A Warm Welcoming Dining Space For 1 474

Shown: New crown and panel molding added old-house charm to the existing stock trim.

Before: Simple Features

The room had a bland paint job and few architectural features.

DIY Artwork

Instead of buying pricey prints, the couple found images from an old botanical catalog on the New York Public Library’s website. They resized the artwork to fit in IKEA frames and hung a set of four over the sideboard.

Added Comfort

Pillows normally kept in the living room add extra cushioning to the curved-back dining chairs. The six chairs cost the Pfannmullers only $125 on Craigslist, about $655 less than retail.

Dine in Style

A table runner, topped with decorative accessories, adds another layer of warmth with its natural fiber-look weave.

The Project Tally

• Hired a company to mount wood shutters in the room’s large window, $300 • Hung crown, added panel molding below an existing chair rail to create a wood-wainscoting effect, $100 • Unified trim with white paint, and set a traditional tone with gray-blue walls, $40 • Tracked down a complete dining set for six from two separate Craigslist sellers, $425 • Purchased a sideboard on sale, $300 • Downloaded four free botanical prints and set them off with IKEA frames, $60 • Added a chandelier and linen shades to match a set of lamps on the sideboard, $249 Total: $1,474