Living and Dining Room Renovation

Before

The first order of the day was to knock down a few walls and turn the chopped-up living and dining rooms into one big, open-concept space. I even opened up the outside wall in order to reclaim the porch as interior space, and added new windows to let in some much needed light.

On to the details. I wanted to update the look, but retain the home's traditional character. So, I put in older-looking finishes including coffered ceilings, crown moldings and a walnut floor with a hand-chiseled finish. I also installed the leaded glass window from the neighbors.

I then got started on the room's focal point — the fireplace. The existing unit was an unused eyesore, so I updated it with new insert, mantle and marble tiled surround, and flanked it with beautiful display cabinets. Above the fireplace, I put in a television that is hidden behind a piece of remote-controlled artwork so it's out of sight when not in use. Across from the fireplace I installed a huge armoire where Carl and Tony can hang and hide their coats.

I then divided up the room into living and dining spaces, and separated them by a channel-back sofa in antique grey velvet. This sofa is part of a big conversation grouping in the living room that includes a luxurious daybed in a light grey starburst pattern, a coffee table, and a big, soft sectional in the newly opened up porch area.

In the dining area, I put in a new solid mahogany table with three leaves that can seat up to 10 people, and dining room chairs backed with the same starburst patterned fabric I used on the daybed. I then put up a wall of open cabinetry that will showcase Carl and Tony's fabulous china and crystal.

On the room's two windows I put up gorgeous linen damask panels with some light sheers to let in the natural light. To further brighten things up, I hung a traditional crystal chandelier in the dining room and two mini chandeliers near the front door, and put in some small ceiling lights and under-cabinet puck lights.

After adding a few more details and accessories, this grand-scale living and dining room renovation was complete. By opening things up, mixing modern features with traditional touches, and making this space more conducive to entertaining, Carl and Tony's living/dining room is now perfect for two — or 22.