The 2 Year Dining Room: My Journey through DIY Dining Room Renovation!

Renovating my dining room has been a labor of love, filled with challenges and rewarding moments along the way. While many renovations are completed in a few weeks, mine has taken quite some time. Life’s obstacles often popped up just when I was ready to dive back into the project. However, the process has been just as rewarding as the final result.

In this post, I want to share my DIY journey of transforming my small dining room into a stylish yet functional space, featuring a custom banquette, an intricate archway, and vibrant decor. So, grab your tools and let’s jump in!

The Vision for My Dining Room

When I first imagined my dining room, I wanted a welcoming space for family and friends to gather for meals and memories. A custom banquette caught my attention—a cozy nook that optimizes seating while adding character. I envisioned soft cushions and a sleek finish to complement the rest of the design.

A straightforward color palette wouldn’t suffice. I longed for bold accents, particularly an eye-catching wallpaper wall to add depth. I also wanted a unique furniture piece that could serve as both a conversation starter and a practical addition.

Despite my grand vision, I learned early on that renovations rarely unfold smoothly.

Dining Room Mood Board

Facing the Hurdles

Excitement is easy to feel when creating a space, but unexpected life events often threatened to derail my renovation plans. Family obligations, work commitments, and sheer exhaustion occasionally forced me to set down my tools.

Every return to the project felt like starting over again. It was disheartening at times, but I held onto my vision and reminded myself that good things take time—particularly in home improvement.

The Banquette Build

Once I got back on track, the first project was finishing the custom banquette. Working with wood is truly satisfying, as I measured, cut, and assembled. I designed the banquette to be comfortable and stylish, opting for a classic channel back for the seating.

I am currently awaiting a custom pillow that will add a pop of color and bring the banquette to life. I'm excited to see it all come together!

Beautifully crafted custom banquette ready for cushions

Building the banquette was fun but required meticulous attention to detail. I learned a lot about using various DIY tools, from saws to staplers. Each step felt like a mini achievement, pushing me to tackle other renovation aspects.

Scraping Down Popcorn Ceilings

Before completing the banquette, one major task in the dining room was scraping down the outdated popcorn ceilings. It was a dusty, messy job requiring patience and careful technique. I tackled it section by section, using a spray bottle to dampen the ceiling before scraping it down.

Once the popcorn ceilings were gone, I felt I had already made significant progress in the renovation. After cleaning up, it was time to roll up my sleeves again and tackle the walls.

Painting and Wallpapering

Painting the walls was a thrilling experience! Initially, I planned to use one color, but once that first coat dried, I realized that the color wasn't going to work. After the first-round fail, I realized a second color was necessary for the deep, rich look I wanted. It is surprising how transformative paint can be, turning a dull room into a vibrant one.

With the walls looking fantastic, it was time for my wallpaper accent wall. I chose a bold patterned print that exudes elegance. Applying the wallpaper was only challenging when cutting around the windows, and required precision, but the transformation has been immensely rewarding.

Vibrant patterned wallpaper accent wall bringing the room to life

My little dining room was coming to life just as I envisioned!

Adding a Unique Furniture Piece

Every great renovation needs that one unique piece that stands out. I was determined to hunt for a show-stopping item that would tie the room together. After searching high and low, I found a beautiful bookcase that compliments the space perfectly.

The Archway Construction

I made the choice to build an archway connecting my dining room to the kitchen. This project excited me, as it would actually close in the space just slightly, but still and add a modern touch. Learning to frame and construct the archway was challenging, yet incredibly fulfilling.

Now, I have a stunning entry point that seamlessly connects the rest of the home.

On the Home Stretch

As I near the final touches of my dining room renovation, I feel immense pride. The banquette needs its channel backs completed, and I eagerly await the addition of custom pillows to finalize the cozy nook. I also need to select decor that will add the finishing touches, but I am optimistic about the choices I have in mind.

Each DIY project, albeit demanding, has taught me about home improvement and perseverance. Life’s hurdles may slow progress, but they can greatly enhance the rewards.

Reflection on the Journey

The journey of my dining room renovation is ongoing, but reflecting on my accomplishments fills me with joy. It’s been an evolving labor of love, shaped by each challenge and every step forward.

If you consider a DIY home renovation, remember to be patient, nurture your vision, and embrace the bumps along the way. You may find that turning life’s hurdles into home runs leads to something beautiful and uniquely yours.

Happy renovating!