The boldest color we’ve ever painted on a wall is Martha Stewart’s Plumage, which we used throughout our guest room walls. We fell in love with that shade instantly, so when Jackie sent photos of her dining room makeover—featuring a generous amount of Plumage—we were excited to see how she used it. Here’s her note to us:
“When we moved into this house, the dining room began life with only a table and a bamboo armoire. We didn’t even have dining chairs at first.
Over the last six months I made it a priority to finish this room before the holidays. The space is full of DIY projects, including silhouette artwork, board-and-batten walls, mercury glass vases, a jute-wrapped monogram, and my favorite piece: a DIY linear crystal chandelier.
After sewing slipcovers for the head chairs from tablecloths, I used your dyeing tutorial to achieve a coordinating color for the side chairs. It took two attempts to get the hue right, but reading your story encouraged me to try again until I was happy with the result.
I’ve documented all the dining room DIY projects on my blog, Teal & Lime (I really do like other colors too). Thank you for the ongoing inspiration and openness—watching you transform your own home has been a real motivator.” — Jackie
It isn’t hard to see why we adore Jackie’s teal-and-lime palette combined with Plumage accents. The room feels cohesive, personal, and playful, with thoughtful handmade touches that elevate the whole space. The silhouettes mixed with the curvy wood mirror create an appealing contrast between clean graphic shapes and soft, organic lines. The board-and-batten treatment adds classic architectural interest without feeling heavy, and the slipcovers—made from repurposed tablecloths—are a clever, cost-effective way to refresh seating.
What’s particularly inspiring is how many elements were created by hand. The DIY linear crystal chandelier is an imaginative centerpiece that brings subtle glamour without overpowering the room. The mercury glass vases and the jute-wrapped monogram add layered textures and finishes that keep the palette from feeling flat. Small, intentional details like these make a room feel collected and meaningful rather than showroom-perfect.
Jackie’s process also highlights an encouraging truth about decorating: experimentation is part of the journey. She didn’t get the chair color exactly right the first time, but she didn’t let that stop her. Instead she adjusted, re-dyed, and ultimately achieved a shade that complements the Plumage and ties the scheme together. That kind of persistence is what turns a collection of ideas into a finished space you love.
We love hearing about readers’ projects because they remind us that great design often comes from resourcefulness and personal touches, not just big budgets. Jackie’s dining room demonstrates how mixing painted walls, DIY light fixtures, handmade textiles, and eclectic accessories can create a room that’s both inviting and distinctly yours.
So, what’s your favorite detail in Jackie’s room? For me, it’s the dapper dog silhouette—such a charming, unexpected accent. Sherry’s pick is the curvy wood mirror, with the chandelier a close second. Whatever detail you gravitate toward, Jackie’s renovation is a wonderful example of thoughtful, hands-on design that balances bold color with approachable DIY charm. Thanks for sharing, Jackie—we’re inspired and hungry to see what you tackle next. And yes, we’ll be glad to come for dinner.