Home & Design

BEFORE

The dining room, after.

INTERIOR DESIGN: Before & After

DuVäl Reynolds elevates a bland Alexandria dining room with layered finishes and a moody vibe
"My clients wanted an immersive dining experience that would draw guests in and make them happy to sit there for hours."
—DuVäl Reynolds

 

THEN
NOW

The dining room reflected the home’s traditional aesthetic. The owners requested a cozy sensibility that would invite guests to linger— in keeping with the vernacular but with a softer edge.Traditional style merges with comfort and function in the revamped room, where Reynolds evoked a pub-style atmosphere via a dark and moody palette.

The room was all beige, with no distinguishing features. Generic architectural elements such as crown molding and a chair rail did nothing to enhance the space.Wainscot below the chair rail complements a textural vinyl wall covering by Momentum that sports a modern sheen. The woodwork and ceiling are painted in Sherwin-Williams’ saturated Rosemary hue, conjuring a cozy feel.

A mishmash of nondescript furniture and lighting conveyed a dated, thrown-together look. A lack of window treatments made the space feel cold.A Hooker table and upholstered Rowe chairs sit atop a Loloi rug. Draperies from Greenhouse fabrics lend softness and warmth. A simple chandelier from Rejuvenation completes the look.

Interior Design: DuVäl Reynolds, DuVäl Design, Fairfax, Virginia. Contractor: DMV Brothers, Alexandria, Virginia. Photo: Markus Wilborn.

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