When we first bought a piano a few years ago, it was mostly for fun—something for the kids to tinker with and explore. What we didn’t expect was that our oldest, Carter, would teach himself how to play. With a lot of determination (and extra practice during our homeschooling days), he’s become quite the pianist—and we couldn’t be prouder.
Back in our Knoxville home, The Monarch Colonial we had a dedicated music room that quickly became one of my favorite spaces. This room was also technically meant to be a formal dining room since it’s right off the entry, but since our family tends to gather in other spots to eat, it made more sense to use the space in a way that actually fits how we live. The layout may be different, but the spirit of our old music room is very much alive here.
Today I’m sharing the full reveal, including sources, layout changes, and how we turned this dining room into a creative corner for our family—especially Carter—to enjoy.
From closing in a doorway to finally installing the custom drapes I’ve always dreamed of, this room has truly grown with our family. It’s become one of the calmest, most thoughtful corners of our home, and I hope you’ll love seeing how it’s all come together.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: WE HAD TO RETHINK THE LAYOUT
When we first moved in, this room had a good foundation, but didn’t really reflect how we wanted to use the space. The layout felt a little awkward, and the columns made it feel more formal than functional. But I saw potential.
We decided to close off one doorway and open up another… and let me tell you, it completely changed the flow of the room. Removing the columns gave us the flexibility to style it in a more relaxed, intentional way. Those small structural changes made a huge impact on the vibe of the space.
To learn more about some of the structural changes we made to our first floor, check out my post: Why We Decided To Work With An Interior Designer
The Ceiling Mural
Just hours before the piano arrived, Craig and I were on ladders installing this beautiful ceiling mural from Fine & Dandy Company. We wrapped up literally minutes before the delivery—and it was completely worth the hustle. The mural adds such a fun, unexpected touch to the room, and I love the visual interest it brings to the space!
Box Trim For Days!
Wall moulding—specifically box trim—has become something of a signature look in our home. I find myself adding it to almost every room, and I truly never get tired of the subtle detail and dimension it brings to a space. At this point, the process is second nature: buying the trim, hauling it home, measuring, cutting, nailing, painting, and caulking. I couldn’t even tell you how many hours I’ve spent on this over the years! But to me, a room just doesn’t feel complete without it.
I have a full tutorial linked here!
PICKING OUT THE PERFECT PAINT COLOR
I’ve always believed that color sets the tone for a room, and for our music room, I wanted something that felt soft, serene, and just a little bit magical. Sherwin-Williams Lullaby was the perfect starting point—a light, dreamy blue that instantly made the room feel peaceful and fresh.
Inside the box trim, I used Sherwin-Williams Stardew as an accent. It’s a slightly moodier blue-gray that complements Lullaby so well and adds that extra bit of interest the room was craving. Together, they balance softness with sophistication, and give the room a layered, intentional feel I absolutely love.
SENTIMENTAL TOUCHES I’VE BEEN SAVING
This room has been years in the making, not just in terms of renovation, but in the memories and meaning behind it. I finally got to install the mural I’ve been holding onto since 2021, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. The colors, the feeling, the scale… everything about it always felt like it belonged in this room, even before the room was ready for it. It’s one of those pieces that just speaks to you, and I’m so glad I trusted my gut and waited for the right spot.
Right alongside it, I hung the custom silhouettes of my boys, which I’ve also been saving since 2021. These little black-and-white profiles are precious, and they feel so timeless. I’ve been dreaming of finding the perfect home for them, and I can confidently say this is it.
THE DREAM DRAPES (AND DETAILS!)
This was my first time ordering custom drapery—and let me tell you, it was worth every second of planning. I am a huge fan on Amazon drapes, but I wanted to bring in a pattern and just wasn’t finding what I was looking for.
We chose a fabric called Arbe Toile that hangs beautifully, with rods (color Antique Gold) to complement the chandelier. We measured them to sit just 1/2” above the floor, and they give the room such a finished, elevated look.
We worked with Uptown Drapes for the custom rods and the drapery. The code MALLORY10 will get you 10 free swatches!
THE CHANDELIER THAT MAKES THE ROOM
Right in the heart of the space hangs one of my favorite finishing touches: the crystal feather chandelier. It gives off a clean, bright light and adds just enough texture and interest without overwhelming the room. I love how it complements the soft color palette and brings a bit of polish to the space. It’s simple, but it pulls everything together.
MUSIC ROOM SOURCES
Paint Colors:
Decor LINKS:
This music room holds more than just instruments—it holds intention. It’s a space we slowly brought to life over time, with pieces that have been saved, loved, and thoughtfully added along the way. Every paint choice, every molding detail, and every framed silhouette was picked because it meant something to us.
This is a space where the boys play piano, we unwind together, and the whole room just feels like us, which is exactly why we love it!
Have questions or want advice on renovating a music room? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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