As every holiday season approaches, the oft-overlooked dining room gets its well-deserved moment in the spotlight. From Halloween gatherings to Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas brunch, this space arguably sees more action in the last three months of the year than in the previous nine, depending on your family traditions.
So, if you find yourself thinking about a dining room refresh as fall approaches, we get it. And better yet, we have some design inspiration for you. We reached back into the Havenly before-and-after archive in search of impressive, creative dining room design transformations that are sure to inspire. From clean and minimalist to wallpaper, wall paneling, and bold paint, there’s a little something for everyone.
Keep scrolling for the designer-loved dining room ideas that we’re bookmarking for our own refresh.
1. From Boring to Bold
Before
After
With high ceilings and tall windows, the above dining room had great bones to work with. But the lackluster white paint and scant window treatments left little to be desired. A coat of moody charcoal paint, proper drapes, a dramatic chandelier upgrade, and light oak furniture (for a touch of levity) make this moody dining room worthy of holiday dinner parties.
2. From Empty to Organic Modern
Before
After
From the fireplace to the recessed lighting, this dining room got a top-to-bottom makeover. A coat of crisp white paint and high-contrast black window grids prime the canvas, while a centered brass light fixture and rustic wood dining table bring the design to life. Finished with layered hide rugs, tonal dining chairs, and fresh greenery, the end result is organic modern perfection.
3. From Gray to Glam
Before
After
The above dining room reveal is living proof that fortune favors the bold (in design, at least). With moody black paint, sapphire velvet dining chairs, a high-contrast black and white rug, and oversized abstract artwork, the “after” space is memorable in the best way.
4. From Empty to Edgy
Before
After
With hardwood floors, beautiful windows, and white paint, this former sunroom just needed a little design love. Our designers went with a warm walnut dining table, mid-century modern chairs, and a graphic rug to create an elevated, inviting, and edgy gathering space fit for grand family dinners.
5. From 90s to Modern Cool
Before
After
With orange-toned hardwood floors and pastel yellow paint, this dining room screamed “nineties” pre-makeover. After some canvas-priming in the form of floor refinishing and paint, our designers with with an ultra-cool vintage travertine dining table, leopard print upholstered chairs, an ornate brass floor mirror, and a sculptural light fixture. The finished space is Parisian modern perfection.
6. From Construction Zone to Ultra-Cool
Before
After
With an industrial, indoor-outdoor feel and beautiful tall ceilings, this dining room had outstanding bones to work with. Our designers went with a modern white pedestal-style dining table, a minimalist light fixture, and cool olive green dining chairs for a hint of color. We love the cool, modern-minimalist feel of the entire home.
7. From Dated to Dreamy
Before
After
Thanks to a coat of ocean blue paint and a full design overhaul, the “before” space is nearly unrecognizable here. Our designers went all-out on the fun, vibrant design directive, from the magenta and blue area rug to the mis-matched chairs. Finished with brass accents and fresh blooms, the end result is dynamic, eye-catching, and vibrant.
8. From Dated to Dazzling
Before
After
With dated window treatments and dusty wall paint, this dining room was ready for a proper refresh. Our designers went with wallpaper, wainscoting, brass accents, and a moody color palette of navy, evergreen, and magenta to restore this traditional dining room to its former glory.
9. From Stuffy to Serene
Before
After
This beautiful, bay window-adjacent breakfast nook had everything going for it, except for design chops. Designer Melissa Wagner started by upgraded the window treatments and light fixture, and finished with cool, modern furnishings, a textured area rug, and bright yellow blooms. Stuffy, meet serene.
Looking to give your own dining room a refresh? Work one-on-one with our expert interior designers for just $129 per room. Get started today with our style quiz.