In the late 2000s I kept a personal mom blog called Nest Bliss. I reviewed books, wrote about the house and the girls, and was even in the Wall Street Journal. These posts are from then: light, young, a mom in her late twenties. I have edited them to stand on their own.
Project 1 – Chair Rail and Paint to Define a Small Space My dining area is a really awkward space completely open to both the living room and the kitchen. It has 5 entry & doorways surrounding it – awkward to say the LEAST! I have a great table from World Market - solid wood, neutral stain, two leaves can be inserted to expand it to seat 8 when I have company. Indestructible. But I have never been able to define the area to make it feel like a dining area. I have changed out the mirror / art several times on that one little wall and the curtains in front of the sliding door without much difference. Right now I have a funky multi-colored tin tile mirror from American Signature Furniture and some linen curtains from Target . BEFORE
Well I think it worked out! I love it!
So simple - a $6 piece of 7-foot molding from Lowes was all I needed for the chair rail. To paint underneath I used a sample size of paint that I had left over from picking colors for the outside of home – only $3 if I had needed to buy it though.
I considered a funky color but thought that might draw attention to the area in an odd way instead of just being a subtle accent to define space which is what it turned into. I think this could work for so many applications and awkward spaces that need a little definition.
AFTER
TO DO THIS YOURSELF YOU NEED: Option 1 - Power Tools: Finishing Nailer and Miter Saw OR Option 2 – All Hand Tools: Miter Box and Saw; Hammer; Nail Set; Nails For Both 1 & 2 – Level; Measuring Tape; Caulk; Paint for molding; Paint for above / below molding optional. TIME - Less than 2 hours for this space. CLOSE UP
Check out all the projects in this category by clicking here . Do you have any other ideas for defining individual small spaces in an open space?