How Danielle Chiprut Turned an Outdated Dining Room Into a Midcentury Dream

If there’s something we never get tired of seeing, it’s a great makeover. Whether it’s transforming a retro bathroom into a modern oasis or giving a lackluster bedroom a fresh look, pros perform these design miracles all the time.

To give designers a chance to showcase their favorite makeovers—and to bring you plenty of inspiration for your own home—we’re sharing the best before and afters we’ve seen in our series, Makeover of the Week. Take notes for your next renovation.

“I fell in love with the charm of our 1930's English Tudor the moment I laid eyes on it," interior designer Danielle Chiprut says. "Every room in the house was bursting with show-stopping character except one, the dining room, which is the first room you see when you walk in the front door. It’s framed by a beautiful Tudor archway that separates the dining room from the living room. But, the room itself was stuffy and old-fashioned in feel, so the goal was to turn it into a colorful jewel-box, filled with eclectic décor and layered patterns.” 

Before:

“The walls were covered in dingy floral wallpaper, and an '80s scalloped window valance was blocking light from entering the room," Chiprut notes. "A dark green area rug covered the beautiful, original hardwood floors, and an outdated brass chandelier hung in the center of the room. The room needed an aesthetic overhaul.”

After:

“I wanted a dining room that was warm, welcoming, and showcased my modern bohemian style," Chiprut notes. "I painted the walls a deep turquoise shade in a matte finish and layered in raspberry and indigo prints and patterns. Brass artwork was hung on the walls, and a modern chandelier replaced the aged old light fixture. The midcentury modern dining table paired perfectly with the woven leather side chairs and printed end chairs while my mother’s vintage tea cart was repainted and repurposed into a bar cart.”

What Changed:

• Color theme: A jewel-tone color scheme of teal, indigo, and raspberry is mixed with pops of brass.
• Walls: The walls were painted a vibrant turquoise (Sherwin Williams Bosporus), giving the room a rich, velvety look; the crown molding and baseboards were covered with a soft white hue (Benjamin Moore Simply White). 
• Lighting: The seven-light midcentury globe chandelier provides ambient lighting and coordinates with the ceramic gold hammered table lamps.
• Window treatments: Room brightening white linen and cotton curtains are suspended on antique brass curtain rods. 
• Floor: A raspberry-printed area rug adds a pop of color to the original oak flooring. 
• Sideboard: The buffet table, with its solid marble top and walnut wood finish, provides additional storage with four drawers and a center cabinet. 
• Table: The table’s walnut finish syncs with the sideboard and has a simple yet elegant midcentury modern style.
• Chairs: Two blue and white upholstered end chairs are paired with woven leather side chairs.
• Tea cart: A vintage tea cart was painted in a brass finish and transformed into a bar cart.
• Wall art: A set of floral prints hang over the bar cart while a mix of antique brass artwork and macrame wall hangings add to the bohemian feel.

Shop the Look:

Article Seno Dining Table $1,299.00

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“I love that this table has the ability to seat up to 12 people when fully extended,” Chiprut says.

Pottery Barn Fenton Leather Dining Chair $399,539.00

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“There’s a color for everyone—this woven leather chair comes in 31 finishes,” Chiprut explains.

Pottery Barn Emery Linen/Cotton Rod Pocket Curtain $139,159.00

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“These rod pocket curtains are the perfect choice if you want to add a breezy and light window treatment to your space,” Chiprut notes.