Katie from The Crafty Blog Stalker did a gorgeous job updating her formal dining room with a few smart and budget-friendly changes.
She kept the layout the same but totally transformed the feel with white walls and black accents.
One of her biggest wins was brightening up the space by painting over the dark brown walls and trim—such a simple change with a major impact.
Here’s what the space looked like before:
She used existing furniture to save money, only updating a few pieces like the light fixture and curtains.
The solid white curtains help the room feel airy, while black curtain rods and a new chandelier add contrast and polish.
Katie even kept her old roll-top desk in the room, using it for hidden storage—super practical without sacrificing style.
She admitted the room is far from the kitchen, but it actually makes dinners feel more relaxed and intentional.
The refinished floors tie everything together, giving the space a clean, cohesive look.
Katie proves you don’t need to start from scratch or spend a fortune to refresh a room—you just need a vision and a few thoughtful upgrades.
Take a peek at her full project at The Crafty Blog Stalker, if you’re looking for elegant but doable ideas for your own home!
Simple Formal Dining Room DIY Makeover
Transform your dining space with this elegant and budget-friendly makeover that blends modern and traditional elements for a clean, inviting atmosphere.
Materials Used
- White paint for walls and trim
- Black modern chandelier
- Black curtain rods
- Solid white curtains
- Black dining chairs
- Dark wood dining table
- Black roll-top desk (for hidden storage)
Steps Taken
- Paint: Repainted walls and trim from a dark, outdated color to a bright white, enhancing the room’s brightness and cleanliness.
- Lighting: Installed a black modern chandelier that complements both modern and traditional styles.
- Window Treatments: Hung black curtain rods with solid white curtains to frame the windows and add contrast.
- Furniture Placement: Arranged existing furniture, including a dark wood dining table and black chairs, to create a cohesive look.
- Storage Solution: Added a black roll-top desk to provide hidden storage and maintain a clutter-free environment.
Key Tips
Embrace Simplicity:
Minimal wall decor allows architectural features and natural light to take center stage.
Work with Existing Elements:
Use current furniture and finishes to stay within budget while achieving a fresh look.
Consider Functionality:
Position the dining area away from the kitchen for a more formal dining experience, even if it requires a longer walk.
Balance Aesthetics and Practicality:
While rugs can define a space, consider household preferences and maintenance before adding one under the dining table.
What DIY’ers Are Saying
Elegant Greenery Centerpiece
The creative choice highlighted is the greenery centerpiece, which adds elegance and freshness to the dining space.
Bright and Clean Aesthetic
Many ask about the paint color used on the walls and trim, showing strong interest in replicating the bright, clean aesthetic.
Simple Yet Stylish Furniture
Others appreciate the simple yet stylish furniture choices, especially the dining table, and inquire about its source.