My Dining Room Makeover was a little up cycling mission during Lockdown. My plan was to transform the room, bringing it up to date whilst making the best of what we had.
A Mission that I might just be able to tackle, despite nerves. I don’t know about you, but I’m always the same with a DIY project!) Being being stuck at home during Lockdown, was the perfect excuse not to put it off any longer.
In my last blog, I shared with you the little things that bought the little things, “the finishing touches” if you like, to a Mission that I was working on during Lockdown. I’m sharing how I tackled the somewhat daunting Mission of revamping our dining room furniture..
You asked for details on the products used and how I went about it – so here it is!!
The Dining Room at the beginning of Lockdown.
The Dining Room is mostly used for entertaining our family and friends (those were the days!) not to mention homework and family meals in the Autumn / Winter months. The room needed to be light, practical and on a budget. We had purchased dining furniture years before and it was still in really good condition, so couldn’t justify replacing it. However the solid oak wood had an effect on the brightness of the room, it felt out of date..
You’re never too old to start learning, and you’re never too young to aim high and achieve great things.
Asa Hutchinson
First things first.
The reason this project was so daunting was that the task seemed so big, that and that we had invested in the furniture years before – what if I ruined it..?? Replacing it simply, wasn’t an option…
The only way of knowing was to get to work!
I sought the advice of The Cotswold Company having bought one of their sideboards at around the time we bought the table and chairs. I have to say, their customer service is second to none – nothing is too much trouble. We have several items from the Cotswold Company and they have really stood the test of time..
Did you know they helpfully offer a colour match suggestion of their pieces on their website, together with other helpful information. Unfortunately, the piece in question was no longer available, although I have linked a similar sideboard in the caption below.
Sideboard The Cotswold Company, Selection of Corinium Earthenware Trio from £9, faux white gypsophila and stems from £12 all from Neptune, Chiafron plant pot £3 Ikea.
Colour matching
I took one of the drawers from the sideboard to the Valspar paint service at B and Q where they coloured matched the paint perfectly.. Admittedly, the staff did look at me a little strangely, holding a drawer and wearing a mask, but they were fabulous and the paint matches to perfection.
Back home and the Dining Room Makeover Mission commenced..
Preparing the table and chairs
All 8 chairs were washed and prepped.. using the Valspar paint meant that I didn’t require any primer, hurrah! However, each chair did need three coats of paint, thankfully the weather was amazing and they dried quickly!
The table was another story.. After much debate, I decided to sand the tabletop, then treat it with lime wax and a neutral varnish to co-ordinate with the sideboard which I had completed earlier that month.. It was a mammoth task and despite knowing that it would look so much better, it was certainly a Mission in itself!
I used an electricsander which was fantastic and made light work of the sanding, not only did it work hard, but collected the dust too, a sure win!
Sanding the table top was more time consuming than I imagined but worth it!
Lime Wax
Once the sanding had been completed (admittedly it took a few days as I was fitting this project around the family, home schooling, Lockdown life – you get the idea!) I let the dust settle for a few days, literally and lime waxed the table top. I used Liberon Lime Wax, although there are many on the market, a very little goes a long way and it has made all the difference. Two coats were applied, using a soft cotton cloth as per the instructions. I then “sealed” the table and chairs with a coat of varnish which is specially designed for wood and painted surfaces and protects them with a highly durable, water and heat resistant film. A must on a heavy duty area such as a dining room furniture don’t you think!
Corinium candlesticks from Neptune, Boxwoord Urns from Charles Ted
The final part of my up-cycle Mission was to paint the legs and the sides of the table to match the chairs and sideboard. I had thought maybe the whole table would be painted the same colour but having decided to go ahead with the lime wax look, I’m really delighted with the end result.
If you read my blog last week, you’ll know what I used to complete the look of the room, bringing it all together with the help of home stylist Natalie from Neptune Weybridge.
Mission almost complete!
Almost there! Just the radiator cover, the glass pendant lighting and a larger rug to source and my Mission will be complete.. Truly thankful to my friend Helen for her daily check-ins, she was an absolute star..
I’m thrilled with how this Dining Room Makeover Mission has turned out, the whole feel of the room has changed. It feels lighter, brighter and more spacious. Now we just need to wait until we can have our favourite people over for a Dinner Party! Little did I know just how long we’d have to wait..
Please do let me know any questions you may have and any thoughts you’d like to share in the comments. Of course, feel free to share with any friends who would love this Mission.
In this blog I’m going to share with you the little details from my Dining Room Makeover and how I pulled it all together.
Lockdown for me has been perfect for getting so many Missions done that, in all honesty, I only dreamt of doing and yet it wasn’t quite so perfect for writing as I’d hoped! You might remember me relaunching my blog back in early April, I’ve been hopeless at writing since May, I guess my creativity has been more practical than working away on the laptop! (I blame the fabulous weather we had over the last 6 months and enjoying my children for that! Life is too short not to embrace it, don’t you think?)
Previous Mini Makeover Missions
The Linen Cupboard Makeover, which I completed in February, gave me the confidence and bravery to tackle bigger projects.. That might sound just a little bit silly but having only painted walls and fences in the past, this was big news to me!
I know what styles we love and those we don’t love so much.. Thanks to more time at home and apps like Instagram and Pinterest, I’ve found a real love for creating spaces in our home that as Marie Kondo would say “bring joy.” In a previous life, I simply wouldn’t have had the time to look up, let alone spend a few days sanding a dining table or a little faff rearranging furniture during a Power Hour!
Then this quote came to me and the rest as they say, is history.
“What if I fail? Oh my darling and what if you fly..?”
My little table was one of the first items to be up-cycled during Lockdown.. I felt sick with nerves and had put it off for possibly about 3 years! It was a gift from my Granny when my husband and I moved into our first home together. It is so very special so the thought of ruining it put me into gridlock!
Before and After of the little table. Details: Marlowe Apple and Pear set Charles Ted Lewes Jug Neptune Aban Rustic T-light (medium, rustic gold) Nukuku
The Dining Room is mostly used for entertaining our family and friends not to mention homework and family meals in the Autumn / Winter months. The room needed to be light, practical and on a budget. We had purchased dining furniture years before and it was still in really good condition, so couldn’t justify replacing it. However the solid oak wood had an effect on the brightness of the room, it was out of date..
Once I knew how I was going to tackle the up-cycling side of the project, I set to clearing the room of the furniture. It gave me a real sense of what I was working with with regards to light and space. The Russian blinds and wall lights will stay for now. Having moved the table, we will need to have an electrician to help with rewiring the ceiling lights. We plan to change to 2 glass pendants creating more light, when the budget allows..
Cox and Cox Neptune Garden Trading
It really hadn’t occurred to me to add a rug under the table, until any lovely insta friend Helen from @my.victorian.house suggested it to me. Helen directed me to Ikea and yes, she was absolutely right! Adding neutral rug that was hardwearing yet comfortable to walk on, changed to whole feel of the room.
Natural Tall Seagrass Basket The Basket Company Weeping Fig Potted Plant and Hellested flat woven natural Rug Ikea
So with the soft furnishings, flooring, plants and windows catered for. It was onto the finishing touches. the fun bit! Obviously all of it is fun, but there were times the I wondered if I’d ever finish this room!
Danish Pyramid Candles each Triple slate coasters with 3 pyramid candles from Salcombe Trading Company. Marlowe Apple and Pear set from Charles Ted
When it came to adding the little touches of styling for the console table both in our entrance hall and dining room, I sought the help of Natalie, from Neptune Weybridge. I first met her at an event in February this year, where I had a wonderful time creating a Mood Board for our much thought about plans for our home. Covid has put that little gem of a project out of reach for now but if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll find lots of inspiration in my Highlights.
The Mood Board I created at the Neptune Weybridge event in February.
So where does Natalie fit in..? Natalie is Neptune Weybridge Home Designer and she’s an absolute star! Her role is to help bring interior design into your home.
Having booked a video call, due to Covid restrictions, we talked about my ideas and using the Mood Board colours and textures from the event, Natalie helped me figure out layouts and lighting, fabric and furniture ideas makes you happiest. This we edited down and gave me the inspiration to create a style that’s our very own version of a Neptune space.
Bronte Signature Candle Corinium Earthenware Trio and White Gypsophila Twig, white All from Neptune Weybridge. Aban Rustic T-light (medium, rustic gold) Nukuku Light; The White Company Sideboard: The Cotswold Company
Neptune’s Home Design Service
The Home Design Service is available in store and virtually, through video call – simply get in touch to book your free initial consultation and they will find a date and time that suits you best. Call 01932 901234.
The Home Design is an easier, less overwhelming way to bring interior design into your home. Natalie helped me style the gorgeous pieces I already had and shared with me ideas that would create the very space and feel we were looking for. She’s a real talent and an eye for detail; creating the perfect finishing touches. I’m very thankful, Neptune have a customer for life!
“I want my home to be that kind of place–a place of sustenance, a place of invitation, a place of welcome.” – Mary DeMuth
Natalie has given me the confidence to look at a room with a different eye, get creative and more than that, we have what feels like a new dining room, created on a budget and with what we have. All we needed was many hours of sanding and painting plus purchasing the paint, the rug and eventually the lighting. I really feel it’s made all the difference.
Sideboard from The Cotswold Company
I have to admit, it’s really rewarding having an idea, then day by day, when time allows, slowly transforming tables, a cupboard, then a whole room .. for me it’s about the baby steps!
If, like me, you’re a lover of Neptune and interiors, I’m hosting a giveaway this week with Neptune Weybridge. Simply head to my Instagram account to enter and on Monday morning you’ll be finding out if you are the lucky winner of the Bronte Signature Candle and the simply elegant Castleford Tall Bottle. They are gorgeous – you really won’t want to miss out!
I’d love to know what Interior Missions you’re working on right now. Any questions you may have, do let me know in the comments. Feel free to share with any friends who would love this Mission.
In a world that rarely slows down, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly catching up — with work, family, and life in general. Those waves of overwhelm can creep in quietly, leaving you feeling flat, restless or simply not quite yourself. This post is all about simple ways to help you feel less overwhelmed and a little happier, wherever you are right now.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve felt it too and over time, I’ve found a few simple rituals that help me feel less overwhelmed and a little happier, calmer and more in control.
So, if you’ve been feeling stretched, scattered, or emotionally tired lately, these gentle habits might help you reconnect with yourself and rediscover a sense of calm and balance.
Simple Daily Habits To Help you Feel Less Overwhelmed.
How To Share How You’re Feeling
It’s amazing what happens when we stop bottling things up. Talk to someone you trust ~ a partner, a friend, a colleague and be honest about how you’re feeling. They say it’s good to talk and it really is.
It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. We all have moments when things feel heavy. Opening up helps lighten the load and reminds you that you’re not doing this alone.
If talking feels too much, try journaling or writing a few lines in your notes app. It’s a simple way to release what’s sitting on your mind. open about it, try not to bottle it up.
How A Power Hour Helps You Feel Less Overwhelmed
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I love a good list. When your mind feels cluttered, grab a notebook and write down everything that’s worrying you or taking up space in your thoughts. No filter, no order, just get it out of your head and onto paper. Make it exhaustive.
Then, set a timer for one focused hour — your Power Hour. Make a cup of your favourite drink, turn off all distractions and notifications and set your timer for ONE hour. Look at your list and circle one or two things you can actually do something about today. Even small steps count.
Taking gentle action helps you regain a sense of control, and often, that’s where calm begins. Focusing on what you can influence — even just a small part of it, is surprisingly powerful. By reclaiming a little control, that sense of overwhelm can ease, even if only slightly. This is also a wonderful activity to do with children of any age when they’re feeling stretched or anxious.
Coffee And Candle Chats
Connection soothes the soul. One of my favourite rituals is arranging what I call a Coffee and Candle Chat , a simple catch-up where I make a fresh coffee, light a candle and have a meaningful chat with a friend.
If meeting in person isn’t possible, pick up the phone or have a video chat. It’s these small moments of connection that remind us we belong.
It doesn’t need to be fancy or long, just intentional. Sharing stories, laughter, or even silence over a cuppa can shift your whole mood.
Send Some Happy Post
There’s something so joyful about receiving a handwritten note, isn’t there? I’ve always had a soft spot for stationery and keep a little box of cards ready for when I want to send some happy post.
This week, why not send one? It could be to a friend, a relative, or someone who’s simply been on your mind. A few handwritten words can brighten someone’s day ~ and yours too.
Sort Out The Little Things
Sometimes it’s the smallest tasks that create the most mental noise. The squeaky door, that messy drawer, the email you’ve been avoiding.
Set aside half an hour and deal with a few of them, home at your desk or even in the car. Dedicate some time to sorting out the little things, the ones that every day you think “I must sort that out”.
You’ll be surprised how much even small actions can lift your energy and bring a sense of calm to your space. It’s not just about tidying your home, t’s about clearing mental clutter too. Over half term, alongside my linen cupboard Mission, I gave my study a thorough spring clean, and yes, even tackled those tricky kitchen drawers! I also sorted my Pinterest boards and replaced the cracked screen protector on my phone, little things that make a real difference. The result? A clearer space and a lighter mind.
Boost Your Vitamin D
Getting outside, even for ten minutes, can work wonders for your mood and energy.
Vitamin D supports bone health, immunity and overall wellbeing, but it also boosts your mood. So, whether it’s a short walk, coffee in the garden, or standing barefoot in the grass for a moment, let yourself pause and soak it in.
It’s amazing how much brighter the world feels after a little fresh air.
Create A Positivity Jar.
This is a lovely habit to share with family or keep just for yourself. Each time you think of something you’re grateful for or something you’re looking forward to, write it down and pop it in a jar.
Over time, it becomes a collection of happy thoughts and small moments, something you can dip into whenever you need a gentle reminder of what’s good.
Simple, meaningful and full of hope. It’s a wonderful mini Mission to set some time aside at the end of each month or year and read all notes. For more simple ways to ease stress, the Mind UK wellbeing tips are a supportive read.
A Few More Simple Mood Boosters
Listen to a favourite podcast or audiobook.
Dance around the kitchen to a song that makes you smile.
Look through old holiday photos or start planning your next adventure.
Move your body, even a ten-minute stretch or walk counts.
Challenge a friend or family member to a board game or online quiz.
Daily And Weekly Planners
I’ve created a few printable planners that help me stay focused, grounded, and organised, especially when life feels full. You can find them here. They’re designed to help you take back your time and energy, so you can focus on what truly matters most.
Daily Planner Weekly Planner
Final Thoughts
Remember, small steps make a big difference. Whether it’s lighting a candle, writing a list, or taking a few moments outside, every tiny act of calm adds up.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just keep showing up for yourself, one gentle step at a time.
What helps you feel calmer when life feels overwhelming? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
