Dining Room Update

Hi friends!  Do you remember our dining room when we moved in, and then the update last summer when we painted it?  (You can time travel to view it here if you’d like!)  Well since then I’ve been slowly making just a couple of changes- namely in the form of that window seat!  We designed it and had our friend and architect/woodworker extraordinaire build it for us.   He built the floating credenza (seen here) in the living room for us as well and we wanted them to play off of each other since you can see both when you walk in the front door.  I originally intended for the wood to be exposed- no cushion.   I love me a huge slab of walnut something hard.  But after a few months of sore-bum-sitting I broke down and decided that function would have to win out over form this go-round.  We hired an upholsterer to make the seat cushion- and while I love it I do wish it were a couple inches thicker.  I chose to cut costs by having it produced at that thickness and have some regrets, although it’s probably the kind of thing that will only ever bother me as normal humans don’t usually fret about such silly things, right?  SAY YES!  It’ll make me feel better.

I waited patiently (NOT PATIENTLY AT ALL- I NEARLY DIED OF IMPATIENCE) for months until I found the right fabric to make the pillows with.  I’ve since discovered a half dozen throw pillows I would’ve bought and loved as much/more, but again- I saved my pennies by having these made (why on God’s green earth do pillows cost more than organ transplants?!!!)  As for the missing palm on the right side of the room- that was a casualty.  I’m pretty good at keeping plants alive but I have reason to suspect that palms have something against me.  Now that the room is finished (well I do dream of a giant olive tree in one corner truth be told) I have to say- I am so happy with how it turned out!  It’s bright and happy, but at night becomes cozy and downright romantic with the chandelier on a dimmer.  During the day I love sitting in the window nook and watching the kids have sponge fights or play basketball.  The sound of kids playing has become one of my favorites.  Have I told you we live in Pleasantville?  I love it.  I love it far more than I ever knew I would.  Consider me suburbed.  Sources for all that you see below and more photos after the jump!  xx- Sarah

Sources:  dining table, chairs, chair covers, rug, chandelier, otomi print

a_house_in_the_hills_dining_room7-27-23

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Reader Comments

    • Sarah Yates|

      Thank you Nicole!!! I remember that feeling well – I was so excited when we were able to rent our first home that had a dining space. You will get there!! 🙂

      Reply
  1. rachel|

    Your dining room is so fresh, I love it! Can you tell us where you found that beautiful fabric for your pillows? I’m on the struggle bus to find great fabric for a “casually effortless” (but really lots of effort) pillow array as well!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Thank you Rachel! I found it in a local boutique, and unfortunately I bought the last two. BUT! Tomorrow I’m sharing a massive pillow roundup with 36 options- maybe there will be something there that catches your eye! There are quite a few I’m coveting. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jennifer|

    Beautiful! Would you mind sharing where the vases on the dining room table are from? I love them!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      Thanks Jennifer! The vases are from a few different spots- the neon one was an etsy find, the white ones are from West Elm a few years back, and the others are from Heath Ceramics. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jennay|

    Gorgeous! Now when are we going to see what’s in store for this little gent on the way? Nursery teaser?

    Reply
  4. diane|

    Loving that chandelier and also the juxtaposition you have created between your classic spanish bungalow and contemporary design. What a great spot for a baby to come home to!

    Reply
  5. Karina|

    A window seat is a dream of mine! Once I visited an acquaintance who had a window seat with a beautiful view of the nearby forest and I fell in love.

    You have such a distinct style when it comes to decorating. Everything is so fresh and crisp, but still very welcoming and friendly. It feels like one could just enter one of the pictures, take a seat and instantly feel at home.

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      I have always dreamed of having a window seat too!
      Thank you Karina, I do always want people to feel at home here. We certainly do. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Nikki|

    So cool and inviting! I love it and I’m in love with that rug especially 😉 Maybe this is a mom question since I have two toddlers, lol, but being in the dining area, has anyone ever dropped food or wine on that beauty?!

    Reply
    • Sarah Yates|

      haha I’ve been wondering how we’re going to get by with all of our white rugs and a baby BUT, I have to say these rugs hold up incredibly well. Even after years of having them with two dogs they’re still in great condition (and they sparkle when we have them professionally cleaned). We’ve spilled on them a few times (although nothing crazy like wine or pasta sauce just yet) and they clean up great. Wool, high quality rugs are a worthwhile investment in my opinion. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Hannah|

    I would never eat on the sofa again! I love the fur on the chairs, I think dining rooms can often feel a bit empty and uninviting, but this is so bright and luxurious.

    Reply
  8. First Rate Building|

    It’s never easy to create the right atmosphere when doing a home redecoration, but here you’ve done a great job! The room looks cosy and comfortable. Nicely done, Sarah!

    Reply