Calico does it again! When we moved into our home two years ago, our gray, minimalist dining room lacked warmth and personality. With the magic of Calico and MMDH Studio’s design expertise, this space underwent a bold transformation.
Room Details:
Design: Calico c/o + MMDH.Studio, Rifle Paper Wallpaper from Calico, Chairs Fabric from Calico, Tablecloth Fabric from Calico, Striped Rug
From colorful wallpaper and textured drapes to reupholstered chairs and a patterned tablecloth, our once-drab dining room is now a whimsical oasis—and easily my favorite room in the house! Here’s how we brought it to life with the help of Calico.
Calico is the best of both worlds too! A one stop design shop for those working without a designer, and also a resource for trade professionals if working with an interior designer. I’ve personally capitalized on both.
details: cabbage bowls (old but similar here) // napkins c/o Coco Challa
BEFORE
Now let’s take a quick look at the before!
ONE // Bold Walls
I felt nervous about pairing the floral print wallpaper with our existing drapes—friends and family were skeptical too—but that’s the beauty of working with a designer. They push you outside your comfort zone in the best way!
This Rifle Paper Co. floral wallpaper instantly breathes life into this space. I always love Calico’s curated wallpaper selections, and this one is no exception! The navy botanical print creates this whole moody and dramatic vibe. Makes every meal feel like an experience. Especially when the candles are lit!
TWO // Layer with Textured Drapes
Speaking of drapes, we repurposed our custom ones from our previous dining room (also a Calico creation). This fabric was originally intended for furniture, but we used it for curtains to add rich texture and soften the room. The result? A cozy, elegant feel that perfectly complements the bold wallpaper.
THREE // Rainbow Seating
Every time I reupholster something with Calico I can’t believe my eyes! These bamboo chairs were such a hidden gem I dedicated an entire post to them! How are they the same chairs?! Melissa and I nearly gasped when we discovered the perfect fabric for them at Calico’s design room. Now, they add the perfect pop of color and personality. They also get used for Mahjong night and my summer goal is to pop them outside for a pool side dinner party 🙂
FOUR // Dress Up the Table
The patterned tablecloth was the finishing touch that brought everything together. Mixing patterns can feel intimidating, but thanks to Melissa and Calico, the combination just works. Since our table is square, a custom tablecloth was a must to ensure the perfect fit. Fun fact: this pattern is the same one we used in our previous home’s breakfast nook—just in a different color scheme!
FIVE // Final Touches
To complete the transformation, we layered in fresh and dried flowers, cabbage dinnerware, art, cloth napkins, and of course—our famous captain painting!
These beautiful cloth napkins are from a new local company – Coco Challa – and I’m OBSESSED with her colorful prints and products. Definitelly check them out.
PRO TIP: I originally wanted to put in sconces but didn’t feel like dealing with electrical. So Melissa suggested candle sconces. They give the same aesthetic and add a cool factor when lit up! Saved a fortune too.
Next Steps
It’s amazing how fabric and wallpaper can turn a once-plain dining room into a bold, joyful retreat. We had so much fun hosting Christmas dinner in here and I’m already planning a dinner party to break it in even more!.
Feeling inspired to refresh your space? Head to your nearest Calico and get started on your own colorful makeover.
As for Melissa – our interior designer who designed our dining room {and now several of my beautiful friends homes too}, she is offering in person design packages for probably the last time EVER. She has built such a clutch in-person client base, she is moving forward with virtual sessions only. So if you want to capitalize on her in person visits (she always drops golden nuggets of advice beyond what you pay for when physically in your home) – now is the time to jump on this opportunity! You can get a One Time Design Consult Package and/or Ongoing Design Consult Package. Ends in March. Eeeek!
A HUGE thank you Gretchen Kelley of GKP Interiors for capturing these photos.
Calico – thank you for sponsoring this post! I just adore how you turn our home into this colorful, vibrant space that I know will inspire my children for a lifetime. Easiest one stop shop for creating your dream home.
Melissa – you are one of the best things that’s happened to me! You have changed my entire trajectory of what makes a home a home and how taking risks is always worth it.
