As you can imagine, the events of my husband’s sudden passing put all other projects in my life on hold. And to be honest, I wasn’t even sure I would care enough to finish the dining room project that he and I started together. But as the days after his death moved on, I found that I needed to have something to focus on to get my mind off my pain and grief, if only for a few hours a day. So, with the help of my family, we did what we could to finish my dining room.
Here is a photo of the room before we got started with this project. As I said before, there was nothing wrong with the room, it was just pretty boring. And there was the issue of the giant boob light chandelier that just had to go.
Before my husband passed, the room looked much like this: board and batten was mostly installed, but I still needed to add the second rail of board and batten, as well as paint the upper walls, then caulk and prime and paint the board and batten. The weekend before my husband passed, I managed to install the rest of the board and batten and paint the upper walls Stonington Gray. About a week after my husband’s passing, my dad helped me caulk, prime and paint the board and batten, while my father-in-law installed our beautiful new chandelier. Once that was done, all I had to do was await the delivery of my rug and install some curtains.
Here is how the room turned out. I think it’s beautiful, despite it not being completely finished as I had envisioned it. I didn’t do some of the projects that I would’ve like to get to, and some of my accessories to finish the room (like the giant tobacco baskets) have not yet arrived, but I think the dining room turned out beautifully despite the circumstances and the delays. I know Garry would have been very proud of me for transforming this room, largely on my own. He would also have loved to see our dads working together to help me get it done.
I don’t really know what’s going to happen to this house now that he’s gone. Right now, it doesn’t make financial sense for me to keep it, but it kills me to think about selling the home he and I had chosen to raise our family in. I will be exploring options for working from home part time (I am being encouraged to finally start my online design consulting business I’ve been to afraid to start), but I also don’t think I should make any big decisions until after the holidays. Getting through birthdays (my kids), Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be hard enough as it is.
What I love most about this dining room makeover, besides it being the last project Garry and I worked on together, is that it was done on a limited budget. I spent the most on the rug, which was very inexpensive for the size and quality. I really love this rug. The chandelier was the next expensive item, but it was still very reasonably priced. All in, we spent about $600, including all the lumber and paint for the board and batten. I’d say we achieved our goal of creating a beautiful French Country style dining room without breaking the bank!
Dining Room Resource List
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- Stonington Gray paint on upper walls
- Behr paint and primer on board and batten (no tint, just straight out of the can)
- Safavieh Adriondack Oriental Silver & Ivory Vintage Distressed Rug
- Turned Leg Dining Table Set (similar)
- White Parsons Chairs (similar)
- Tobacco Baskets
- Rustic Wire Chandelier
- Ekena Millwork Ceiling Medallion
- Ikea Lenda Curtains
- Ikea Racka Curtain Rods
Don’t forget to head over to Calling It Home to check out all of the other One Room Challenge participants and their amazing projects!
It is so beautiful! Your husband would be so proud – and I’m glad you know it. I know you will cherish all the memories made in this dining room and hope that you’ll be able to make many many more in the days and years to come.
How wonderful that your dad and father in law were able to help you finish the project. It is really lovely!
You did a beautiful job on this space! I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s sudden passing. I cannot even imagine, but what a tribute to finish a space you started together.
Ummm… also, where did you get the hanging lanterns on the wall?
Thank you, Erin. I️ made the pieces that the lanterns are hung from but the actual lanterns are from Decor Steals.
It looks absolutely beautiful!
I hope it’s an encouragement to walk by it and know, “I DID that!” I can’t imagine what you are feeling, but this project hopefully can be a reminder of taking things “one step at a time” and giving yourself grace.
How beautiful! And I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I’m sure finishing this room was so difficult! But hopefully something new will help inspire new memories for your family!
It is beautiful. What a fantastic job you did on it! Truly lovely. I was very sad to hear about your husband’s sudden passing – I believe one of the blog group admin’s shared it with us for prayer (can’t remember which group). You have been on my heart since, and I will surely be praying for both you and your family, especially with the holidays coming up. Praying God gives you supernatural peace and comfort as you grieve.
It looks absolutely wonderful, Chey – you have an incredible eye for design and such a talent for it. I have no doubt Garry would be so proud of you. Hugs beautiful friend – and if that day comes you do start a side business, add me to the list of future clients!
I am so proud of you! What you have accomplished through such tough circumstances. You almost had. All of the Home Decor Bloggers Who Care on your doorstep to help you finish! This dining room is gorgeous and I love the light fixture, which I think is the one I voted for! ? You go girl. I hope my dining room ends up half as beautiful! Sending lots of love!
The dining room is gorgeous Cheyenne! I love the addition of curtains and a rug, along with the wall treatment, the room looks much cozier. It is wonderful to hear that you have two wonderful dads who helped you to complete this project. You are stronger than you know and anyone would be lucky to have you as their interior designer! And Wendy isn’t kidding, our group seriously was trying to figure out how we could get there to help you with this!
Your dining room is absolutely beautiful! Your husband would be so proud! ❤️
Your dinningroom is beautiful! I’m thinking of you every day ❤
Wow, I love the reveal! It looks so open and inviting.
Your dining room came out amazing. I’m so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your husband. I’m sure he was right by your side as you were completing the finishing touches to this beautiful space. Sending hugs your way! – Tee
I am so sorry about your husband and your room is so serene and calm, the exact why you and your husband had envisioned. Glad your family is there to help finished up the room and lend you a shoulder to lend on during special occasions and holiday time. Big Big Hug and so proud of you to have finished up the project you and your husband have started together.
Your room turned out so beautiful. What a labor of love it must of been for all of you.. Know that you will be held in the hearts of many over the next few weeks and months.
The dining room turned out beautifully. Great work.
I absolutely love the lanterns on the wall! what a great idea! I just found your blog. I too am a blogger in Houston and have family in Kingwood. It’s a great place to live. I’m so sorry to hear of you loss. You’re incredibly strong to keep up what you and your husband started.
Thoughts and prayers are with you
Dee