Historic on Highland Avenue

 


I posted this dining room yesterday on my instagram and thought I'd post here too and tell you a little about the project that is just about wrapping up.  This is my friend Mary's home.  I had mentioned some months back that she had purchased this home and really never dreamed I'd be hired to decorate it.  What an honor and joy to work on this beautiful historic home just a short walk away.  Except for the kids bedrooms and the kitchen and baths which were already done, I wound up working on all the rooms. 

 

I started working on the house in earnest around June 1st. I'm so thrilled with the results.  I will post soon on the rest of the house and I promise you will love it.  It's such a beautiful home all on its own.  So many original details still intact, you can tell it has been in loving hands throughout its history.


So a little about this dining room.  Mary was living in a tract home here in Redlands prior to this purchase and her style was Farmhouse with a little Boho on the side.  We slowly but surely transitioned it into a fresh, chic traditional look.  





This was the room I started with.  It's directly off the entry to the right and I knew the minute I saw it what wallpaper to choose.  This is Ralph Lauren Marlowe in the Mother of Pearl colorway and it is drop dead gorgeous in person.  I mean it literally makes you gasp a little.  The chandelier was found at a local antique store.  We kept the huge table and added a couple of Louis chairs.  I believe we found the rug at Lowes of all places.  They use this dining room every single day as it is right off the kitchen.  







I can't tell you the paint color because the house was freshly painted before they moved in.  It's a soft creamy off-white.  This room set the tone for the rest of the house so stay tuned to see the rest.


Just a side note...Blogger, omg Blogger what have you done to the original layout/publishing?  I for the life of me cannot figure out why they change things so often and make things so difficult.  Removing a photo used to be a simple click and now it's a 3 part situation.  I'm trying to re-learn and that makes it even more difficult to blog.  Please forgive any errors you may see...I'm working on it!


So what do you think?  Do you like?  Tell me everything!  xo




77 comments

  1. Love it! So happy I checked to see if you posted anything. Can't wait to see more of house.

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  2. That wallpaper is beautiful! Looking forward for more pictures. :)

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  3. This room is stunning but I have to be honest - I prefer the rug in the original photo. I feel it brings needed color and warmth into the room. But that's just me. Everyone has different tastes.

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  4. Its not a very welcoming room, is it, for everyday use? Will there eventually be tall potted plants in the corners, say? I feel it needs something. I would have put the wallpaper inside the panels too, and chosen a green rug. Sorry, don’t mean to be rude; you have a good eye and it probably is just right for the house and for the family.

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    1. "It's not a very welcoming room, is it?" and "Sorry, don't mean to be rude" don't go together. You DO mean to be rude, you just don't want to get called on it.

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  5. I love it. The wallpaper is gorgeous and adds such style to the neutral room.

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  6. Love this room. The wallpaper really is stunning. I follow several history bounding costubers on Instagram and they often take pictures in their historical costumes in places such as this. The only thing I would change is a more opulent centerpiece on the table, but really, this is perfection.

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  7. Janet, I really like that room. Just enough wallpaper. The room seems calming. Can not wait to see the house from the outside. Blessings, I think of you often...the 33 items of your wardrobe. xoxo, Susie

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  8. PERFECTION! IT'S BRIGHT, IT'S WARM, IT'S BEAUTIFUL...CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE REST OF THE HOUSE! JANIE

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  9. Well, isn't that beautiful! Oh, the anticipation of getting to see more ...
    So glad to hear from you :)

    Shelley Rose

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  10. Great to get a new post from you!! The dining room looks great, and wallpaper is perfect.

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  11. Very pretty room, especially the wall paper. You do have an eye Janet and it's so good to see your blog again.

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  12. I LOVE it ! It is a very calming, soothing, classic dining room. The wallpaper is gorgeous, and I love the creamy white underneath, and also the rug is perfect. Love everything about it really ! Can't wait to see the rest of the home.

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  13. How good to hear from you! Love this room and eagerly await more. xo

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  14. How good to hear from you! Love this room and eagerly await more. xo

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  15. What a lucky friend you have...I love the changes, especially that wallpaper.
    Looking forward to seeing more of your charming touches!
    Always love your gentle and beautiful posts...
    xx
    Stephanie aka tendrheart4

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  16. Yes, I love it. Great style and comfort. Can't wait to see the rest. You do have your very personal style and it's great!!

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  17. LOVE IT! Welcome back. We missed you.

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  18. I absolutely love everything you do. The dining room is amazing and is so inviting. I can't wait to see the rest of the house.
    xo,
    Karen

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  19. Love it.... the simplicity really makes the room shine and the wallpaper adds coziness. I can imagine lots of great meals and conversations in this space. Glad to see you back!

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  20. Winner Janet!!! I love how you’ve taken the “fussiness” from around the room and switched it to eye height, so that the eye is drawn to beautiful wallpaper and chandelier. Elegant and serene. Mary must be very happy.
    Hugs, Mary xx.
    @thepoutingpensioner
    thepoutingpensioner.blogdpot.com

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  21. The wallpaper is stunning! Have not been able to find your Instagram acct. Can you post it
    as I don't do Facebook. Love your blog as well!

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  22. Beautiful, can’t wait to see the rest!

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  23. Beautiful room! and so glad to see a post from you!

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  24. I love the wallpaper. That chandelier--so lovely! The peek at the entry hall with such a beautiful light fixture! I can't wait to see more. Your friend is so lucky to have you nearby!


    to

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  25. Lovely decor, what curtains would you put with it if any?

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  26. I didn't realize the first pic was the "before" and thought, hmmm. Then I saw the "after!" The wallpaper is a win and I love the simplicity of the room. Calm and serene.

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  27. This room is perfection! I would not change a single thing and am eagerly waiting to see more rooms in this lovely home. You are an incredibly talented decorator - I would hire you in a heartbeat! Love every single thing; the gorgeous wallpaper (now want it in my home!), the chairs, the rug- all so well chosen and perfect in this historic home.

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  28. Love to see you posting again, and this is a wonderful one. It's so fun to see what you do, and I can't wait to see the rest!

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  29. So wonderful to see a new post from you, Janet, and then it is with this serene, lovely dining room! Love it though I do agree a more dramatic centerpiece for the table would be a nice focal point. I'm sure as time goes on, perhaps a sideboard or other pieces will be added. That's what makes a room & home special - pieces artfully curated over time. Can't wait to see the rest of the home. Your friend is one lucky lady! Sending hugs! Katie from Huntington beach

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  30. Janet that wallpaper is gorgeous! Love how you have added those two French chairs. They really add elegance. Am thrilled to see you helping your friend in her new home! What a fun project and am excited to see more!
    Take care XO

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  31. Beautiful and serene. It's wonderful to see a post from you!

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  32. I LOVE the wallpaper. We are currently deciding on finishes on a new-build classic English/French cottage in a wonderful small community in North Georgia, and I have designed tall wainscot throughout both levels. THIS WALLPAPER is definitely going in my wallpaper board! So cool, and so calming. Thank you!

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  33. To everyone I will try to answer the comments here. Blogger will not allow me to answer individually.

    I added the link to my instagram in the post. Sorry about that.

    To everyone who says the room needs more furniture or accessories. It is quite small for a formal dining room. They have a large family and we have discussed putting ferns on that back wall but it would make it tight. There is no way another piece of furniture could fit and not look awkward. I agree a more dramatic centerpiece on the table would look better but the day I shot this Mary just picked flowers from the garden. Also, this is the room they use for all meals, homework is done here too so it is a v busy room! A big vase of flowers would be gorgeous but on a daily basis not practical. I hope this answers the questions. Thanks!

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  34. I LOVE this room and also that you are loving working on creating something beautiful. The energy in your voice in this post is heartwarming. Enjoy the rest of the project, dear Janet. I'm looking forward to seeing it. xo karen

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  35. The wallpaper is gorgeous, and the chandelier and chairs are great choices. I can't wait to see the rest of the house! FYI, another blogger I read (gwenmossblog) is about ready to give up on Blogger, it has become so problematic.

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  36. I love it! Amazing how the wallpaper, chandelier, rug and chairs make such a wonderful difference. Where did you purchase the wallpaper?

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  37. So pretty! Love the wallpaper, chandelier and French chairs.

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  38. Do you have a link for that rug? It's a beautiful room! Very calm and peaceful.

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  39. Glad to read your post and you are doing fine. Looking forward to more post and pics. You are so talented and smart Judy P

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  40. The room is beautiful, love the walpaper. It gives a natural feel and warms up the room. The simplicity should help upkeep given the multiple uses by family members. How do you decide how high/low to hang the chandelier? Could it be a bit lower? It's so nice to hear from you and know you have meaningful work these days. Looking forward to your next post.

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  41. It's beautiful and so you! Love that you kept it simple, just what is needed and what is there is perfect. looking forward to seeing more and of course happy to see this post
    Darby

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  42. I love it! The room is so calming, yet inviting. One can hear the excitement in your post regarding this project. Any you're just so good at it.

    Can't wait to see more!

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  43. I love that you replied about the use of the room, that the PEOPLE who use it fill the spaces and add the warmth. How lovely to breeze by that room when walking through the house, and enjoy the peace and possibility as well as the living going on there. Beautiful work. Hope you're well.

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  44. It is beyond gorgeous!! I love the wallpaper & soft simplicity of this room...it has a soothing feel to it. So anxious to see the rest of this home.

    ...all is grace!

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  45. Beautiful! I love what you did.

    Sincerely,
    Debra from SENC

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  46. I love it! Please come decorate my house next! Is the wallpaper the Mother of Pearl color? So pretty! It reminds me that I bought a roll of Gracie chinoiserie wallpaper that is just sitting around waiting for something to be done with it...

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  47. I love the simple elegance of this room. I am transitioning my home to a more simple style like this, so thank you for the inspiration. I can't wait to see the rest!

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  48. So glad to see your post! I have missed reading your blog!! This room is beautiful and the wallpaper is a show stopper!!

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  49. Love the more traditional look and muted tones. Everything you post gives inspiration for my own decorating hunt. Can't wait to see the rest of the home...hopefully soon!
    xoxo

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  50. Oh Janet! What a great job! - I love how fresh and updated it looks. I'm one of those that loves "space" so I'm glad you and your friend decided not to put too much in any room and just let them breathe. Excited to see more :-)

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  51. I LOVE it! I had to double check to see that it was the original table and side chairs. What a difference the end chairs and rug made! It's wonderful to see a design incorporate what's already there and to enhance the architectural details. Well done!

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  52. Simply elegant, beautiful touches added that shine without visual clutter.

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  53. Hi Janet, I tried to comment the other day and blogger kept giving me some strange message. I hope this one goes through!
    You did a great job on the dining room...I love the wallpaper and chandelier! Also that entryway light fixture. Gorgeous. The only thing I would like to see are a couple tall plants in the corners, as someone else suggested. Other than that I think it is perfect.
    Linda
    xoxo

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  54. I love what you have done with this dining room. I wouldn't change a thing. It exudes elegance, peace and calmness something most of us are looking for these days. You are so talented Janet and also generous, generous to personal friends and also to those of us online. I'm so happy you have had this project, during Covid, to fill your time and allow you to use your talents and creativity to help a friend. I can't tell you how many times I've visited your blog, soaked up your philosophy and calming photos during the last 7 months. I've been grateful for the reminder to simplify and and live with less. Your blog is a treasure.

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  55. I REALLY MISS YOUR POSTS! You need to do this for all of us that need help and direction. I’m sorry, I understand you have been through difficult times. But this blog is AMAZING! Thank you sooo much for this post!

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  56. You added just enough to make the room sing! Well done. And yes, blogger is so messed up now. I've given up.

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  57. Dearest Janet, it is so good to see what you’ve been up to! I would not dare to tell you a thing. Your eye and opinion are totally on point. I’m so sorry for your grief. I send my love and support. And I will continue to follow and soak up every picture and word you print!!
    Blessings my dear
    Danielle

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  58. It is LOVELY! I envision having dinner and wine right there :)

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  59. This room is beautiful. For a busy family, this would be calming and perfect.

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  60. So please to see you blogging again. Was starting to worry especially in these uncertain times. Can't wait to see photos of the other rooms.

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  61. I absolutely love what you’ve done! So soothing and elegant. Perfect! Can you please tell me what color way the wallpaper is? I must have it!

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  62. Another thought, Janet.....since it's dark so early now, it would be fun to see a picture of the dining room with the chandelier lit!.....I'm imagining such coziness...Janie

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  63. What an inviting space — it’s beautiful. Each and every choice enhanced and warmed up this room. I am so looking forward seeing the rest of the house. And what fun to collaborate with your friend.

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  64. Hi Janet! I love that just a couple intentional changes completely changed the room. It's beautiful! I hope you share more. And, yes, I understand about blogger. I used to have the blog Vermont Cottage (like 7 years ago or even more) and have been thinking about a new blog; but, the setup isn't nearly as easy or intuitive. I kind of gave up.
    Happy to see you are still at it. You've always been an inspiration to me.
    Daryl

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  65. Everything is really lovely...the fixtures and the rug are great additions.

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  66. Hi Janet. I was happy to see your post. You have me thinking about sprucing up my small townhouse. I had a decorator come in for a couple of hours years ago to give me some advice, but that was years ago. It seriously needs painting and the cats have had their way with the upstairs rugs. I will not be doing any real travel anytime soon, so this might be a good investment. I have been studying what you did for Mary and see how I might tweek my place in similar ways using much of what I have and frankly love. Of course I will have to wait until this awful covid is over but God willing this will be soon. About my Thanksgiving. My family had all planned to go to a restaurant in Manhattan to celebrate. We would be 9 so allowed for indoor dining. Then things got worse, as they have all over the country, and everyone decided, probably wisely, to stay in their own bubble for the holiday. this left me on my own. I decided, since my family are carnivores, to make my own vegan feast. I especially thought about how you had posted over the years about your own vegan holidays. I used your recipe for butternut risotto, and for an apple crisp. I made maple glazed brussels sprouts from an old copy of Yoga journal, and a "creamy" mushroom soup with white beans supplying the "cream". There was cider from the local farm and bread from the bakery down the street. An old friend who's plans to see family were also cancelled kind of invited herself, which was great, but then she ended up cancelling at the last minute. Yes there was sadness, but also gratatude. Wishing you the best in these strange times.
    Darby

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  67. Oh my goodness, Janet! This is absolutely wonderful! The truly unique part is, if I saw this in a designer magazine, I would know that you did it-you truly have a great brand, I hate to use that word, but that’s all I can think of, and I mean it in the best way. You should have a firm. I love your minimalist way, but done with great glamor, a nod to the past, uniqueness, and the touches of black. I LOVE that stair carpeting, and it may solve a problem I’ve been having over a carpet for our front room. Funny, during covid, I’ve cleaned my home from top to bottom and got rid of pounds of stuff, made everything more streamlined, and even changed my inclinations in lots of ways.

    Hope you are doing well! Thank you so much for posting! Wish I could fly you to Pennsylvania to do my house!
    Margaret Hess

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  68. The room is perfection! I love all the changes you made. I love the wallpaper and new rug!

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