Dear Danica, How Would You Style My Dining Room?

Ok love the box moulding and the charming wall sconces! You have a beautiful dining room. So the three things we’re considering are:

1. Artwork above the buffet.

2. Painting the crown and baseboards.

3. Getting a new buffet.

Let me start with my thoughts on your buffet. I agree, a new buffet is a great idea! I think what’s not working with your current one is that the wood color matches your floors a little too well. Some contrast between the floors, the dining table and the buffet will add dimension to the space. I like your thought of a black buffet instead!

Also, I think a wider buffet would ground the wall better. Currently, your buffet looks like a similar width as the dining table and I imagine it kinda disappears behind the table at certain angles. A buffet that’s wider than the table will feel like a separate, substantial piece rather than a continuation of the dining table. Here are some buffets I love!

Now for artwork above the buffet. I like the thought of doing one large piece to serve as the focal point of the room. A large abstract statement piece or a mirror would be my go-to. If the dining room feels small or dark, a mirror would bounce around light in a beautiful way! Consider a shape that’s not square to break up the monotony of squares on the wall.

If the room is not lacking light, a moody abstract piece of art would be stunning. Something with movement or texture to capture the eye. Or maybe go for something in between! Like a mirror that leans artistic. Here’s are some options that come to mind –

P.S. with a large statement piece of art, I don’t think you need much on the buffet for decor. A vase with a bundle of billowing stems, a stack of books, and maybe a bowl of fruit. That should fill the surface space without distracting from the artwork. Here are two looks I love –

And lastly, the crown moulding and baseboard color. I like the idea of painting them the same color as your walls! I also don’t hate the idea of painting them a soft color to achieve the slightest contrast. This faded gray/blue crown moulding is beautiful! If you have a natural stopping point for the trim, I say go for it. But if there’s not a natural stopping point (a cased opening for example) or if you find yourself scratching your head because you don’t know when to stop the new paint color, then I say leave the trim as is.

Hopefully this sparks some ideas!