Dining room question

If you had a house that was older and you were updating it would you add the raised paneling below the crown molding to add a little design to it? Right now there is crown molding in there but no raised paneling. I thought it might make it a little fancier? Any thoughts? Thanks!

Re: Dining room question

I wouldn't spend the money on it.

Re: Dining room question

why not do chair railing?

Re: Dining room question

i think it would like very nice!

look at the home shows on TLC and HGTV....they are doing a lot of raised panel designs in the Dinning rooms

Re: Dining room question

My husband makes raised paneling and I am totally making him do it in our DR. I love the way it looks! We are going like 2/3 up the wall.

Re: Dining room question

absolutely. such a classic and timeless look.

Re: Dining room question

we did a chair rail and it made such a difference and did not cost much at all.

here is before with the old owners stuff


here it is with none of their stuff but the floors done


here it is painted, chair rail and our temporary table until we decide on a dining room set

Re: Dining room question

I think if I was updating a house to sell it - I would do it as cheap as I could, which I believe is what you are planning on doing.

I know you said you and your DH are having work issues - so I would stick to that.

If money were no issue - I would do what I liked best.

Re: Dining room question

Re: Dining room question

Thanks everyone!

I just noticed that I wrote crown molding. We actually have the chair rail already, not crown molding. My Bad!!!

Re: Dining room question

Absolutely NOT.

You guys need to follow the "flipping rules" in order to get your house ready for sale.

You get the most money back on...

1. Kitchens
2. Bathrooms

When it comes to bedrooms, LR, DR do the following...

1. Change the electrical outlets... just changing them makes people think of new construction and even though you haven't done it and you aren't saying you do it... it makes it look as if all the electrical is new. This is REAL cheap if you know a friend who can do this for you.

2. Update the light fixture. Go to Home Depot and find something up to date but not too trendy for about $100 for the diningroom or cheaper if you can get it. People really notice dated light fixtures. The size and shape should be appropriate to the scale of the room.

3. Windows...Remove all heavy drapes and those of a busy fabric. Plain sheers or valances in a contrasting color make the window, wall, space look bigger. Pick gender neutral fabrics and colors. Make sure windows open and close easily and are in good repair.

4. Clean carpet if applicable or remove entirely if hardwood floors underneath are in good condition. You do not need to refinish them just clean them up. They sell a product called "Rejuvenation or Rejuvenator" at HD. I used the tile equivalent on the bluestone in my entrance and it made it look brand new.

5. Paint all trim ultra brite white, semigloss. Paint walls a neutral light beige. Even if all bedrooms are the same color, it doesn't matter. Buy a 5 gallon container (a lot less money). This combo makes the trim pop and makes the space look clean, uniform, and often bigger. I know you have kids in the house and floor trim is easily nicked by toys... it must be painted.

6. Doorknobs/handles... if rickety, outdated or scratched... replace. Again, go to HD and buy a "builder's pack" (multi-pac=cheaper) of knobs. Keep in mind you MUST try to use the same finish of knobs throughout the space. For example, if you already have a light fixture that is brushed nickel, your knobs should be brushed nickel... not brass. Potential buyers will notice.

7. Closets... make sure all doors open and close easily... check knobs/handles. Clean out clutter in closets. When showing a home your closet should be at least 1/2 empty... gives the buyer the illusion that they have a lot of space available for their stuff.

8. Knick-knacks/pictures. Knick-knacks... get rid of them... all of them... especially those that are "personal"... trophies, plaque, anything with a pic or a name. All personal pictures/photos should be taken down so that the buyer can picture him or herself in the space. Make sure all toys are neatly contained, actually remove any extra that you can and place in storage.

That's really all you should do for those rooms of the house. I flipped a few houses with an ex of mine about 5 years ago. That's all we did to the non-kitchen and bath rooms of the houses. We spent very little money in those rooms, just cleaned them up with paint, mostly. Each house sold very quickly.

If you have any other questions about what to do in your specific house you can FM me and I'll be glad to help.

Sorry so long, and a bit off topic but I saw all of your posts from earlier today and thought you needed the help, just couldn't respond then.

Good luck.

Re: Dining room question

Re: Dining room question