{Before and After} DIY Living Room and Dining Room Decor Makeover Progress

Just a few more projects in the living and dining rooms, and the decor will be done on the makeover at our second home in Arizona.

French Country shabby chic dining room and European inspired kitchen by Hello Lovely Studio

{affiliate links follow and using them won’t cost you extra yet may earn me a small commission.}

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Decor Makeover Progress

I recently shared the decorating progress of our

kitchen

master bedroom

and

guestrooms,

and you’ll definitely notice I’m showing you

just half of the living room today since the

other half is empty and waiting for us to

give it some love and furnish it!

Why is it taking so long?

We have a low low budget, plus,

we can only get to the project when we can

find vacation time to get away!

Affiliate links follow for decor

items or similar decor items

we incorporated.

I haven’t shown you the exterior of the

charming Mediterranean style cottage with

its clay room and grey shutters, so here it is:

Exterior of our Arizona vacation house

And here is one of the marketing pics of

the living/dining/kitchen to give you an idea

of wall colors and decor when we bought it.

B E F O R E

The first thing we did in the dining room

was change the light fixture to

a dark bronze chandelier,

adding a similar one to the music room.

Shabby chic white cane back dining chairs and table by Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

We painted the green walls a creamy white

(Valspar – Salute), and then I searched

Craigslist for a vintage dining set with a French feel.

This cane back dining chair from Shabby Chic

has a similar feel.

Shabby chic white dining room set with cane back chairs by Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

It was love at first sight when I found this

set, although it was a yellow color, and the

chair fabric was all wrong.

French Country shabby chic style dining room and breakfast bar by Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

I mixed up my own plaster-paint mixture

with a couple of different whites and light greys

and did a light dry brushing over the yellow.

Shabby Chic Couture linen fabric covered dining chairs on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

My dad covered the round seats with

three different linens designed by

Rachel Ashwell at Shabby Chic Couture.

Our favorite is this linen damask fabric.

I liked the idea of mixing fabrics for

a more casual, less fussy feel in here.

Shabby Chic Couture blue and white linen fabric on dining chair on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio – fabric on chair here

(above) I love the details on the legs.

White French Country and Shabby Chic dining room on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

I’m thrilled with how making over this dining

set helped set a tone in here–very Paris

apartment meets shabby chic.

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

My husband made the industrial style

curtain rod from plumbing supplies,

and I hung simple billowy white

panels on pewter rings.

Beautiful serene shabby chic dining room with cane back chairs by Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

I am on the hunt for the right rug in here.

Shabby chic white cane back dining chair with linen fabric seat by Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

And I would love to see the table

set for an actual meal!

French Country shabby chic white dining room by Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

Some plaster roses I’m having fun making.

White plaster roses on linen cloth by Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

The empty inspiration board on the wall here?

A dumpster find…I kid you not.

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Dining Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

Since I’m far away from our Chicagoland home,

I have very little “stuff” to play with,

so what you’re seeing are some botanical

prints and watercolors I had lying around.

Linen inspiration board with botanical prints and handmade art by Hello Lovely Studio
My Inspiration Board – Hello Lovely Studio

I filled in some gaps on board by making some

flowers and letters from vintage bookpages.

Inspiration board by Hello Lovely Studio
My Framed Inspiration Board – Hello Lovely Studio
B E F O R E

We obviously painted the living room

in the same Valspar Salute color

since it’s an open concept.

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

We bought two Ikea Ektorp sofas right away,
and Bemz invited me to choose fabric for
custom slipcovers for the sofas.

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

I chose a Belgian linen, and the Bemz covers are
just perfect for the calm, European-inspired,
casual, beachy feel we wanted.
No fuss, nothing precious, and so
luxuriously sumptuous!

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

I commissioned my aunt to sew custom accent pillows,
repeating those Shabby Chic Couture linen fabrics
from the dining room chairs in here.

I also added a natural and soft jute area rug
to warm up the tile floor.

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

Not sure these will stay forever, but since
our budget is tiiiiiiiight, I found two Midcentury
vintage chairs from a thrift store, painted them
with Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, and
recovered them in a Shabby Chic Couture 
linen
with a beautiful floral pattern with
a subdued chambray blue color.
Similar fabric here.

The little side table is a $3 Goodwill vintage find
I painted white, and I like it’s cane detail on top.

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio – similar chair fabric
B E F O R E
Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

It doesn’t feel done or very personal yet,
but it’s really coming along!

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

For now, I placed silver adjustable pharmacy lamps
for reading since I didn’t want cluttery tables
(and couldn’t afford any cluttery tables!).

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

Before we moved in, the living room
was very Southwest style and masculine…

B E F O R E

And now it is quiet, comfy, and simple.

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

I will be hanging these Loretta Lux
“imaginary portraits” in the entry area soon.
They will probably go on white wood shelves
in the niche rather than being directly nailed
to the wall…I have discovered the look of
art leaning on shelves is one I prefer,
maybe since I’m always changing it up!

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

Books: Shabby Chic
Betsy Eby

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

Check out these pillows designed
by Rachel Ashwell as well.

Serene neutral living and dining room decor DIY makeover on Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio
Beautiful shabby chic style dining set with linen covered chairs by Hello Lovely Studio
DIY Shabby Chic Living Room Makeover by Hello Lovely Studio

Thanks for reading our renovation adventures,
and stay tuned for updates on our Chicagoland house soon!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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15 Comments

  1. August 30, 2017 / 3:00 pm

    Wow what a difference Michele! It's so you!!! All it needs is more of your artwork and it will be personal ?

    • August 30, 2017 / 4:34 pm

      thanks, holly. i hope you're right! 🙂

    • August 30, 2017 / 4:35 pm

      thanks for stopping, mary ann! 🙂

  2. September 2, 2017 / 7:44 pm

    It's really coming along beautifully! How did you mix up the paint so it would be "plastery"? Thanks!

    • September 3, 2017 / 5:45 am

      A few tablespoons of plaster mixed into about a cup of matte or flat paint to give it a chalkier texture. 🙂

  3. Melaina
    June 13, 2018 / 12:26 pm

    Can you share a source for the dark bronze chandelier?

    • michele
      Author
      June 13, 2018 / 1:11 pm

      Sure! The large chandelier we put in the dining room is possibly discontinued and hard to find now, so you might want to snag this one: http://fxo.co/5i0M The smaller version we put in the piano room is here: https://amzn.to/2y8E6F1. Please use these links to support my blog at no extra cost to you! 🙂

  4. December 5, 2018 / 6:36 am

    What an amazing transformation! Thanks so much for sharing!

  5. Jean M Adams
    June 14, 2020 / 6:28 pm

    I have almost exactly the same table and chairs that I chalk painted except for the tabletop because I was afraid it would not hold up. How did you paint the top? Your house is amazing!

    • Michele
      Author
      June 14, 2020 / 11:50 pm

      Thanks – so cool! I miss that dining set – it was so amazing, and I sold it to the buyer of our home (with almost piece of furniture and decor!). I waxed the top with a creamy wax, and I never owned it long enough to know if I would need to re-apply it.

  6. Ann
    April 28, 2021 / 11:16 am

    Hi Michele! Needed some CALM this morning, so decided to “visit” AGAIN..don’t know how I missed this Glorious transformation! WOW! How would you describe this Valspar Salute paint color? On screen it looks like such a calm, warm off-white- Beautiful! I am bit confused though regarding the paint colors – I thought you used BM White sand throughout your Gorgeous home? Did you paint over the Valspar Salute? You have such an eye for color..tones..shades.. God Bless! I need your advice for my own home

    • Michele
      Author
      April 28, 2021 / 4:31 pm

      I actually used Valspar Salute throughout our second home in Arizona (we have since sold it). It was the perfect creamy white since the Southwest sunlight was so strong and yellow and worked well with the green undertones in the paint. So it would look entirely different with Northern exposure or in a different part of the country. BM White Sand is what I used throughout our prior French country home – never tired of it and we had incredible natural light streaming in so it didn’t feel too tan. Thanks for the kind words about my eye for paint color – I have ALWAYS helped people pick out colors and decor for their homes – long before blogs existed. I think I’m extra sensitive and understand relationships between emotion, color, energy from objects, light, and psychology (I’m a licensed counselor). I’m always happy to help so come with your questions and concerns. 🙂

      • Ann
        April 29, 2021 / 3:55 pm

        Thank You so much, Michele! You truly are an Amazing individual! I really am torn between a few colors and maybe just need a second opinion from someone who actually knows and can see shades, tones, colors clearly ( my husband seems to only be able to see primary colors and is happy with anything slapped on a wall…ugh..I shall email you then. Thank YOU Michele!

        • Michele
          Author
          April 29, 2021 / 10:18 pm

          I hear you. Got your email and will get back to you shortly – a busy week indeed, and this girl needs the weekend! 🙂

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing