When Ania sent us the beautiful after photos—taken after we helped her with a mood board last month—we couldn’t wait to share the transformation. Before-and-after projects are some of the most satisfying home design stories to showcase, and Ania’s living and dining room makeover is a perfect example of thoughtful styling and smart choices. Her note to us said it all:
Here are a few after pictures that I took for you! Needless to say, we LOVE our new living and dining room area. I can’t believe I ever had doubts about the bentwood chairs or the media stand. They are honestly my favorite items that we purchased. We L-O-V-E everything. From the frame collage to the chandelier to the sofa table… everything! Thank you soooooo much for the design advice. It feels like a completely transformed space and we love to spend time here. Amazing! You two truly have a gift. You will definitely be hearing from me again. Oh man do I have some more ugly rooms for you! Best, Ania
To refresh your memory, here are the before photos of the space that motivated the redesign. The original room felt a bit boxy and overly matchy, so the brief was to open things up and add beachy, modern, and slightly glamorous touches while keeping the layout comfortable for everyday life.
Ania wanted furnishings with softer lines and a breezier aesthetic—pieces that would let the room breathe while adding personality. To support that vision, we developed a mood board focused on coastal-inspired neutrals, layered textures, and statement lighting to elevate both the living and dining areas. The intent was to pair practical furniture with a few standout accents that would read as curated rather than fussy.
But enough about planning—let’s talk results. The after photos show a room that feels polished and lived-in all at once. The bentwood chairs and the chosen media stand softened the space and introduced the organic curves Ania longed for. A new white pedestal table anchors the breakfast nook, topped by a capiz chandelier that brings a light, reflective glamour to the dining area. Those two pieces together create a focal point that feels at once elegant and effortlessly coastal.
The window treatments were another big win. Replacing the temporary coverings with medallion-patterned curtains added pattern and personality without overwhelming the room. They frame the windows beautifully and coordinate with the rest of the palette, creating a cohesive, inviting environment. The curtains also help control light while keeping the breezy, airy feeling that was central to the design brief.
One of the most charming elements is the L-shaped gallery wall of frames. Ania embraced the idea and executed it with confidence, arranging artwork and photos in a way that enhances the room’s flow and adds a layer of collected charm. The gallery wall balances the open feel of the layout while giving the eye a compelling path to follow across the main living wall.
Other details—like a thoughtfully chosen sofa table, a curated frame collage, and carefully layered accessories—helped complete the look. Each piece contributes to a refined, welcoming space that’s also practical for everyday living. The result is a living and dining area that feels like a destination in the home: stylish, comfortable, and full of personality.
We’re always thrilled when a design concept translates so well in real life. Ania’s space had great bones to begin with, but the combination of softer furniture silhouettes, the right lighting, and curated accessories brought everything together. It’s inspiring to see a room transformed into a place where people want to gather, relax, and enjoy their home.
Please join us in congratulating Ania on a fantastic job—she took the guidance and made it her own. We hope her transformation encourages others to experiment with texture, shape, and scale when planning their own living and dining room refreshes. And we look forward to sharing more before-and-after inspiration as readers send in their projects.
Update: We no longer take on client-commissioned mood boards, but we continue to create general inspiration boards to help readers bring fresh ideas to their own homes. If this policy changes, we’ll make an announcement.