This is an “after” photo of our recently remodeled 1950’s beach cottage dining room.
Here’s what it looked like before, right after we bought the house.
I wanted the window removed to have a feature wall.
Plus, we live so close to each other on Lido Isle, you looked right into the neighbor’s front door.
The low opening to the dining room was slightly arched to raise it. The door to the kitchen on the left was removed so that we could have a walk-in pantry (see here) on the other side.
Where the door used to be we created a small alcove.
The alcove now houses a Napoleon III marble topped bookcase and an
oil painting that we bought in Paris.
Also, displayed is a painting that I love done by my cousin,
Janice of the apartment where we lived in Paris. 
The Louis Philippe commode above (behind the loveseat)
is in our current living room featured here.
My mother gave us the antique sconces that I had refurbished.
They are sentimental as I remember them from my childhood hanging over the
living room mantel and later in the dining room. 
We moved the peak of the ceiling to center it more in the middle of the room and added a tongue and groove wood treatment. The iron chandelier is from Circa Lighting by Suzanne Kasler.
I hand applied some gold to the quatrefoil design and added candle wax covers. 
The original watercolor and ink shell engravings are from the antique book
“Conchology, the Natural History of Shells” by George Perry, London, 1811.
We have dinner here most nights. I shouldn’t admit this but you can eat here
and also watch the television in the living room. Anyone else watch television during dinner?
Have a seat and join us for dinner! I’ll turn off the television.
Best Wishes,
Mary Ann
Kathysue says
January 21, 2011 at 6:38 amWhat an inviting dining room Mary Ann, I love that you have special family pieces in your home, so lovely and sentimental,Kathysue
Sarah @ Modern Country Style says
January 21, 2011 at 9:49 amI'd love to join you for dinner tonight. Does six ish sound okay….?
🙂
What gorgeous things you have. You must have shipped back masses of stuff from Paris. I'm drooling! I love the architectural tweaks you gave the room. It's created such a gorgeous new look.
Sarahx
Tammy@beatrice banks says
January 21, 2011 at 12:21 pmAnother beautiful room post! Your remodeling is amazing and your decor is simply timeless. Love it!
Fran says
January 21, 2011 at 12:51 pmMary Ann, it's beautiful! I especially love your alcove and all your antique furnishings! An apt in Paris? How lovely……
designchic says
January 21, 2011 at 12:52 pmMary Ann, I'm available anytime…it just looks fabulous!! Love the way you redid the ceiling with the tongue and groove paneling…the perfect beach touch!!
CalypsoInTheCountry says
January 21, 2011 at 1:30 pmMany Ann – I love your dining room – and that feature wall is beautiful! I love the idea of closing off those windows. The ceiling is gorgeous too! What a classic room!
Sarah at Finishing Touch Interiors says
January 21, 2011 at 1:56 pmIts gorgeous, love that iron chandelier & the paneled ceiling really changes the sense of the room, timeless classic!
Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle says
January 21, 2011 at 2:27 pmJust beautiful. I love the finishing touches like the added gold on the lighting. It's always the finishing touches that make a room special.
jeanette from everton terrace says
January 21, 2011 at 2:55 pmStunning, simply stunning. I love everything about it. I have shells around my house too, on shelves and in jars, which might be funny considering I live in the desert. I love the green shade of those pillows, they add just the right pop of color in your elegant dining room.
We are not big TV watchers and cannot see it from where we eat, we play cribbage during dinner 🙂
Biz says
January 21, 2011 at 3:03 pmStopping by thanks to Suzanne at Privet & Holly.
Let me just say I love your home!
It's stunning!
Biz
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
January 21, 2011 at 3:31 pmGorgeous. Love it all. You have turned it into such a stunning place. Hugs, Marty
Julie says
January 21, 2011 at 4:37 pmIt's a great transformation Mary Ann congratulations.
Maya @ Completely Coastal says
January 21, 2011 at 9:44 pmThis is certainly one example where getting rid of a window was THE thing to do!!! Great room!! Love the ceiling, the table and the mirror/shell pictures focal point.
classic • casual • home says
January 21, 2011 at 10:30 pmThanks, everyone. We were in Paris for two years for my husband's work and shipped a container back of our belongings (even wine)…this was 10 years ago when the exchange rate was better 🙂
Mary Ann
Staci Edwards says
January 21, 2011 at 10:52 pmWhat a wonderful space Mary Ann!
{thanks again for the stylish blogger award, I mentioned it yesterday}
Happy weekend!
SHERRY HART says
January 21, 2011 at 11:26 pmBe right over…what's cooking? Fabulous…love that you added that touch of gold to the light fixture. Just picked out some Suzanne Kasler sconces for a client bathroom redo…it was hard to choose they are all so wonderful! .
Seagrass Interiors says
January 22, 2011 at 12:43 amIt's beautiful!!!!! Love that tongue and groove ceiling. And I have been known to enjoy a dinner or two a la TV too. : )
Melissa
Laura Ingalls Gunn says
January 22, 2011 at 2:25 amNow this post is full of true pink perfection! So very lovely.
We did a whole flea market booth of pink accents.
Come take a peek:
http://metislinens.blogspot.com
Have a wonderful weekend!
Amy R. says
January 22, 2011 at 2:20 pmThis is a beautiful before and after! I love everything about it! You have wonderful taste. You need to submit this to a publication.
xo
Amy R.
Sally Lee by the Sea says
January 22, 2011 at 7:51 pmI love your timeless designing – just beautiful. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.
vignette design says
January 23, 2011 at 2:25 amLove your blog! Your dining room is so beauiful–really! ~Delores
CailinMarie says
January 23, 2011 at 2:44 amThanks so much for stopping by my blog.
WOW! This is beautiful. What wonderful changes and what amazing pieces you have. And to have *lived* in Paris! I studied there for 2 months in college and it was such a fabulous experience.
Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage says
January 23, 2011 at 3:40 amHi Mary Ann,
Thank you for stopping by. Very nice dining room and I love the mirror!
Blessings,
Sandi
Lacey from Weekends at Home says
January 23, 2011 at 4:57 pmLooks great and you can't beat the location. I love the painting your cousin did. What a great souvenir of your time there.
paula says
January 23, 2011 at 6:31 pmwow, how beautiful. love the addition of the arch.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting says
January 23, 2011 at 7:51 pmYou have done an amazing job created a classic space. I am a new follower and will be reading some of your old posts so that I can catch up.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
simpledaisy says
January 23, 2011 at 8:49 pmOh my gosh…it's beautiful!! Great job:)
Chic 'n Cheap Living says
January 24, 2011 at 3:36 amSplendid job! I love the shape, the chandelier, and the mirror (oh my I need that mirror – where is it from?)
p.s. I'd LOVE to visit my best friend in Irvine again but it probably won't be until next year. We're traveling a ton this year – Mexico, Italy, back to NYC so vacation days are really running out!
Sherrie says
January 24, 2011 at 3:39 amPlease do not turn off the tv on my account. Yes I have to admit that we are watching TV to at the litchen table, oh well at least we are all sitting together. That was a good idea removing the window, and I love the alcove. Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit. So nice to have met you.
Flourishing Networks says
January 24, 2011 at 3:39 amWow this is amazing. I love the mirror:)
Nancy says
January 24, 2011 at 6:03 amI love seeing the "before and after" photos – you really did an amazing amount of work that paid off beautifully. I can't decide what part I like best.. heck I love all of it!!
I know who I am going to have re design my house when the time comes!!
Sarah @ Modern Country Style says
January 24, 2011 at 12:30 pmI had a look at your kitchen and it's gorgeous. You're right…I LOVE the colours you've used. Yummmmmmmmy!
Sarahx
pk @ Room Remix says
January 24, 2011 at 2:54 pmThe alcove is a great addition to the space. the room is so pretty and I like the pop of color with the green pillows. Yes – guilty of the tv watching 🙂
Terry says
January 24, 2011 at 5:26 pmThe quality of your style is so upscale yet approachable and livable! It's truly beautiful and i can't wait to see more changes in this home.
Angie@Echoes of Laughter says
January 24, 2011 at 5:51 pmThat is a seriously gorgeous room! I love the light fixture and the table…just perfect for the room! Have a great Monday! Angie xo
Andrea says
January 24, 2011 at 7:56 pmI love everything about this room. Beautiful yet comfortable!
Mademoiselle Poirot says
January 24, 2011 at 9:30 pmGreat job, a beautiful, light and inviting room. Love from London xo
Ashly@Moon Walk says
January 24, 2011 at 11:13 pmwow! You put in a lot of work. It looks great!
Vicki says
January 24, 2011 at 11:16 pmI love the dining room re-do. Great idea for the niche, the arch AND I love the pop of green on the pillows. Thanks for stopping by curlywillowdiy.blogspot.com I will be keeping in touch!
Linda@Coastal Charm says
January 25, 2011 at 12:48 amMary Ann,
I just love what you have done here…beautiful dining chairs and outstanding tablescape.
Blessings,
Linda
Marianne - Style For Living says
January 25, 2011 at 5:40 amLove the transformation! Such a beautiful space. By the way, I can see my tv from the dining room too!
Blondie's Journal says
January 25, 2011 at 11:41 amYou did a wonderful job with the window…and I love the vaulted ceiling. Your chandelier caught my eye…it's perfect for your beach decor! Nicely done!
XO,
Jane
Martha says
January 25, 2011 at 11:57 amQuite a transformation! You have some lovely things!
Pat says
January 25, 2011 at 1:52 pmFabulous makeover!!
Ricki Jill Treleaven says
January 25, 2011 at 5:12 pmThanks so much for visiting my blog and commenting on my daughter's room re-do. She has loved all the comments!
And…wuh!!!! Your dining room is GORGEOUS! I love the ceiling, and your accessories are so unique. Your cousin's interior painting is so pretty. I love painting interiors! Great room!
xoxoxo,
Ricki Jill
Moogie says
January 25, 2011 at 5:28 pmLovely. I love peering into beautiful homes. I'm your newest follower. http://moogieland.blogspot.com/
Popcorn Served Daily says
January 25, 2011 at 6:06 pmDinner? I'll bring the popcorn!
Lovely, all very lovely.
Teresa at Splendid Sass says
January 25, 2011 at 6:41 pmMary Ann,
I love your dining room! What a difference. The sconces and the commode are beautiful.
Hope your week is going well.
Teresa
xoxo
Kathy says
January 25, 2011 at 8:18 pmThis is quite fantastic – love the structural changes and the decor! Love every detail,
Kathy
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
January 25, 2011 at 9:36 pmYour dining room is stunning. Love the mirror vignette and love the window gone. Everything is gorgeous. Your tablescape is perfect. Truly lovely. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Chic Coastal Living says
January 25, 2011 at 11:37 pmGorgeous dining room! I love it! I'm really loving the slipcovered chairs!
Love of the Sea says
January 26, 2011 at 3:33 amWow – it came out great. And I do love the alcove where the door used to be. That really looks very nice.
Porchlight Interiors says
January 26, 2011 at 8:45 amWow, that looks fabulous…beautiful job! Yes we really do say "Barbie" – Oprah has let out all of our secrets! Tracey xx
Carla@DesignintheWoods says
January 28, 2011 at 12:05 amMary Ann, beautiful space! I love how you personalized it with keepsake pieces and your own history. Very fresh and light….good design.
Thanks for visiting my blog, I am enjoying keeping in touch with other designers.
Carla
Millie says
January 28, 2011 at 11:11 amThere is nothing like a fabulous Before & After to make my renovator's heart beat faster! You had a wonderful vision for this room Mary Ann & it's a triumph.
Millie ^_^
Susan says
January 29, 2011 at 12:31 amHi! I've just discovered your blog, and I have bookmarked it – I will be back!
Your dining room is beautiful – I love what you've done with the space, and it's so beautifully decorated.
Susan
Elle Uy {SWITCHEROOm} says
February 2, 2011 at 4:46 pmyou did an amazing job with your dining room! I can just imagine the process to be where are you are now. Great alcove, great mirror, and great chairs. Yeah, great room indeed! 🙂
Lisa says
February 3, 2011 at 11:53 amWhat a fabulous transformation. You'd never guess it was the same room
Cheers,
Lisa x
Picture of Elegance says
February 3, 2011 at 9:52 pmBeautiful work and very elegant…thanks for sharing!
The Tablescaper says
February 6, 2011 at 6:38 pmLovely. It's amazing how a few little things like taking out a window or removing a door (little in the sense that you're not adding space) can have such a big impact.
– The Tablescaper
Sixty-Fifth Avenue says
February 24, 2011 at 1:28 amsuch a gorgeous room!
Lisa says
March 7, 2011 at 1:17 amI love your style Mary Ann. These pictures make me want to paint my newly painted rooms! Maybe I could just move in with you?
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
March 9, 2011 at 2:31 amI am going through your old posts and I love these rooms. Your dining room is gorgeous. Love the chandelier and that planked ceiling. I am going to add you to my blog roll so I don't miss a post.
Jenny says
May 23, 2011 at 9:50 pmGoodness! So lovely! I'm intrigued by your arched doorway. Did you hire that out? I'm trying to figure out how to trim out the arched doorways we have. What did you do for the trim?
Erin says
June 1, 2011 at 1:03 pmIt looks straight out of a magazine!
The Vintique Object says
July 10, 2011 at 2:44 amBeyond beautiful. You are a lucky lady to have such a lovely place to dine.
Camille
Steph @ Birdhouse says
July 17, 2011 at 2:26 pmI've just been poking around your site a bit. So many great projects! I'm a new follower!
Anonymous says
July 20, 2011 at 1:13 amWow Mary Ann! This is seriously an astonishing post. The chandelier above the dinner table is f***ing brilliant!
christy says
October 24, 2011 at 2:34 pmSuch a pretty room. Reminds me a lot of my own, simple and elegant, nothing overly done. It has a very welcoming feel. Great makeover.
marble top dining table says
March 5, 2012 at 1:48 pmIts gorgeous, love that iron chandelier & the paneled ceiling really changes the sense of the room, timeless classic!
Debra Mennins says
May 2, 2012 at 5:36 amThat is absolutely gorgeous! It's far above and beyond what normal new luxury homes have today. I really liked how you played with the lighting to really bring out that effect of the painting and bookcase.