When we first moved in, our dining area felt like an afterthought—just a floating space in the middle of our early 2000s spec home great room. It lacked definition, warmth, and purpose. Over time, we transformed it into a space that feels intentional, inviting, and cohesive with the rest of our home.
Adding Architectural Interest with Built-Ins
The first phase of the dining room remodel included tearing out the carpet and installing engineered hardwood (from flooret) everywhere. We also DIYed "built ins", which was one of the biggest game-changers in the dining room makeover. We used IKEA Billy bookcases and “hacked” them by adding trim and cabinet doors, creating the look of a built-in. This not only gave the space some much-needed structure but also provided extra storage (because who doesn’t need more storage?). If you want all the details on how we achieved this, check out this blog post where I break it all down.
Creating a Focal Point with Oversized Art
To further anchor the space, I added a DIY oversized fine art print. This was an affordable way to incorporate fine art without spending a fortune. Large-scale artwork helped define the space in our open-concept home, and I love how it adds a dramatic focal point. If you're interested in creating your own oversized art, I share exactly how I did it in this post.
Grounding the Space with a Rug
A rug can completely change the feel of a room, and in this case, it helped visually separate the dining area from the rest of the great room. I wanted a neutral color that still had some interest, and landed on this rug. Choosing the right size was key—I made sure it was large enough for all the chairs to stay on the rug, even when pulled out. The added texture and color made the space feel finished and cozy.
The Farmhouse-Inspired Dining Set
The heart of any dining space is the table, and I went with the Farmville Amish Dining Set from Furniture Row. It’s oversized, solid, and perfect for hosting family meals and gatherings. I paired it with the matching bench to keep the space feeling open and versatile, and to seat as many people as possible at the table.
For the end chairs, I chose the Anabei upholstered chairs in ‘Chestnut’ to introduce some warmth and color. Bonus points: they’re washable—because, let’s be real, life with kids means spills are inevitable. I love finding ways to get the look I want that can still function in our home with kids and "normal" life.
The Final Look
With the built-ins adding structure, the oversized art bringing in drama, and the rug grounding the space, our dining area finally feels like it belongs. It’s no longer just a random table in the middle of a great room—it’s an intentional, beautiful space where we gather daily.
I love how this transformation turned out! Have you tackled a dining room refresh? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram @karissaathome!
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