Bobby’s Eclectic Traditional Design: Balancing Classic And Contemporary In The Dining Room And Entry

If you love a good before and after (and who doesn’t?), you’re in luck. We have even more rooms – with exciting new looks – to share from our latest design project. And for today, we’re bringing you the welcoming space that first greets you and a classic but casual room made for meals. So get ready to see all the details behind the design of the dining room and entry.

We’re breaking down how we used color, pattern, and texture to enhance the dining room and entry (and, of course, all the dramatic before and afters – plus shoppable products.) Keep scrolling to see it all!

And in case you missed it, check out the design details from the Living Room, Primary Bedroom & Bathroom. and Kitchen & Breakfast Nook.

DINING ROOM: BEFORE & AFTER

Behind The Design 

This dining room was truly the definition of traditional when we first laid eyes on it. From the chair rial to the decorative moldings to the brass chandelier, it felt totally formal. Thus our goal was to add a more laid-back and modern look while retaining some of the traditional touches. The beautiful baseboards and crown molding weren’t going anywhere, in fact, we added white wainscotting (the white wood panels with molding) to further enhance those elements. A tonal blue/green forest scene wallpaper was brought in to contrast with the white woodwork, and to bridge the gap between contemporary and classical. A reclaimed pine table adds a rustic nod, paired with black and cane chairs and a pair of linen skirted armchairs for the ends. A graphic touch comes courtesy of the ebony-stained sideboard and dramatic abstract art above it. And for a real statement – with plenty of shine – we brought in a sculptural chandelier that also ties together the brass curtain rods and slender buffet-style table lamps.  It all comes together as a space that works for just about any occasion, balancing the best of polished with plenty of relaxed charm.

Want to shop the space? Keep scrolling to see all the products we used.

1. Deco Handle Tray | 2. Brass Medium Mobile Chandelier | 3. Lagoon Wallpaper | 4. Flint Linen Arm Chair | 5. Stoneware Dinner Plate | 6. Ribbed Double Old-Fashioned Glass | 7. Charcoal Sideboard | 8. Sculpture I & II Prints | 9. Brass Buffet Table Lamp | 10. Stone Washed Linen Napkin – Set of 4 | 11. Reclaimed Pine Dining Table | 12. Large White Planter | 13. Fluted Glass Vase | 14. Tall Soapstone Taper Candle Holder | 15. Short Soapstone Taper Candle Holder | 16. Grey Area Rug | 17. Black Cane Chair 

ENTRY: BEFORE & AFTER

Behind The Design 

There wasn’t a whole lot to be done when it came to the entryway of this home. But a fresh coat of paint and some well-chosen pieces certainly did wonders to make this space more exciting. A 48″ brass frame mirror serves as the anchoring element (and place to check your outfit on the way out the door), while a woven bench with an upholstered cushion brings in a natural texture. Soothing abstract art and a patterned runner continue the color palette of blissful blues and greens used throughout the house, while a new brass flush mount light fixture adds a classic element. A pair of pillows and a potted tree finish things off – making this area as fashionable as it is functional.

1. Light Blue Patterned Runner | 2. Infinity Brass Round Mirror | 3. Sandscape 1 Framed Print | 4. Linen Check Pillow (similar) | 5. Linen Lumbar Throw Pillow (similar) | 6. Antique Brass Flush Mount Light | 7. Large White Pattern Planter | 8. Rattan Upholstered Bench