Trina Irwin and her husband wanted their dining room in their 1959 home to feel welcoming for family gatherings, but the existing room felt dated and lacked a cohesive look. A built-in corner bookcase and paint color that didn’t suit their style both contributed to the problem.
After considering ideas for about a year, Irwin found an IKEA bookcase built-in tutorial on Pinterest that helped shape the redesign. The couple removed the chair rail and installed board and batten, painting it and the built-ins Sherwin-Williams Rockwood Green. They chose Alabaster White for the upper walls, aiming for a look that brought together nature-inspired art and mid-century modern style.
Before installing the cabinets, the couple had to level the floor so the built-ins would sit evenly from floor to ceiling. They used a combination of IKEA HAVSTA storage cabinets rather than BILLY bookcases, as Irwin felt HAVSTA would give the project a more custom appearance. Painting the cabinets to match the green wall treatment helped tie the room together. Irwin said the decorative trim made it difficult to create a seamless top for the buffet section.
The couple planned to place a large artwork above the buffet but couldn’t find one that suited the room, so Irwin painted an abstract piece herself. She said it made the design feel more personal. The shelves, she added, were easier to fill than expected.
Elsewhere in the room, the couple added an extendable dining table, bouclé chairs and a statement rug. Irwin said she especially likes how the rug and table’s textures work with the green built-ins. The renovated room is now a place where they host friends and family and work on puzzles together.
Sources: Apartment Therapy.