This farmhouse dining room makeover will help improve and transform any space.

I couldn’t decide which I was more excited about….Christmas morning….

…or this post.

Several months ago, Sherwin-Williams contacted me to see if I was interested in working with them to design a room around their color of the year.

Design a room?  Discover a new paint color?  Plan a new space?  Why, yes.  Yes, I would.

Especially when they told me what the color was.

SW 6039 Poised Taupe.

As soon as I saw the color, the room leapt into my mind.  Poised Taupe is a warm/gray brown with the slightest hint of purple.  It’s so rich and luxurious and I knew it needed wood and natural tones and a whisper of pull-up-a-seat-and-lets-have-coffee-and-talk.

Ready to meet my new dining room?

Let’s go.

The understated Sherwin Williams color of the year pairs well with the wood floors.

We started by painting the walls with SW 6039 Poised Taupe.

Then we gave the trim a new coat of paint with SW 7006 Extra White.

Next, we tackled the floors.  I loved the rug that had been in here for eight years, but it had seen its share of wear and tear and dirt and the floor was ready for a change.

Like this.

The deep brown stain on the wood floors adds a rustic touch to the dining room.

We taped off the center of the room in a rectangle and stained the floor with a deep brown border.

Then we taped off diamonds in the center and stained them with contrasting stains.

Lastly, we added a small dark square where the diamonds met.

I’ll share an exact how-to, later.

The square design on the wood floors adds character to the entire farmhouse dining room.

These classic shelves for plates and tea cups pair well with the rooms decor.

The floor was finished.  The walls were finished.  The trim was finished.

And then I found this.

I know….right?

A piece so amazing that I almost did a cartwheel when I found it.

Do you know what it is?  Do you have any idea what it started out life as?

These wood shelves are from the 1800s and perfect for storing tea cups.

It’s from the late 1800’s and it came out of a local general store here in the area.

It used to hold fabric bolts.  Here’s the ruler they used to measure the fabric with.

That piece at the top with the notch that looks like a handle?

These vintage wooden shelves original used to house fabric bolts are great for storage.

It’s where they used to place the bolt and pull the fabric down to measure.

I’ve lifted it up here so you can see.

I kissed my 1800’s fabric bolt holder, gave it a giant hug, placed it on the wall in the dining room and filled it with my entire luncheon plate collection that used to be on the bottom shelf in the butler’s pantry.

Small accents like old books and interesting plants add character to the bookcase.

This classic wooden bookcase contrasts well with the cream love seat and pillow.

I kept this bookcase that was originally on the wall here and filled it with even more books.

I added new fabrics to the space, like these embroidered pillows and a plaid wool throw I made myself from this fabric I found.

The contrast of the lighter fabrics with all the dark wood is so cozy.

This beautifully stained dark coffee table is great for serving fresh fruit and breads.

Wood vases filled with leaves are the perfect center pieces for this wooden coffee table.

This is the original table from the room, it’s just painted black to blend in with the space.

The centerpiece is a piece of wood in place of a runner and these wood vases filled with leaves from the yard.

I just layered the vases and leaves and then added some tiny woven pumpkins.

This farmhouse dining room has a beautiful balance of light and dark colors.

This grapevine pumpkin decoration and vintage lantern create a farmhouse feel for this dining room.

I kept the smocked burlap curtains which feel at home in this room, too.  In the bay window, I added a fold-down table.  The large piece on the opposite wall is so large it allowed me a little more space in the room and this table will be perfect for extra seating at Thanksgiving.

I decorated the top of the table with a lantern and stacked pumpkins.

These stacked wood slices are also perfect chargers for the table.

Displaying fresh fruit in big wooden pieces with scattered leaves creates a festive table.

The small black squares on the wood floors add to the dining room's character.

These fall leaf center pieces are an unexpected decoration.

I am so in love with the new space and so thankful to Sherwin-Williams for this opportunity.  I’ve worked with them for three years on their color of the year and I think this one was my favorite.  It’s so different and unexpected.

And now?

I’m pulling up a chair.

Wrapping myself in gray plaid and drinking coffee.

The dining room and I are spending some much needed alone time together. 🙂

disclosure:  This post was written in collaboration with Sherwin-Williams.

All opinions are my own.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

Farmhouse dining room makeover.

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Comments

  1. Image for Terri Terri

    oh, wow!!!! When I saw that color on the internet, I thought..."why that color?" Now we know. Beautiful!!!!! Your room looks gorgeous (as always), Karianne! Thank you for sharing!!! ps, I am a Sherwin Williams fan because my store has the best customer service!

  2. Image for Terri Terri

    Ummmmmmmmm................... My.. My..My... aren't you the sneaky one??????? Did we know this was going on???? Did I miss a post or two some where along the line????????????? WOWOWOW!!! I love it !! the whole room is gorgeous!!! I just want to cozy up on those new"ish" hardwood floors and .... wait for you to fix me a plate !!! lolol... Seriously Karianne .. every square inch is amazing !!! And of course.. congrats to Sherwin Williams!! Beautiful color !!!

    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      Mari, I will. I tried to take it...but there are these white columns in the way and it didn't look as pretty! I'll take a few more pulled back ones when I decorate it for Christmas. :) Happy day friend! karianne

  3. Image for Cecilia Cecilia

    I love it, KariAnne! Taupe is seriously my favorite color- a perfect grey brown in my book! And your floors! To die for, not to mention that wonderful wood fabric holder. Lastly, your burlap curtains really shine against the new color! I thought you had bought new gold curtains! Just wow! You're a rock star! Hugs, Cecilia

  4. Image for Doreen Doreen

    Yes please! I MUST get me some of that paint and begin on my family room. If you don't mind, I will be "borrowing" as many of your ideas as possible. I have been trying to find a taupe shade for my room but haven't until today. Thank you, thank you for your decorating genius!

  5. Image for June Gerstner June Gerstner

    KariAnn, your room is absolutely stunning!!!! And I may just have to move to Kentucky to find such unusual antiques. lol Honestly, I don't know where you find them, but they are so beautiful and different I can't stand it. Where I live, they would cost a small fortune. Beautiful job...as usual!

  6. Image for brocanteuserose brocanteuserose

    No words! there are no words for how amazing this space is! so I'm just going to use exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This room deserves every single one! :)

  7. Image for Marnie Marnie

    KariAnne.......This is gorgeous! Love the way you used the fabric bolt holder. What a find! And oh yes, the wall color is beautiful.

  8. Image for Marcella Christiansen Marcella Christiansen

    That colour is just gorgeous!!! ABSOLUTELY love your new found material/ bolt piece of furniture.....what a unique piece!!!!

  9. Image for Shelley Shelley

    Drop dead GORGEOUS!!!! I LOVE everything about it. The floor is kissable...Your new old fabric display is incredible. Love the new wall color...I have a room I've been dragging my feet on painting waiting for the perfect inspiration...Low and behold...as usual you come thru with the inspiration I've been waiting for.

  10. Image for Ellen Ellen

    This is absolutely the most amazing room makeover yet!! The floor is spectacular and the Sherwin-Williams paint color is beautiful. That new to you piece is divine, what a great find! You have given it another life in your home-awesome! Those smocked burlap drapes must be proud to be part of this gorgeous dining room. I love everything that you have used in this room, it is perfect!! I foresee many happy celebrations in this room. Thank-you for sharing this marvelous post.

  11. Image for Cynthia Sobczak Cynthia Sobczak

    You did it again!!!Love the room, could you please, would you please ask me over for afternoon tea??? I will even bring the dainties!!! I live in central Canada and if for nothing else I am making a trip to your part of the states so I can find myself some old wood. Don't know why but I can't find any here for love or money. See ya soon...

  12. Image for Dale Deacon Dale Deacon

    First one up this morning and while the coffee was being made, I snuggled down in my favorite spot with a comforter (a bit chilly here in Northern Ca.) to read your delightful post that I had been anticipating. It is charming and so inviting, the dark floors with the new pattern had me humming, paint color, furniture and so in love with the tablescape with unique items. That wonderful piece that you found from a local general store is a true keeper and love the history behind it. Just lovely Karianne.

  13. Image for sydney85 sydney85

    Your dining room looks fantastic! So inviting and warm. Your new fabric bolt holder is so unique and a great display piece. You have outdone yourself again!

  14. Image for Susan Liller Susan Liller

    When I first saw Poised Taupe I thought it was too dark value wise in SW ads. But seeing it in sunny room like yours-such a difference! The addition of the soft gold from the burlap curtains and leaves really sets it off. Outstanding work on your part!

  15. Image for Lisa Taylor Lisa Taylor

    I don't even have the right words to describe how I feel about this room now. It was stunning before, but now it's just... drop dead gorgeous! Basically, I'm just over here swooning. XOXO, Lisa

  16. Image for Linda Linda

    Love this room! So glad to see some natural wood shining in the space. The floor...I love. As for the new color, always have liked taupe. I hope we never go back to sand!!

  17. Image for Sandra Warthen Sandra Warthen

    Love taupe and it is beautiful in your dining room. Have a major case of lust going on for the beautiful fabric holding unit you found. It is a fabulous addition to your dining room.

  18. Image for Rowena Philbeck Rowena Philbeck

    Those are my colors and you did a beautiful job. Love it. I love the floor and I just drool about it since I don't have the wood floors. I have tile and carpet which I would love in some time to change it. Don't mind carpet in the bedrooms just in the main rooms. The color they choose is awesome…Love it with the white trim. YOU DID AMAZING!!!

  19. Image for cherie cherie

    My jaw dropped when I saw your general store piece that was meant to be for you with your fabric line! I am always amazed at what God brings together! Everything looks beautiful, Marianne!

  20. Image for Mary Mary

    So warm!! So Inviting!! I'm always one who loves the touch of wood with white. Too much white and it looks antiseptic. But the wood is the perfect touch. While I don't see me trying that, your floors set it all off! Perfection!! Another great job KariAnne... any plans to take that color into other rooms????

  21. Image for Cindy Brown Cindy Brown

    Gosh, you helped me so much with this new color. I am wanting to paint my laundry room and I have white bead board on one wall and white trim. I am going to buy new cabinets and this will be the perfect color! Plus, lucky me, I have a 30% off coupon for Sherwin Williams! How's that for serendipity? Your room is gorgeous and just love the floor idea! I want to come and have a cup of coffee!

  22. Image for Therese Therese

    Oh my goodness!! How beautiful!! Did you make the smocked burlap curtains? I am going to go to my local Sherwann Williams to check out the color. You did a stunning job!! You are very talented! I wish you lived near me in WI!

  23. Image for Janet Janet

    Love everything about this! I'm looking for a new neutral paint color and this may just be it! But the furniture, that gorgeous job on the door, etc. Wow! You knocked this out of the park.

  24. Image for Debbie rice Debbie rice

    Wow wow wow! I can't tell you how much I love this new color with all the warm wood pieces. It's beautiful, warm and cozy, the perfect place to be on those cold winter days.mthis is a winner. Debbie

  25. Image for Theresa Theresa

    This is sooo fantastic!!! Right at this moment I am doing the " Gonna copy this look" dance!!!! Thank you so much for you!

  26. Image for Sammi Sammi

    Love,love,love, your new room! I had seen that color, and was considering painting my master bedroom. I would, paint my great room,( living room and dining room together). I have it painted in a two tone color of Sherwin-Williams and I like the way it is painted. Do you know of a co-ordinating color of "taupe gray" that would go with the Poised Taupe? Thanks for your help! :-)

    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      Sammi, Hello friend! Here's some other colors that go with it: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-collection/color-forecast/color-of-the-year Hope this helps! karianne

  27. Image for Roz Roz

    Your new dining room is just gorgeous, KariAnne! You really did a beautiful job with every single decision, making this a lovely entertaining space. I can just picture myself sitting in that room, enjoying my hot cocoa, and reading another marvelous post from my talented 'friend', KariAnne. Thank you for sharing.

  28. Image for Nancy Pacitto Nancy Pacitto

    What a lovely space and a nice Christmas present for you. I only use Sherwin-Williams paint because my store in Grosse Pointe Michigan has the most knowledgeable and professional staff. Last month, I painted my bedroom, dining room and hall with their Emerald Satin paint. A JOY to work with. The finish is just beautiful. I chose taupe and a soft ivory paint. My home was built in 1937 and has all of its original woodwork so I steered clear of anything GREY. That trend doesn't suit my personality or home. I love your blog and your delightful sense of style and humor.

  29. Image for Michelle Michelle

    Totally unexpected color and the entire room is so beautiful, I don't know where and how to start to tell you how much I love it. The whole.entire.thing. The fabric shelves -- what a fabulous find! And perfect for showcasing your dishes collections. Have you always had those chairs with the carved wood backs or do they just look extra special in this newly decorated room? And the stained floor -- very chic. The room is so cozy, yes, but also...I dunno...I think 'sophisticated' is the way it makes me feel. You're a true artist, Karianne. I dub your new dining room "Sophisticated Farmhouse."

  30. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    You just may have outdone yourself with this room! Stunning! And I am loving that color...it is truly a neutral without meaning to be! And that floor....no words! ;) ;)

  31. Image for Gee Gee

    Wow!!! How warm. And cozy. Yes, I am pulling up a chair and blanket with a coffee as well. Hmmm... we have been toying with a new color , this may be it!!! Thanks for the inspiration!! Happy midweek. ☺ Hugs, Gee

  32. Image for Christopher Otterbeck Christopher Otterbeck

    Bravo! What a beautiful space, and that new piece from the general store??? Perfection! I just love redesigning a space, makes everything a little bit brighter.

  33. Image for Laura Ingalls Gunn Laura Ingalls Gunn

    There's a standing ovation happening right now in D/FW. Where do I begin? The happy heart palpitations over your newly stained floor? The fact that I never knew I desperately needed and wanted an antique fabric bolt cabinet? I sometimes wonder "How does she out due herself time and time again?" You are a star so bright you outshine the super moon.

  34. Image for DeAnna DeAnna

    Stunning! And I'm not usually envious of others' good fortune...but that fabric bolt cabinet - WOW! I love it and can think of a million places where it would work in my own home!

  35. Image for Kris Kris

    I love taupe. It adds just the right amount of richness to your dining space without making it too dark. I also love the fabric bolt thingy. And your floors. Just think of the fun you'll have decorating that space for Christmas!

  36. Image for Colleen@LilacDriveDesigns Colleen@LilacDriveDesigns

    I like the taupe color and all the touches in the room, especially that fabric holder and the stain treatment on the floors... but I'm struggling with the curtains now(which I love by the way) the walls and curtains are having a power struggle in my mind even though they are both neutrals, lol...have you thought about moving the curtains elsewhere and trying a colored curtain or even white curtains? It probably reads differently in person, better than photos can convey. Good job!

  37. Image for june june

    Wow - it is absolutely beautiful! Love that new fabric holder displaying your luncheon sets. How ironic that you released your fabric line this year and to snag such a great piece at the same time:) Love the pear with the off centered stem:) You have such an amazing creative eye.

  38. Image for Eddie malley Eddie malley

    Your dining room is lovely! Isn't it nice to "scoot" your chair up to the table without fighting a rug? Easier to clean under, also. I removed my dining room rug a while back, and don't miss it a bit. My wood floors lack your creative genius, but the room is still very warm and inviting. Down with dining room rugs and on with graceful functionality. Miss Eddie

  39. Image for Jolyn Jolyn

    I literally gasped when I saw the bolt-holder-thingy along that wall! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it, and what you've done with the room!

  40. Image for Jeanne Jeanne

    How elegant yet welcoming. The colors are fabulous. The wall color works beautifully and oh my the floor...can't wait to see how that was created.

  41. Image for Bonnie Bonnie

    I love the entire room and the changes that you made although I loved it before also. My eyes fell on the 1800's table that held fabric bolts and I thought WOW! No wonder you almost did a cartwheel. The way that you redid your floor is incredible. Your ideas amaze me every time. I know that Sherwin Williams appreciates you and the way that you bring about so much beauty in your home using their color of the year.

  42. Image for Lois Stimax Lois Stimax

    I painted my living room almost the same color two years ago and I love it!! It has so much warmth and plays well with other colors. I know you will love it long term. I also love the stained floor!!

  43. Image for Regina Regina

    You had me at the bolt-holder!!!! I'm swooning over it. Wherever did you find it?? Beautiful room! Beautiful color!!

  44. Image for Laura Putnam Laura Putnam

    Beautiful job my friend! Love the wall color, the floors, the furniture, all of it! As always, you are amazing!

  45. Image for Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    I'm starstruck! I'm in love! I can't believe how beautiful the room turned out. WOW!! Do you get the idea I really, really, like the room?? You did an amazing job! You certainly are a decorating genius!

  46. Image for Michael@CraftyDad.com Michael@CraftyDad.com

    Yowza! It's amazing. All of it. You've totally outdone yourself (as if that were even possible!). Congrats on a beautiful transformation. --Michael P.S. My wife and I just (over the weekend) painted the finished part of our basement with Sherwin Williams' "Latte" (SW6108). The room looks awesome. And we love SW paint -- the only stuff we use. : )

  47. Image for Suzy McCowen Suzy McCowen

    Oh my word! I love that color! the floor! that fabric bolt holder! Beautiful new dining room!! I love Sherwin-Williams!

  48. Image for Maureen Maureen

    We all think you are amazing! Simply beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us. On a side note, hope both of your daughters are healing up well. Happy Thanksgiving!

  49. Image for Amy Kaminski Amy Kaminski

    Love it! It sorta has the feel of old money :-) Not only do I love the wall color but the floor....and those chairs.. It all came together perfectly. Will be looking forward to all the details. You always know how to make me look at things I already have and use the in a new way. Thanks@

  50. Image for Sheila F Sheila F

    I'm loving the snuggly warmth of your elegant-eclectic-uptown-down-home-eye-candy of a new dining room! I'm partial to shades of taupe, so I knew that I'd appreciate this new color. I definetly was not disappointed! Sherwin-Williams rocks, and you ROCKED the S-W!! ?❤️

  51. Image for Patti Patti

    It's so different than I expected. I really like it! Those floors, the fabric bolt piece - everything together looks so warm and cozy. Warm & cozy is what I feel I'm lacking in my dining and family rooms. Great job! Thank you for sharing -

  52. Image for Liz Liz

    I Love this color!! And it feels like you welcomed it into your home perfectly. It pairs so well with wood, amazing well with the extra bright white trim. While it doesn't feel formal it does add elegance and comfort. I will look forward to how it handles Christmas decorations. Oh yummy, I can't wait to see!!!

  53. Image for Loryl Loryl

    I knew the room would be beautiful but OMG it's more than that its STUNNING! I love the floors and that paint color! Want to work that in my house somewhere. But the thing that makes it your room is the fabric shelf. I think it was meant to be in your home because you would love it for its past life and gave it new life in your dining room. How perfect is that!! Can't wait to see it decorated for ? ??!

  54. Image for Eilis@MyHeartLivesHere Eilis@MyHeartLivesHere

    It's gorgeous! When you said you were changing the room, I was afraid you were changing the smocked curtains. But no, if it's possible, they look even better in your new room. Love the wall color, the fabric bolt holder, the furniture, what you did with the floor, and your milk glass. Wow.

  55. Image for Brenda Brenda

    LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! It is absolutely gorgeous!!! If you ever want to get rid of your curtains, I know someone that would take them in a minute..... ME!!! They are stunning!!!

  56. Image for Lucy @ Patina Paradise Lucy @ Patina Paradise

    Just stunning! I love how the floor ties in all of the colors in the room and I thought your curtains were gold colored silk ones. I can't believe they are burlap. The new wall color actually makes them pop. I can't wait to see it all decked up for Christmas! ;o)

  57. Image for Linda Linda

    Karianne - I soooooooo love the entire room, but the floor is wonderful! I can't wait to see your post with the "how to!" The bolt holder shelves are FAB - what a find! It's the kind of piece that all of we "junk hunters" long to discover. You've a treasure there and the placement of the Fenton white grape pattern luncheon sets is eye catching. Thank you for all you share with us.

  58. Image for Leslie Leslie

    That floor! Taking my breath away. Great job warming up that great new color with the wood...and how more appropriate for the home of "Wood"!

  59. Image for Donna Donna

    Love the paint and the whole nine yards. . . ..it took real talent to do the floor. Love the cupboard. . .perfect spot.

  60. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    KariAnne, what a lovely job you have done with your dining room! It is just so beautiful! The antique fabric bolt holder is really nice! Enjoy your new room! God Bless!

  61. Image for Jane Jane

    Love, Love, Love, KariAnne! This is wonderful color...just your description makes me envision it in every room of my own. We have been using Sherwin Williams for years. Your floor is awesome! Definitely tell us how you did this you talented lady! Jane x

  62. Image for gina gina

    Absolutely gorgeous! Love the meaningful bolt holder! First my eyes caught the floors! Then the table...thought it was new! Love it ALL. Love that it tells a story. Even the wall paint tells the story of how much SW has been included in your designs and how they have forged a relationship with you, a truly talented artist. Cheers to that!

  63. Image for Brandy Brandy

    I really do love every aspect of your new dining room! All of the paint, wood stains and fabric colors are breathtaking...especially together! Oh how I would love to be a fly on the wall and watch the whole process from start to finish! If you ever need help...?. You are a Master at casting vision! ? B

  64. Image for Sue Sue

    Karianne, are you sure your not hiding a magician somewhere? This is absolutely stunning and inviting. So glad to see those curtains made the cut(love them with the new wall color). My favorite is those floors.

  65. Image for Sharon H Sharon H

    Well, Miz karianne....this is a little outa your color comfort zone...but I'm betting you will love this so much we can look forward to more! Now you're getting close to MY colors, lol. I absolutely adore that floor. When I can afford to remove my carpeting and put down the flooring I want, this may well be the finishing touch! Thanks, this one is out of the ball park.

  66. Image for Lanita Anderson Lanita Anderson

    Oh My Goodness.....I LOVE it!! What a wonderful transformation and so many great ideas! I love the "new" table and the floor, but I think my favorite is the new piece of furniture that used to display fabric!! It is wonderful and shows off your dishes splendidly!! Thanks for sharing....I know you are loving your new room! Blessings, Friend!

  67. Image for Andrea Andrea

    Such a warm and welcoming room with texture, color and that incredible fabric display piece. I used to have a drop leaf table in a dining room bay window also, and when linked with my regular table could seat 18! What a great memory and thanks for sharing your gorgeous Thanksgiving setting.

  68. Image for Angie M Angie M

    WOW! Absolutely gorgeous! The wall color is beautiful, the floor is awesome and what a fantastic find that fabric holder is! So happy to see those beautiful curtains made the cut.

  69. Image for Chris Salek Chris Salek

    Okay-I missed this post. Love it . Once again love the bolt holder, drop leaf table in the window and the floor. I really like the wood dining room chairs...I remember when you got them and posted the source...but do not remember who it was. Anyway-looks great !

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