Dining Room The Victorian House

Making Over the Dining Room

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.’

Dining Room

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.

Dining Room with Fluorescent Lighting

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.

GE reveal® LED bulb, patterned paper, and candleholders and napkins from Target

I put together this video, detailing the changes to the room.

Dining Room | Making it Lovely

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.

Dining Room with Reveal® LED Lighting

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.

Table Setting | Making it Lovely

The dining room was fine before, but it’s making me much happier now.

Dining Room | Making it Lovely

GE LightingI’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®.

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

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  • Whitney
    February 25, 2015 at 11:23 pm

    Since 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 am

    Love 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 am

    Since 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 am

    I would love a new rug for the family room!

  • Amber
    February 26, 2015 at 10:35 am

    We 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 am

    I’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 am

    Armed 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 am

    I 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 am

    With 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 am

    I would get a plant and some greenery for my dinning room

  • Kelly
    February 26, 2015 at 11:56 am

    I would add a rug runner to our upstairs hallway.

  • Sarah
    February 26, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    Currently working on the dining room so wall decor and something for a table centerpiece would be nice!

  • Patti
    February 26, 2015 at 12:29 pm

    A new Warehouse of Tiffany chandelier and Torre & Tagus decor fo the dining table and shelves!

  • Nichole K
    February 26, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I 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 pm

    We 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 pm

    Target has these amazing hanging planters that I am dying for!

  • Katharine
    February 26, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    If 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 pm

    I 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 pm

    Our 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 pm

    Our 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 pm

    i 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 pm

    A new rug to go under my in-law’s antique dining table they gave us!

  • Nicole
    February 26, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    I 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 pm

    I would use the money in our kids room, the room needs a new light fixture.

  • Isabel
    February 26, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    I 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 pm

    Our 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 pm

    I’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 pm

    I 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 pm

    Update 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 pm

    Silver ceiling paint. #100reveal

  • Wendy
    February 26, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    My 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 pm

    After 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 pm

    I 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 pm

    I 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 pm

    I 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 pm

    I’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 pm

    I think a new tablecloth and some candleholders and vases would be nice.

  • Mackenzie
    February 26, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    Since 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 pm

    I need to add some plants and some new artwork to the dining room!

  • Alicia C.
    February 26, 2015 at 6:30 pm

    We 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 pm

    A new rug for the dining room.

  • Erin
    February 26, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    My dining room would certainly be a lot spiffier with some non-stained tablecloths!

  • Mandy @ This Girl's Life
    February 26, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    I would love to grab a new pair of dining chairs for the ends of our table! :)

  • jennifer colton
    February 26, 2015 at 9:15 pm

    an actual table! we’ve eating off an architect’s flat file and floor pillows, moroccan-style.

  • jennifer colton
    February 26, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    an 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 pm

    an 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 pm

    I 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 pm

    I 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 pm

    I 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 pm

    Would love to spend it towards new chairs!
    #100reveal

  • Antonella
    February 27, 2015 at 6:19 am

    Not 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 am

    Today 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 am

    Thanks 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 am

    I 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 am

    Linens! I need more cute placemats, napkins and table cloths, both for everyday and special occasions.

  • Lori
    February 27, 2015 at 11:02 am

    I 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 pm

    Love 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 pm

    LINENS- 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 pm

    My 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 pm

    I 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 am

    I 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 pm

    Maybe some new dishes!

  • Rosemary
    March 1, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    I 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 pm

    i 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 pm

    I 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 pm

    I 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 am

    I 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 pm

    I really need a new light fixture!

  • Judy N
    March 2, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    What 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 am

      Oops–I forgot the #‎100reveal hashtag!

  • Amanda
    March 2, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    I 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 am

    So 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 pm

    Our 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 pm

    i 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 am

    A new light fixture and rug! And I still need to refinish the dining chairs…

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    March 10, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    I’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

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