Cassie Bustamante

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My New Charcoal Gray Dining Room!

August 8, 2013 by Cassie 81 Comments

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Happy Thursday!  I don’t know about you, but this week is just flying by for me.  Next week is our last week of summer vacation and I feel like it will be over in the blink of an eye!  We have so many events going on that are also making the time pass quickly…. Sawyer’s birthday and party are tomorrow, followed by a family celebration, and next weekend is the Sweet Clover barn sale as well as my brother in law’s wedding!  Lots to do and not lots of time to do it in!  I still need to shop for school supplies, too…. waiting til the last minute much?  Um, why yes, I am.  Thank you very much.  It helps minimize the options and decisions can be made faster.

Speaking of making fast decisions, last week while I was at the beach house, I thought I would spend time on Pinterest and once and for all decide what to do with my new dining chairs.  But I just could not decide…. I sat and looked at those images from that post and more for a long time over a few days and hemmed and hawed.  Finally I thought, “I love those stripes, but they are getting in the way of my decision!  They have to go.  The room must be repainted…. CHARCOAL!  So I made a quick decision to repaint the whole room and then go from there.  I returned home Friday night, and Monday I was at Benjamin Moore purchasing my “Kendall Charcoal” in Aura matte finish.  As soon as I got home that afternoon, I went to work.  Monday and Tuesday were spent sanding the stripes, painting the walls, and also sanding repriming and repainting some of the trim. (I had primed it with a primer that was supposed to stick to anything without sanding…. yeah, about that….).  I still have made no decision on the chairs, but I am loving my dark moody dining room and clean slate!  I actually think I am digging the chairs in wood now with the dark walls, but they might eventually get painted white or a pale aqua- thoughts?  Spill.

So, when we last left, here was the dining room with the new chairs…

And come on in to see where we are today.
Peeking in from the front entry….

 The color is most accurate in this photo.  For some reason it looks a little green in some photos but it is not green.

Our antique secretary which we use as a liquor cabinet….

I moved the chalkboard which used to be opposite the window.  It now sits above where the island will be.  My neighbor will be building out island but is currently building a large well, building, to be his shop.  So that’s top priority at the moment so he has more space to build the island. 🙂

Still loving my awesome chandelier from Lamps Plus!

Lest you think this “empty corner” is empty…. It’s not.  Our dogs’ bed is there.  I would like to get a fiddle leaf fig for the opposite corner.

I moved the paintings that were at the opposite wall on either side of the window to create a small gallery… I will now be on the lookout for more sailboat or nautical paintings.  The letters I had sitting on the window but with their opposite side (which is chippy black) facing out.  I wanted the gold out to pop against the gray.

Now, bare with me as I am still working with only a 50mm fixed lens.  One of these days I will replace the kit lens which has failed me!  I snapped a couple more pictures with my phone to give you a better idea of placement on everything.  So in the left corner in the photo below is where I would like the large plant to bring in some life, balanced out by the life of the lazy dogs who sleep in the other corner. That’s feng shui, people.

And from the other side….

And just for fun, here are my kids, eating lunch as I snapped my photos.  One day this will be an island for us to sit at, but for now, we are making do.  See how Jake waits, hoping that Sawyer will lose some of his grilled PB&honey?

So what do you think?  I am pretty much in love!!!  And what do you think of the chairs?  Would you paint them?  If yes, how so?  Or would you leave them?

Well, I am off to make some M&M brownies in lieu of cupcakes for tomorrow’s party!  Have a great day!

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Comments

  1. Courtney says

    August 8, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Oh it looks ah may zing!!! Love, love it!! If the chairs were mine, I’d definitely leave them. Love the timber/charcoal combo and the fiddle leaf will fit in so nice!
    It looks very chic, very ‘Melbourne’ actually…you might have a little Aussie in you 😉

    Reply
  2. Mrs. DeVore says

    August 8, 2013 at 10:47 am

    I love it so much! It looks great with your new chairs too!

    Reply
  3. decorumdiyer says

    August 8, 2013 at 10:53 am

    It looks great. I love the darker color. A nice departure from the oh so many light grays floating around. I especially love your old, nautical/ship paintings. Ahhhh. Great job, Cassie!

    Reply
  4. [email protected] says

    August 8, 2013 at 10:59 am

    C- I really like the bold move with the dark and dramatic. I would go for even more gold, aqua and some pink in accessories to add a feminine touch. The gold lettering really stands out! That bar, too…such a cool idea. I’ll bet you had to do a ton of coats to get that dark on the walls. I know what you mean about misleading paint, too….paint with primer in it costs twice as much and works for (*^*)&%. And you get the $40 left over gallon you can’t even use. Did you ever see that house they did awhile back in Country Living with the dark grey walls and natural wood and gold frames and pink cushions, etc? Check it out, I’ll email you a link if I can find it.

    Reply
  5. Rhonda @ home.made. says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:00 am

    It is gorgeous Cassie! The color is amazing and you’ve decorated it perfectly! Swoon.

    Reply
  6. Mary says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:02 am

    It is so gorgeous Cassie! I love the touches of gold and your photos are beautiful!

    Reply
  7. [email protected] says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:04 am

    Here it is…Liz Carney, you’ll love it. Look at the dining room one…when that image came out, it was stuck in my head a long time. Makes me think of your rustic bentwood chairs!

    http://www.countryliving.com/homes/decor-ideas/decorating-ideas-for-small-spaces-1010#slide-2

    Reply
  8. Storywood Designs says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:15 am

    It’s so pretty! I adore the combination of dark colors like charcoal and navy with brass accents and dark wood furniture. I don’t think you need to change a thing about the chairs. 🙂 Have a great last week of vacation – hard to believe that summer is almost over!

    Reply
  9. Our Pinteresting Family says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:30 am

    Looks very beautiful, Cassie! I love all of the colors you have incorporated. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Carrie @ lovely etc. says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Love the color – your dining room is looking beautiful. If they were mine, I would paint the chairs. I am a big fan of a mix of natural wood and painted furniture. Not sure what color though – white or a really pale aqua would both look amazing and give some really nice contrast.

    Reply
  11. Cathy Wall says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:45 am

    What a fantastic change! LOVE the dark, moody color and frankly, love the chairs “as-is.” The gallery wall of sailboat paintings and some patterned window treatments will be enough to finish off the space.
    Enjoy the next couple of busy weeks, especially that wedding!!!

    Reply
  12. Kirby Dunton Carespodi says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:58 am

    It looks great…now that the walls are dark, I would probably give the chairs a wash of white…but other folks disagree. I suppose you’ll have time to mull it over once the kids get back to school!

    Reply
  13. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    August 8, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    Holy transformation!!!! Those walls are gooooorgeous. I really love that natural wood tone of the chairs in there. I still think I’d do the dipped feet 🙂

    Reply
  14. [email protected] says

    August 8, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    Good color choice Cassie!! Dang, I should have known from your IG! I love the gold letters against it too! xo Kristin

    Reply
  15. Renee says

    August 8, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    I love charcoal gray.The natural wood looks good or maybe aqua. While I love white as a contrast, I just keep thinking, “kids and white…hmmm.” I’m sure you’ll think of something great.

    Reply
  16. The Far Fifty says

    August 8, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    Oh wow! I really love it! What a change!

    Reply
  17. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    August 8, 2013 at 12:34 pm

    Deep, dark, moody and gorgeous! Now I do love the contrast of the dark gray and the natural wood. And the art and gold letters look amazing with that color! Very sophisticated, but in a fresh modern way – love it!

    Reply
  18. Catherine says

    August 8, 2013 at 12:34 pm

    Thanks just beautiful!! I always look at the dark colours, but chicken out when it comes down to it. And I think I love the chairs as is too 🙂

    Reply
  19. miss flibbertigibbet says

    August 8, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    Wonderful Cassie! Until you decide about the chairs you can lighten it up with a light colored runner on the table! You’ll make the right decision!

    Reply
  20. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    August 8, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    I think I’m in love. That color with the beautiful wood of your table and chairs it just gorgeous. And the light fixture ties it all together. Bravo!

    Reply
  21. Between Blue and Yellow says

    August 8, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    Love it! Really brings the room together now. I like the wood chairs with the color, might not paint them for awhile.

    Reply
  22. Starr says

    August 8, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Stunning color. I’ve been contemplating painting my daughters’ room such a color, and I think I’m all set now!

    Reply
  23. Gretchen says

    August 8, 2013 at 1:09 pm

    oh, I LOVE that gray! you see so much light gray everywhere these days, and it’s pretty and all, but it’s refreshing to see some nice deep, dark gray :). Love those nautical paintings, too!

    Reply
  24. Haley says

    August 8, 2013 at 1:12 pm

    This looks great! I’m noticing more about the room than I did with the other paint. I really like the chandelier with that wall color.

    Reply
  25. pam {simple details} says

    August 8, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    LOVE!!!!!!!!!!
    Oh my gosh, it’s so fabulous!! I’d paint the chairs a darker, rich teal for fall and winter and come spring change them up to something fun and bright, if you’d be up for that much painting! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Ann Marie @ Twice Lovely says

    August 8, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    I DO love it!!! My favorite thing is the little pops of gold against the charcoal. I think the wood on the chairs is gorgeous, and I would dip some gold feet on them. 🙂

    Reply
  27. Ann says

    August 8, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    LOVE the color! I might consider painting the chairs now – for some contrast!

    Reply
  28. 17 Perth says

    August 8, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Yes! Absolutely LOVE the charcoal! It makes such a big difference (and I loved the stripes!). I should also mention, I’m obsessed with nautical paintings! Love the paintings you have here and the gol letters!

    Reply
  29. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    August 8, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Love, Love!!! I have always loved the look of a nice, dark dining room. Yours is awesome!!

    Reply
  30. Heather SettingforFour says

    August 8, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    I love this wall color! It’s so rich and works so well with the tone of your chairs! Love your chandy too! Pinned! Heather

    Reply
  31. Megan @ Restoring the Roost says

    August 8, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    ohhhhh, I really love it! Especially with your chandelier and the artwork. It’s unexpected in a dining room but very beautiful.

    Reply
  32. sarah m. dorsey says

    August 8, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    I’m loving dark rooms recently and this looks amazing!! Agreed, I think painting the chairs lighter would be great for contrast. Now I just need to buy a home, so I can paint a room dark 🙂

    Reply
  33. Twice Nice says

    August 8, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    What a rich, beautiful color! I’m liking the wood chairs in there too. The table and chairs tie into the wooden sailing ships nicely and since they have gold frames and with your gold “eat” I think I would dip the feet in gold to match. Wonderful job Cassie!

    Reply
  34. [email protected] says

    August 8, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    Absolutely perfect!!! I’d leave the chairs until you are sure, but I’m diggin’ the idea of light aqua!!

    Reply
  35. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    August 8, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    Cassie I LOVE the charcoal in this space! I would leave the chairs their wood tone for warmth against the grey, and bring in your pops of color elsewhere…..like the frame of your chalkboard (so pretty!) The flow from the kitchen into the dining area is so awesome – the “island” is perfect there – I love how this all came out!
    PS I am doing a similar dark charcoal in my basement and l.o.v.e. it so much. We are soooooo on the same wavelength 🙂

    Reply
  36. Four Flights says

    August 8, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    It was so fun watching this come to life on Facebook as you were posting updates all weekend. It came out lovely!

    Reply
  37. Julie Workman says

    August 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    That color is fabulous! Really, it’s perfect.

    I’d leave the chairs alone. Though I would probably hit the apron and legs of the table with some pale aqua or white to break up the continuous wood between the floor, table and bench/chairs.

    Reply
  38. Carrie says

    August 8, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    Holy Moley that color is amazing! It gives such a warm, cozy feeling to the room. As for the chairs, I’d paint them to make them really pop. White or a bright color would accent the room so nicely. But the big question is… when can I come over for dinner?!

    Reply
  39. Julia Konya says

    August 8, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    Oh Cassie, you had me at the view from your entry!!! Love it so so much. Everything! And I’m kind of liking the chairs the way they are!

    Reply
  40. Alexa says

    August 8, 2013 at 4:18 pm

    Oh wow it looks amazing and love the chandelier! Such a gorgeous look!

    Reply
  41. Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says

    August 8, 2013 at 4:32 pm

    LOOOOOOOVE this color! It feels very historical now, in a great way. I just love the depth and it looks amazing with your furniture.

    Reply
  42. Jessica W says

    August 8, 2013 at 4:32 pm

    Mmmm, delicious. Love it. I’m looking to paint a wall that color. Much to my husband’s total lack of awareness, that this is what I want to do.

    Maybe when he is out 🙂

    I say leave the chairs wood!

    Reply
  43. Lisa @ Turning Tables says

    August 8, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    I love the new “moody” space!!! It looks so chic! And truthfully, I would paint the chairs. To me, if your table wasn’t wood (was painted), the chairs left wood wouldn’t bother me, but to me, next to the wood table, a light aqua (or something lighter) would look super cool.

    xo as always, whatever you decide I support and will love 😉 you really can’t go wrong (I know, I always say that 😉 :/ lol)

    Reply
  44. Ali Richardson says

    August 8, 2013 at 4:56 pm

    It looks sooooooooooo pretty! I love how rich and moody it feels. My vote is to definitely paint the chairs either white or pale aqua. With the dark wood secretary, dark wood table, and dark walls, there’s a lot of dark going on.
    Love u!!

    Reply
  45. The Painted Drawer says

    August 8, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    LOVE!!!

    Reply
  46. Kelly says

    August 8, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    Jaw on the FLOOR. I LOOOOOVE IT!!

    I thought I was going to be mad at you for painting over the stripes, but all is forgiven. This is gorgeous!

    PS: I was thinking today – “I haven’t heard from Cassie at all! I wonder why she’s been so quiet?” — then I realized it’s just that I’m so, SO far behind on my blog reading. I haven’t even read a single blog post from anyone in like a week or two!

    Reply
  47. Erin @ His and Hers says

    August 8, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    The walls look fabulous! And I agree that the wood finish on the chairs works with that color. It reminds me of the walls/natural wood trim in our den!

    Reply
  48. Pine Tree Home says

    August 8, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    Cozy! Looks wonderful. Can I come over for dinner?

    Reply
  49. Dear Emmeline says

    August 8, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    I love, I love, I love it! So stunning! I personally love the wood tone of the chairs…and guess what!?! My mom caved and let me have the set of 4 I was telling you about! Now I need to finish off our dining space!

    Reply
  50. Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says

    August 8, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    Kendall Charcoal is such a pretty grey! I love how your living room turned out…and I really like the chairs just as they are right now. (although I wouldn’t hate you if you still dipped those legs gold!)

    Reply
  51. [email protected] Chronicles of Home says

    August 8, 2013 at 7:47 pm

    It came out GREAT! And grilled PB and honey?? Why have I never thought of this??

    Reply
  52. Erin Taylor says

    August 8, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    Absolutely beautiful. I am in love with gray right now too!

    Reply
  53. cindy the cottage chick says

    August 8, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    Love the drama! I think the wood of the chairs looks awesome as is, but they’d be cute painted too 🙂 BTW, my daughter in law just got globe pendants similar to yours at West Elm (for the BHG shoot in a couple weeks!)

    Reply
  54. reFresh reStyle says

    August 8, 2013 at 9:02 pm

    You drama queen! I love it…send me a cookie 😉
    Debbie

    Reply
  55. Allison says

    August 8, 2013 at 9:56 pm

    Looks really great Cassie! Love the dark gray. It creates a nice atmosphere in that room. The gold really pops on the wall. Beautiful!

    Reply
  56. Sarah AKA The Thriftress says

    August 8, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    So pretty and dramatic! I think leave the chairs natural wood now!

    Reply
  57. Gail Wilson says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    Cassie–I LOVE the gray…. broken up by the chair rail, it’s gorgeous!!

    paint those chairs. 🙂 white? old white? glazed? whatever, they just need some paint!
    OR dark stain? gee, I’m all over the place aren’t I?

    gail

    Reply
  58. [email protected] says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    What a gorgeous dining room! I love everything about it! Especially that chandelier – fab!!

    Reply
  59. The Bold Abode says

    August 8, 2013 at 11:51 pm

    Whatever you paint them, they will pop now! Love the charcoal. It’s just fantastic, yo!

    Reply
  60. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    August 9, 2013 at 12:31 am

    I love the new paint color!! And yes, paint the chairs — aqua. 🙂
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  61. [email protected] says

    August 9, 2013 at 1:58 am

    🙂 Love it Cassie!
    and I really love how your gold letters pop against the dark grey! the color you chose is beautiful and goes very well in your dining room! 🙂 those chairs, hmmm, I love them they way they look now but I also think they would look great in dark blue (navy) !!! let’s wait and see what you will choose to do! 🙂 wish you a great weekend too! 🙂

    Reply
  62. An Inviting Home says

    August 9, 2013 at 2:46 am

    Cassie,

    The new color is great…it reminds me of my master bedroom color. Not to mention that your chandelier is amazing! 🙂 Thanks for linking up at the Inspiration Gallery.

    ~Sarah

    Reply
  63. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    August 9, 2013 at 2:49 am

    I LOVE THE WALLS….LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
    Wait a day or so and see what hits you about the chairs….but meanwhile the walls are FABULOUS!!!

    Reply
  64. Carrie from Carrie This Home says

    August 9, 2013 at 3:55 am

    I love the charcoal paint color! It’s nice to see an example of a dark wall color but still keeping a lot of natural light in. Good job!
    I’m stopping by from Inspire Me Please Blog Hop (354 How To Paint Cabinets)

    Reply
  65. Katie says

    August 9, 2013 at 11:23 am

    I love the charcoal gray look! Beautiful job!

    Reply
  66. Alison @ Rubylicious Bespoke says

    August 9, 2013 at 11:45 am

    Love love love the wall colour! So dramatic and the chairs look beautiful against it. I love colour and paint, but the walls and the warm timber of the chairs goes beautifully. Love the kids pic, but grilled pj and honey? Is that normal over there? X

    Reply
  67. [email protected] says

    August 9, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    OOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGG………..

    Reply
  68. Rita says

    August 9, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    ok, I know I’m late to the “pick a chair color” party but my vote is Duck egg blue (distressed). Final answer. 🙂

    Reply
  69. Julia @ 551Eastdesign says

    August 9, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    LOVE X 1000!!

    Reply
  70. Jenny Romaine says

    August 10, 2013 at 12:00 am

    Gorgeous!! I love it!

    Reply
  71. Jenny Romaine says

    August 10, 2013 at 12:00 am

    Gorgeous!! I love it!

    Reply
  72. Katie says

    August 11, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Love it Cassie!! The charcoal looks awesome!! You’re right, the wood chairs pair perfectly with the charcoal now!! And that picture of the kids with Jake.. too cute!

    Reply
  73. Mason Jar Love says

    August 11, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    I love it!!!! So bold and different and just perfect!

    🙂 Linda

    Reply
  74. [email protected] says

    August 12, 2013 at 12:44 am

    Kendall is my fave! I used it as an accent wall in the living room where I did the herringbone reclaimed wood on the ceiling! I’m looking around for some more walls to paint that color. Love the new dining room.

    Reply
  75. Carmel - Our Fifth House says

    August 12, 2013 at 2:42 am

    Ack! I can’t believe you painted over those stripes!! It looks amazing though – I really love that slate color. I think I’d leave the chairs the way they are – they look so good against the slate!

    Reply
  76. Beja {Howdy-Honey.com} says

    August 12, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    Heavenly! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

    Reply
  77. Good Time Charlie says

    August 15, 2013 at 2:40 am

    Covet, covet, covet. I LOVE THIS ROOM. Can I borrow it sometimes??? I love the direction this is all going. I am sharing tomorrow at my party. By the way, I have some gorgeous bent wood chairs I am featuring from a friend of mine and they are dipped!!! Check it out to go with your oh so cool charcoal walls! Good luck this weekend with all the goings on!!!

    Reply
  78. Amber Wills says

    August 15, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    I adore that color. It’s so moody and looks amazing with the wood tones in there.

    Reply
  79. Elena says

    August 15, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    FABULOUS! I love dark walls in parts of a home.

    Reply
  80. Lisa @ Trapped In North Jersey says

    August 22, 2013 at 3:31 am

    I’m late to the party, but I think this room looks fantastic, and I really love the high seas paintings with the bentwood chairs and the moody gray paint. It looks fabulous. (I think I commented on instagram but this is my first time seeing the whole room.)

    I am facing a similar dilemma in my own dining room–I want to break up all the brown of the table and the chairs and am debating painting the chairs. I say go for it 🙂

    Reply
  81. Sabrina says

    September 4, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    OMG Cassie!! I Love everything about your dining room, the color, the chairs, THAT CHANDELIER!!! So gorgeous. You did a beautiful job!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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