When we received this lovely note and some striking before-and-after photographs, we had to share them. Below is Sarah’s letter:
My husband and I bought our first house in May 2007 and immediately set about repainting every single room — the previous owners had four girls and the walls were painted in various shades of pink and purple. The first room we finished, which we’ve come to call the “hearthroom,” is one we’re especially proud of. We chose Behr’s Olivine for the walls, a refreshing change from the beige of our old apartment. We painted the back of the built-ins the same color, then gradually added personal touches over the first few months. We were eager to complete it because it flows directly from the kitchen and we knew we’d spend a lot of time in this area.
The previous owners used this space as a dining room, but my husband Ryan and I reworked it into a cozy, casual room for lounging by the fire, playing board games, having informal dinners, or reading a book. It feels warm and lived-in while still being bright and welcoming. – Sarah
Here’s the multi-colored country dining room as it looked before Sarah and her husband moved in:
The transformed “hearthroom” is now a comfortable space for lounging, reading, and relaxing after a long day:
The change is lovely — the Olivine walls and coordinated built-in backs create a cohesive, calming palette while still feeling fresh. Reworking a formal dining space into a multi-use hearthroom gave the couple a casual, inviting area that’s perfect for everyday life. The color choice makes the room feel both modern and comfortable, providing a great backdrop for cozy evenings by the fire or relaxed weekend afternoons with a book.
Sarah’s project highlights a few helpful design ideas anyone can adapt:
- Choose a bold but balanced color to unify the room — painting both walls and the backs of built-ins ties the space together visually.
- Think about how a room connects to adjacent spaces. Because this room flows from the kitchen, the couple prioritized finishing it to create a functional, open-plan feel.
- Repurpose rooms based on lifestyle. Converting a formal dining room into a comfortable family space can make daily life more enjoyable and practical.
- Add personal touches gradually. Small decorative updates over time let the space evolve and reflect your tastes without overwhelming the room at once.
Fabulous job, Sarah — the hearthroom looks inviting and well-considered. Here’s hoping they enjoy many cozy evenings in front of that fire.