My dining room has been an ongoing project since the holidays. I haven’t shared true “after” photos yet because the room still feels unfinished to me. I’m more of an “in progress” person than someone who declares a space complete, so the final reveal may take a little longer.
So what keeps me from calling the room “done”?
One obvious issue is the ceiling fixture. If you’ve seen the usual corner shots of this room, look up from that perspective and you’ll see exactly what I mean — but look down in the photo for the full effect.
Behold my current dining room light: what I jokingly call the Flying Saucer Surrounded By Goblets. I turned the lights off so it wouldn’t glare in the picture.
The “flying saucer surrounded by goblets” really clashes with the old-world, cozy atmosphere I’m trying to create. It’s not the worst fixture ever — and please don’t be upset if you have something similar — but it simply doesn’t inspire me. I need a change that better suits my style.
{And yes, finishing the remaining band of paint around the room would help pull everything together as well.}
Recently I was invited by Apartment Guide to take part in their New Year New Space Challenge. I enjoy a good challenge, and Apartment Guide is a useful resource for making the most of any home, regardless of size or location.
As part of the challenge I was offered the chance to pick up something new to inspire me for the year ahead. You don’t have to ask me twice to get inspired by a gift card—I’m all in!
After some thought, I knew what I wanted: a distinctive lantern to replace my current dining room fixture. I’m trying to move beyond the predictable builder-grade light and find something with more character and an old-world feel that will age well with the house.
I’ve always loved the quirky, slightly worn lanterns and chandeliers that give older homes personality, and I’m excited to create that sense of history here.
Before I left for a conference, I asked my friend Holly to help me hunt for the right vintage-style fixture because she has excellent taste. She found a lovely option from Wisteria that caught my eye — it’s got just the right hint of old-world style and personality for the space.
I think I love it. It feels unique and suits the mood I’m aiming for. I can picture it hanging over the dining table and giving the room the atmosphere it’s been missing.
Because I like to consider options, there’s another contender I’m smitten with: a simpler lantern-style fixture from Pottery Barn. It’s less ornate but still makes a strong statement and would look lovely above the table.
So I’m torn. Which lantern do you think would work best in the room?
I’m thrilled about the possibility of an amazing new light fixture. Whichever one I choose, I’m confident it will bring the room closer to feeling like home.
making a statement
Sometimes all it takes is one brave but simple change in a room to make a big difference.
I’ll share “after” photos once the new fixture is installed, but in the meantime, would you like the chance to win a $100 gift card? What would inspire you at home this year — a refreshed office corner, a new command center, a fresh coat of paint, or updated tableware? Imagine what a $100 AmEx gift card could do to create a small but meaningful change in your space.
There are up to three ways to enter this giveaway. One random winner will be chosen.
1. Leave a comment here telling me what new space you’d create with a $100 AmEx gift card, and tell me which lantern I should choose and why.
2. “Like” Apartment Guide on Facebook and leave a comment on this post saying you liked it.
3. Tweet about the new space you’d like to create, including @aptguide @theinspiredroom and the hashtag #newspace to enter.
Easy enough? Thanks for your help!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
PS — I’ll announce the previous giveaway winners this week. Sorry for the delay while I was at the conference; I’m excited to get back into my regular blogging routine.
Apartment Guide is owned by Consumer Source, Inc. Apartment Guide teamed up with bloggers to participate in its New Year, New Space Blogger Challenge. As part of that program, I received compensation. Apartment Guide did not dictate what to purchase or what to say about products I used for the challenge. Consumer Source supports blogger independence and adheres to industry ethics and disclosure guidelines.