One of my favorite sources of inspiration are catalogs, specifically Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs. As soon as they come in the mail I find a quiet corner and curl up with the catalog and savor each page. There are so many ideas you can glean {especially if you don't have the money to buy!}. I dog ear each copy and save them for future project ideas.
I have been looking for ideas of what to do in my dining room to add some drama or definition behind my dining room table. I love the mirror and sconces but they just get lost in the sea of oatmeal behind them. All along my idea was to add some molding to create a box shape and then maybe paint inside the box. However, this cheapy builder grade house has no molding anywhere {ok except maybe the base boards if you count them} and I was worried that adding the molding might look out of place. That's where my thought process was when the most recent Ballard Design catalog came.
As I was going through it, I came across this little nugget of inspiration:
So purple's not my thing but the idea of painting a box with little cut out corners definitely is! Here's the before: (Sorry for the dark pic!)
My other issue with this wall is that it frames the staircases going up and down and on the other side of this is the hutch. We are in major need of some balance!
I started by using a level and a pencil to create my box shape. Of course I filled in all the nasty nail holes and wiped down the wall.
I started out by using a dinner plate to create my circle but they didn't look quite even, even though I marked on my plate where to line it up with my tape. I decided instead to measure 4 1/2" up and 6" over on each corner so that they were even but I still used my dinner plate to achieve the circular shape.
It took two coats of paint and only about 45 minutes worth of work to accomplish this. I did have to free hand paint the circular cut out but it was easier than I expected it to be {meaning I made no major mistakes}.
Here's the final outcome! You will note the suns reflection and shadows {I'm not the most patient photographer~and I had to make the most of the 30 minute episode of Doc McStuffins to divert my kiddos! ;)}
We have very high ceilings so adding shape helps to define the dining space {much like an area rug would~but not at my house cuz I have 4 kids!}. It also helps make the space feel a big cozier and provides the much needed balance to the hutch on the other side of the stairwells.
{If you're really observant you will notice that my chandelier does not line up with the table. It used too and then we had the benches made so that we could push the table closer to the wall and create more space. We just haven't gotten to moving it yet~its on the list, I promise!}
This would also be a great idea to create a headboard for a bed or fill in with chalkboard paint for a kids area or in the kitchen. So pour over those design catalogs and pay attention to all of the details, you never know what might inspire you!

I'm sharing this project here:
At the Picket Fence
French Country Cottage
Tatertots and Jello
The DIY Dreamer
Not Just a Housewife
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
DIY by Design
Too Much Time
Its Overflowing
i should be mopping the floor
Between naps on the porch
I am in love with this idea and am definitely doing it somewhere ( anywhere! ) asap - thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower - would love to have you come by when you have the time and follow back!
Hugs,
Suzan
This is such a great Idea! When I saw the ballard catolog I was a little surprised by the color purple. This looks incredible and adds design with a painted accent wall. I love this!
ReplyDeleteYour project turned out great--congrats! Now where can I do this in my own home?
ReplyDeleteI love this! What a great idea and you are right- as much as I dissect the catalogues over and over - I missed this little detail! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love this! What a great idea and you are right- as much as I dissect the catalogues over and over - I missed this little detail! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletejody, that is very clever and so effective!
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michele
I love this one, jody! I'm trying to think of where I can do this at in my house :)
ReplyDeleteBrittany
Jody!!!!! I LOVE IT!!! WOW!!! What a difference! Such a GREAT idea to use plates to make the rounded corners!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Love the look! Great way to create visual interest.
ReplyDeleteI love this! It really pulls the space together and gives a finished look. I love that mirror too! I would love for you to share this at Gettin' Krafty if you get the chance!
ReplyDeletehttp://kraftykat76.blogspot.com/2012/08/gettin-krafty-with-it_27.html
That turned out so well! You really adapted the Ballard idea to good purpose to make your dining room pop. It looks great.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative (and inexpensive) way to add some detail to the wall!
ReplyDeleteWow! love the way this defines a space and add so much visual detail. I am going to have to try this idea somewhere in the house.
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