post’s comment! I would still buy linens.
Michelle
March 9, 2015 at 10:59 amA new light fixture and rug! And I still need to refinish the dining chairs…
The Playroom’s #100reveal Makeover | Making it Lovely
March 10, 2015 at 8:58 am[…] already seen what I’ve done to update my dining room and work space, and this week I worked on our […]
Beth C
March 10, 2015 at 2:55 pmI’ve been (very) slowly working on updating my dining room. I bought some stencils from Target–now I just need to get around to using them! #100reveal
More Light for the Library | Making it Lovely
March 17, 2015 at 9:09 am[…] their own #100reveal makeovers at home! I’ve already shown the changes I’ve made to the dining room, my work space, and our playroom as part of this series, and the library is the fourth and final […]
A Fun Take on a Traditional Christmas Table - Making it Lovely
December 11, 2017 at 9:43 am[…] in my newly redone office! I love having the marble table as an alternative shooting space to the dining room. I’ve been bringing my lunch up here sometimes just because it’s so […]
Our Dining Room, Set for Christmas - Making it Lovely
December 19, 2017 at 12:24 pm[…] old metal dining chairs were great for kids. Indestructible and easy to clean! So what did I replace them with? Wooden […]