We finally have after photos to share — and Eve’s dining room makeover is breathtaking. In February Eve reached out for decorating advice, asking for color recommendations and a few budget-friendly accessory ideas to help elevate her dining room. We suggested paint colors for the fireplace, walls, and trim, plus simple updates for the window and table that would deliver maximum impact without breaking the bank. Here’s what she wrote back:
When I first contacted you for help I promised myself that not only would I implement your recommendations immediately, I would also immediately send the after pictures. Here I am three months later – but I have an excuse… I cannot believe that such a simple thing like paint color can have such a grand effect. I LOVE MY ROOM NOW! The change was so immediate and so wonderful, I wish there was a way to capture the feeling of the room in my pictures. The new curtains made quite a difference too, and a quick trip to the basement helped me to uncover a white mirror I had purchased for my daughter’s room and never hung (it found a home on the fireplace wall). The paint colors you suggested are colors I would never have chosen, even as I made the purchases I was nervous of the end result. I’m so happy I trusted you. Walking into the house now gives me a sense of peace and order. At first my family and I felt like we were living in someone else’s house. Now we want the whole house to feel this way! You guys are awesome, THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! – Eve
Below is the before photo of Eve’s dining room; her goal was a more glamorous, luxurious feel.
And here are the stunning after shots achieved with a few simple, affordable changes:
The transformation is dramatic but surprisingly straightforward. Key updates included painting the dated fireplace, applying a fresh wall color, replacing the mirror above the fireplace with a larger one, installing new curtains and blinds, and adding a soft tan runner to break up the large wooden table. These modest changes completely changed the room’s mood and added a refined, cohesive look.
Here’s Eve’s budget breakdown so you can see how affordable the refresh was:
- Wall paint (Glidden’s Silver Plum): $23
- Fireplace paint (Glidden’s Ready Mix White): $23
- Mirror: free from basement
- Curtains & blinds (Ikea Ofelia Rund curtains, Target clearance jute blinds): $33
- Plants & planters in window (planters from Ikea): $28
- Tabletop accessories (from Pottery Barn & Ikea): $50
- TOTAL: $157
If you needed proof that style can be achieved on a modest budget, this is it. Eve did a fantastic job implementing the suggestions. We had also recommended staining or painting the table a mocha tone for an even more polished finish, but Eve hasn’t tackled that project yet — it’s a bigger effort than the wall painting and soft furnishings. Even without changing the table, the room reads complete, warm, and elegant.
We’re thrilled Eve shared these after photos. The space now feels serene, intentional, and welcoming — exactly the kind of transformation that makes a house feel like home.
What do you think? Did Eve pull off an impressive dining room makeover?
Update: We no longer have capacity to create client-commissioned mood boards (we now produce general inspiration boards instead). If that service returns, we’ll announce it here.