Tuesday, October 11, 2011

{before and after: my diy panelled walls}

If you guessed from my post yesterday that my little project had something to do with our living and dining room walls you were right on! This was one of our summer projects that we took on this year and I am loving the difference it has made to the space. I am a big fan of architectural details and in a 1986 little suburban rancher, those kinda details are usually nowhere to be found! So we took a couple of plain and boring adjacent walls:


And turned them into this!


Much more interesting to look at don't you think? Here's how we did it:

We started by literally drawing the lines onto the walls with a pencil. This way we could measure not once, not twice, but 3 times to be sure, plus we could get a sense of the scale to see if we liked it! This can be done with a large scale level but we were lucky enough to be able to use this nifty laser level {thanks to my cousin Ryan for his laser and perfect measuring skills! I'm sure something like this laser can be rented as well}:


We used inexpensive strips of MDF and began to cut the pieces to create the grid pattern, with the longest stripes running vertically. Here you can see the two adjacent walls in the living and dining room that got this treatment; a nice way to tie the two rooms together!


Phew! The laser double checks our measurements were correct!


Then it was time to thoroughly sand every nail hole and joint between the MDF strips.


Which created a bit of a snow storm in the house, what a mess!!


After sanding we filled the nail holes and joints with filler and sanded a second time {painful}. We also caulked around the spaces between the MDF boards and the wall so NO cracks would be visible! Let's just say patience is a virtue.


We created a little ledge with extra molding in this cut-out portion of the wall {we cut this part of the wall to open up the space between the kitchen and living room: aka so we could see the TV while eating dinner!}.


And finally it was time to slather on the paint! We used Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace, a nice warm white. So again, the place went from this:



To bright and visually interesting!





Oh, and did I forget to mention 2 years later I FINALLY got dining room chairs?? Those of you who have been following know that it's been quite a struggle for me, I scored these for $200 a pop at HomeSense.



A small recap on how this room looked before we moved in:


And after:




All in all, I'm really happy with how the project turned out, and panelling like this does not have to be pricey! For the cost of the MDF, a can of paint, a heavy dose of perseverance, and rental of a saw, laser level, and nail gun {unless you already have these tools!} it's possible to add classic and eye-catching architectural details to any space.

Have you got any home DIY projects on the go? I'd love to hear!

73 comments:

Unknown said...

WOW!!! Love it!!! You guys did a fantastic job! The dining room looks fab too:)

Allison Egan said...

Fantastic results!! Adding that architectural detail makes the whole room feel so luxe and special. Also love the dining chairs - beautiful job!

xo Allison
Spicer + Bank
www.spicerandbank.blogspot.com

Becky said...

LOVE it love it! You guys did a fab job! looks so custom and adds so much texture to the room :)

Designwali said...

This is absolutely fantastic! Such a world of difference and so much character in your room! great job!

Linda @ theLENNOXX said...

OMG I'm almost speechless. That is so AMAZING! I had high expectations after yesterday's teaser, but this absolutely blew me away. LOVE the paneling! LOVE the chairs! And I absolutely adore your dining room and the aquarium!

xox Linda

Paola Burke said...

Love the dining room!!! God job

Bri@Meyouandawiener said...

oh girl that looks good!

Unknown said...

The paneling is AMAZING Nancy- I seriously adore it...your whole home is just beyond gorgeous- so elegant!! I loved seeing more of it in this post!!

Mom of 2 Cuties @ Sprinkles of Joy and Laughter said...

All the effort were well worth it!! Looks fantastic!!
Enjoy your day
Maureen

Jen @ RamblingRenovators said...

That looks fabulous Nancy!! You know I'm a huge fan of panelling ;). The chairs are perfect for your space too!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic job- well done. Really opens up the space.
BTW where did you get that great little white and mirrored piece that is evident in the other room (last pic) DR looks great now too!

Lovin That! said...

Looks amazing! You did such a great job - what a difference. I love the dining room chairs too. Your place looks stunning!

Anonymous said...

This looks fantastic! I see architectural details and great moldings as one of the most important design upgrades anyone can do. It totally changes the feel of the room, as you've shown here. Excellent job!

Barbara Matson said...

YAY, you finally shared! It looks so fabulous Nancy. I am a tad jealous, as I would love to do that to my space!

Anonymous said...

What a difference! The molding adds so much depth and richness . . . beautiful.

Holly Gruszka said...

This update is amazing!!! I love what you have done and you must be so happy with it. I love that you wrapped the paneling around too. I'm also glad I'm not the only person that takes forever to make decisions on key items - we're just waiting for the right piece, right? ;) Great great work!

Anonymous said...

I believe you meant to say you "caulked" around the spaces between the MDF boards. :) Just sayin'.

Lovely project. Can't wait to do this in my own home. Thanks for the step-by-step how to!

Brillante Interiors said...

Nancy, I am really impressed! Your house is worth to be published.

Amber B (Simple Dwellings) said...

Wow- Nancy, this looks amazing! It is flawless and gorgeous! You guys did an amazing job! :)

Bradley said...

Seriously amazing! You should be so proud!!!

Vanessa@decor happy said...

Excellent job Nancy and hubs! Big fan of paneling too - it really changes the room.

Anonymous said...

What an amazing transformation - totally changes the space - classy and elegant!

Catherine @ van Breugel Design said...

Seriously!!! You are killing me! This is absolutely gorgeous! It might be time to quit your day job - you were meant to design!

Andrea Johnson said...

That looks so amazing Nancy!! Absolutely love it. Your dining chairs look great too.

Lisa said...

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS NANCY! I have been wanting to do this in my living and dining room but I've been scared to start, due to the 18' ceiling in the living room. This makes me want to do it again...just need a very tall ladder.
The dining room looks fab as well, btw!

The Simply Inspired Home said...

I love the new space! I really believe that Architectural details are really the way to not only add value to your home, but really bring out the best in your home.

It just looks fab. I just scored some great chairs at Home Sense too! I love how your space is coming together.

Oksana @ Order Matters said...

Stunning transformation, Nancy. Job well done.

Alena: Oh, Its Just Perfect! said...

That is one amazing DIY!! Wow. Looks fantastic!

Michelle said...

I LOVE that idea! I have just the wall for that project, if I can convince my husband to help. Your dining rooms chairs are a great color, and I like the nailhead trim.

Linda in AZ * said...

*** Dear OH-SO-TALENTED NANCY~~~

What a TRULY A*M*A*Z*I*N*G transformation!!! It's soooooo PRETTY n' WONDERFUL!!!

I am TOTALLY ENCHANTED with what I see done by "the younger set" these days (which MUST mean I'm really getting "O*L*D", because I DO say "younger folks" ALOT these days, when I follow my fave blogs!!!! Well, at least getting "old" is "better than the alternative")...

Really Nancy, it's truly such a TREEEAT to see a plain lil' ol' ranch turned into such a FABULOUS HOME!!! And I personally find it ROMANTIC that you n' hubby were a TEAM on this... you should be so proud ANNNND happy! (And the little, occassional "disagreement" while doing it all was WORTH it huh?!?!? Grins!)...

Warmest & best wishes to BOTH of you!

Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

Nuha said...

nancy this looks amazing! i absolutely love it!

Marcus Design said...

Anonymous - THANK YOU for pointing out my spelling mistake! LOL! "caulking" has now been fixed, I swear it wasn't a Freudian slip ;)

Anonymous No. 2 - The little white mirrored cabinet was actually a random find at HomeSense!! {HomeGoods in the US}.

Linda in AZ - How did you know there were a few little "disagreements"?? Lol, it was tough but we were so proud when it was all done :)

Thank you all for your super kind words, you've totally made my day :) Hugs,
Nancy xo

Kerry said...

WOW!!!! This looks incredible! You guys did an amazing job. I am so in love! Makes me wish we had somewhere in our home where this would work! :) I hope it's okay if I include this project in my friday round-up of my favourite finds online!? :)

Brian said...

Ugly before and an amazing after...looks like a model home!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
The Glam Lamb said...

Nancy!!!! You are so talented!! I absolutely love the look! xoxo

Kathysue said...

nancy, I am totally impressed, both rooms look amazing!! You did a great job and your choice of colors and chairs is stunning. It is sooooo NANCY!! Love it, xo Kathysue

Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said...

Love it! That paneling looks fantastic! The chairs are great too... what a dramatic before and after!

Brandi@ Flights of Whimsy said...

Looks amazing Nancy! What a great way to spruce up the space. You could've said this was a house in NY and I would never guess it was a little rancher. Great job!

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Wood details make such an amazing transformation. Love what you did. Looks great!

K&B by the Sea said...

That's my favourite kind of paneling - just like the wainscoting we installed in our living & dining rooms :-) Love how you wrapped it around the two walls, and the dark dining room wall is a nice contrast. Great score on the chairs at HomeSense :-)

Tiina said...

oh Nancy, it looks insanely good!! I love the chairs and the paneling looks really fresh and beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration, again :)

xo, tiina

elce Stockholm - the shop
elce Stockholm - the blog

Haus and Home said...

Wow great work! That really looks nice and adds that nice touch.

LifeBegins@Thirty said...

My jaw is on the floor. Incredible transformation and I love every. single. thing. you've done with that space. EVERYTHING.

Wowie.

Beatrice@craftybeeblog.com said...

That looks stunning. What a difference. And those chairs so gorgeous for the dining room. Love the nailhead accent on the chair.

Pinecone Camp said...

Well done! That looks incredible Nancy. It was so nice hanging out with you at Blend!

Britt @ Dreamy Spaces said...

Oh wow what a HUGE difference the panel detail makes to the wall!! It’s amazing how something like that makes a place look so awesome! And you make setting it up look fun! Makes me want to take on a few projects around the home!

catherine said...

So TERRIFIC!
when I saw the 2nd pic I thought it was your inspiration pic from a magazine!
Just the right amount in the right spots and beautifully done!
(was that a case of caulk? )
Cat!

Tiffany @ {Living Savvy} said...

These walls look like they have been this way forever! Seriously... they should be in a magazine! I love them!

And also arn't you glad you waiting 2 years to find the perfect dining room chiars? They are amazing!

Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Wow! This really came out amazing. Your house looks beautiful! LOVE!
adahliavolk.wordpress.com

Clementine & Olive said...

This looks incredible I saw walls like this over at caitlin creer interiors and seeing both of these make me want to do this to an over size wall I have!!

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

NICE! makes such a difference Nancy! my neighbor has the same house floorplan as mine & she has this on her staircase wall from entryway to second floor. we thought of doing same thing but its a lot of wall space! Makes a BIG impact though, i love it...


www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

Sarah MacMillan {Prairie Perch} said...

Looks amazing, Nancy! Well done. Your new dining chairs are superb too. Yay! Your home is lovely.

lisaroy said...

Seriously! I cannot even tell you how much I love it!! I've always wanted to do this somewhere in my home and you just reminded me why. It. looks. a. mazing.
love your chairs too - gotta love Homesense!

lisaroy said...

Seriously! I cannot even tell you how much I love it!! I've always wanted to do this somewhere in my home and you just reminded me why. It. looks. a. mazing.
love your chairs too - gotta love Homesense!

Unknown said...

Nancy!!! You seriously need your own tv show on diy...or decor or something!!! amazing transformation, execution, idea...all of it!

Anonymous said...

Nancy, you must be so proud! You guys did an amazing job. I am so inspired to do paneling in my living room. You are so talented and creative and I agree you should have your own TV show and your house should be published. I love the whole transformation of your home, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. You are just AMAZING!

Danielle Hardy said...

NANCY!!!! it looks GORGEOUS!!! great job you brave lady. It is so eye catching!

Amelia said...

This looks amazing - what a difference!! Love that rug in your dining room too ;)

Rosa @ FlutterFlutter said...

Nancy, this looks SO fabulous!!! I'm sure you smile every time you wander into that area in the mornings. Have a great weekend!

Sheila Zeller said...

Wow, Nancy, this looks incredible. Who would ever know the 'before' was that same space? I love the 'perseverance' piece... patience is a virtue, and one that I have to dig deep to find when it comes to sanding! ;-) Good for you.

Splendid Willow said...

NANCY!!!!! Out of this world!!!!

I am so mentioning this on my blog next week. I am VERY impressed my friend,

And the dining chairs are wonderful. With a round table there is no bad spot.

Well done!

Hugs,

Mon

Arianna Belle said...

Wow Nancy you did such a fabulous job! Turned out beautifully!

Sadie + Stella said...

This looks absolutley amazing! Loving the after. So creative!

www.sadieandstella.blogspot.com

SHERRY HART said...

Holy smokes Nancy...this is fabulous. What a transformation.....I can hardly believe that it is the same space.

Cristy said...

Holy la-la! That looks AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

Gorgeous. I love how you continued the paneling around the corner from the living room into the dining room.

Anonymous said...

You did such an outstanding job on this. Wow wow wow! I am feeling a little braver about trying board and batten in my son's room now.

Unknown said...

Where were the chairs from?
Where was the rug from?
Also how much did they cost? Thanks!

Unknown said...

Looks great! I have done a lot of board and batten in our home and want to do this design in our entry way. How think and wide are your MDF strips? What are the dimensions of the squares? Thanks!

Unknown said...

Awesome post.i like your post very much.your kitchen ,Living Room wall panels are gorgeous.thanks
3d wall panels
glass mosaic tiles

The Closet Consult llc said...

I love love love this project and my husband and I will send before after photos in a few weeks! Great idea!

Unknown said...

how wide did you cut the boards? I know the length varies depending on the wall size but curious on the width you chose? We're doing this for our guest room, as an accent wall.

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