It really does make a difference!

This can be a tradionalish buffet or china cabinet, maybe some nice paneling on the walls like you see in a lot of dining rooms, or you can do something like we did with our plate rack.One of the things I’d really like to have in this room one day is some nice built in cabinetry to hold dishes, but since we can’t do that right now, a plate rack gives that “built-in storage” feel.

It was cheap and quick too!.Define the space with an area rug.If your dining room is really just a corner of a living room or a kitchen, adding in an area rug that you love can really help to define the space and give it its own identity.

I like the rug to have something in common with other rugs that are nearby, like our grey living room rug, but not to match exactly.this grey Orla Rug from Birch Lane.

and I love how special it makes the space feel.

While we have a cheapo rug in the living room, this one has a really stylish pattern and is made out of 100% wool.Adding in pretty things like sunflowers really helps to make me not notice the cabinets, and vinyl flooring, and laminate counters a lot less.

Distraction is a huge part of my game here.. Let’s take a peek at the other side of the room too.. Confession time: This picture was actually taken in February.Currently, our old fridge is sitting in front of that mirror there and it has been for about three months now.

I thought using an old picture might be a better way to go.I’m hoping to one day have more cabinetry added to these walls but right now there isn’t much going on.