a long-awaited mini makeover

If you guys follow me on Instagram you know that Christmas came a little early for me in the form of four glorious rolls of the most gorgeous grass cloth wallpaper for my dining room!  I’ve had my heart set on hanging grass cloth since we moved in almost six years ago, but with every decision for my own house, I went back and forth for a while (it’s so expensive; will it look okay?) I finally bit the bullet and ordered a few rolls when Sherwin Williams had a huge sale on wall paper last month and I’ve never been more obsessive over something for the house before!

For those that asked on Instagram, this particular pattern is from the Grasscloth II book, #489-2332 and it’s HEAVENLY!  It’s getting hung professionally in January because I’ve never hung grass cloth and would prefer not to screw up my first attempt, so stay tuned for progress pictures in the New Year!  The only decision I have to make in the meantime is whether or not to paper the tray ceiling, as well.  The molding is so thick and beautiful I’m leaning toward papering everything so that it stands out.

This is definitely going to be a MINI makeover, not a complete overhaul – I’m keeping my chandelier, bamboo Roman blinds and white curtain panels.  I’m eventually going to sell the existing dining room set because it’s super formal (we couldn’t be less so) and also because it’s cherry and looks super red against my espresso floors.  For now, I’m focuing on getting the paper hung, looking for a fabulous buffet (I’m OBSESSED with this one), accessorizing with my blue and white ginger jars and buying a large seagrass rug.  If anyone knows of any fabulous FAKE topiary that look realistic, PLEASE let me know!  I’ve spent a small fortune on the real ones only to have them die on me.  This is what I’m thinking for now:

There are a few stunning dining rooms I’ve been drooling over, all of which are papered in gorgeous, golden grass cloth similar to my own and which have all been providing a ton of inspiration:

I recently posted this one by Kelly McGuill and am still quite obsessed; the white trim looks so crisp and I actually love the fact that there is a lack of color, focusing instead on all the natural textures (and that buffet still has me swooning!!):

How amazing is this beauty by designer James Michael Howard?  The brass details, the wave molding and that geometric rug?  Be still my little heart….

Another lovely one by Kelly Robson; again, I love the texture from the jute rug and burlap-covered chairs, as well as the mix of seating:

Love the silver accents in this formal dining room:

This coastal-inspired dining room by Alice Lane is another favorite; I love how the oversize artwork and paneling compliment the paper:

I hope you’re all having a wonderful Monday and are finishing up all your Christmas shopping!