A Room That No Longer Sparks Joy
Walking into our newly transformed dining room never fails to bring a smile to my face. What was once a drab, uninspiring dumping ground has blossomed into a lively and colourful space—one that I now take pride in and genuinely enjoy.
For the longest time, I felt ashamed of this room. It lacked warmth and personality, and it certainly wasn’t a place where I wanted to linger over meals with friends. But everything changed when I decided to stop worrying about what others might think and instead create a space that truly reflects me.
A Bold and Playful Colour Palette
The bold Kirimiri wallpaper in Olive instantly set the tone, bringingenergy and character to the walls. Then came the electric blue sideboard, painted in Marine by Colourman Paints—a daring choice, but one that adds so much personality. It’s a little out there, a little unexpected, and completely me.
Breathing New Life into a Sentimental Table
I’m taking my time to bring the room together, adding pieces that tell a story. One of the biggest transformations was our dark oak drop-leaf dining table, a sentimental piece passed down from my grandparents. While I loved its history, the heavy, dark wood felt oppressive in the space. Instead of replacing it, I sanded it back and finished it with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Wax in white. Now, it feels lighter, fresher, and far more in tune with the way we live today.
Upcycling Chairs for a Fun, Custom Look
For the chairs, I wanted to inject more personality. I painted the dark wood in a soft grey-blue teal and reupholstered the seats using velvet fat quarter samples printed with the Kirimiri olive pattern. The mix of textures and colour has made them fun, unique, and much more inviting. While there are still a few more things I’d like to add, I love that this room is an ever-evolving project—just like us. It’s not about a quick fix but rather a process of layering and refining over time.
Making a Rental-Friendly Wallpaper Work
Because we live in a rental, I had to be mindful of the limitations when it came to wallpaper. Thankfully, I discovered a brilliant workaround thanks to The Pajaama Hub on Instagram. By applying a layer of vinyl underneath, I was able to put up wallpaper without damaging the walls.
The process is fairly straightforward, but there are a few key tips: make sure to remove all air bubbles from the vinyl, give it a light sand and clean before applying the wallpaper paste, and when it’s time to remove it, a hairdryer on low heat should help peel it away smoothly. I’ll report back when the time comes to take it down!
Designing for Myself, Not for Others
This shift in mindset—designing for my own joy rather than seeking external approval—has been incredibly freeing. While the room isn’t finished yet, I love where it’s going. And the best part? The response from friends has been overwhelmingly positive. There’s something magical about the warm evening glow from the lamps and flickering candle light that makes the space feel inviting and alive. It makes me want to entertain again, to gather people around the table, to create memories. It’s like finding that perfect dress—the one that makes you feel like a million dollars.
Have You Ever Designed a Space Just for You?
Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone to design a space that reflects you? If not, I highly recommend it. There’s something truly special about surrounding yourself with colours, textures, and pieces that bring you joy. After all, our homes should be a reflection of who we are.
Ready to bring your own space to life?
Don’t just imagine it—test it out! Ordering wallpaper samples is the easiest way to see how colours work in your home before committing. Whether you’re drawn to bold prints like Kirimiri Olive or something softer, samples let you experiment with confidence.
✨ Click here to order your samples today and start transforming your space! ✨