European Reading Room

An unused dining room finds new life as a reading room with European style.

Design on a Dime : Episode DOD-1703 -- More Projects »
After living in Germany, Becky Pangman and Eric Ralston are making a fresh start in the United States. They live in a vintage apartment on Chicago's north side that has tons of detail and Old World charm. However, the entry room is anything but charming. The Design on a Dime team sets out to turn the unused dining room into a traditional reading room, complete with storage, seating and a little European flair.
Click here for a larger image
Before: Identity Crisis
The Dilemma
Because this is the first room one enters in the apartment, the couple wants it to be more welcoming. The room adjoins the warm living room with bay window, but there's nothing in this space to define it. There's a bookcase in one corner, a Papasan chair in another corner, a rug in the middle and lots of empty space. The white walls and harsh track lighting contradict the warm, welcoming ambiance that the couple seeks.

For all available product information, click on the After photo of the room.



Resources
paint
Glidden Company
Website: www.gliddenpaints.com

decorative project materials
Salvation Army
Website: www.salvationarmyusa.org

decorative project materials
Hobby Lobby
Website: www.hobbylobby.com

decorative project materials
Pearl Art and Craft Supply
Website: www.pearlpaint.com

furniture
The Ark Thrift Shop
Website: www.arkchicago.org

wood products
Wood World
Website: www.woodworld.com

decorative project materials
Staples
Website: www.staples.com
Also in this Episode