Back in November, I shared the plans for our living and dining room addition. What was once just a sketch on paper—and, before that, a weathered deck—has finally become reality. Today, I’m thrilled to reveal our new dining room, a space designed for gathering, lingering, and feeling surrounded by the beauty of nature.
This addition has been months in the making, and along the way we learned a lot about building, planning, and balancing practicality with aesthetics. What started as a blank canvas has transformed into a room that feels both timeless and connected to its setting.
From Deck to Dining
The first iteration of the design began in September, when Craig drew up plans for what would eventually become the dining and living room wing of the house. Because the new build sits on top of the existing deck, we already knew the exact square footage we had to work with. The challenge—and the opportunity—was in figuring out how to maximize it.
One of our biggest goals was to create a room that felt immersed in the outdoors. At the back of the house, we’re surrounded by trees, and we wanted that natural beauty to be the focal point. Instead of closing it off, we leaned into it.
The result? Seven windows and two sliding glass doors. That decision—adding more windows than originally planned—completely shifted the character of the space. Now, wherever you sit, you’re wrapped in views of the woods, the seasons, and the play of light.
The Flow of the Space
Designing an addition is one thing; making sure it connects seamlessly to the rest of the house is another. For us, flow was nonnegotiable. The opening from the kitchen leads directly into the dining room, which makes it ideal for entertaining. You move from one space to the other naturally, without bottlenecks or awkward turns.
When we envisioned hosting family dinners or having friends over for long, cozy evenings, this smooth connection between kitchen and dining felt essential. It’s one of those small design decisions that has a huge impact on how the space feels day-to-day.
Insulation: The Unseen Essential
Not every step of a renovation is glamorous, but some of the most practical decisions make the biggest difference. In our case, that was insulation. We chose spray foam, and while it was hands down the most expensive part of the project, I can honestly say it was worth every penny.
Spray foam costs have skyrocketed recently, which made us hesitate at first. But knowing how long and cold Vermont winters can be, we wanted something that would not only keep the room comfortable but also improve efficiency over time. Spray foam does both. It’s one of those choices where the upfront expense pays off in comfort (and lower heating bills) for years to come.
Heating the Room
Speaking of warmth—this room has no shortage of it, both literally and figuratively. We installed two electric Runtal baseboard heaters, and I’m so glad we went with them. They’re sleek, unobtrusive, and they work beautifully.
But the real star, especially once we move into the colder months, will be the Jøtul wood-burning stove. I’ll share more details when I reveal the living room, but suffice it to say: there’s nothing like the glow of a fire to make a space feel like home.
For added flexibility, we also installed a DIY Mr. Cool mini split. The plan is to use it primarily for cooling in the summer, but since it also offers heat, it gives us options. Between the heaters, the stove, and the mini split, the room is ready for whatever Vermont weather throws our way.
What We Learned
Every project teaches you something, and this one was no exception. Here are a few of the takeaways I’d share with anyone thinking about an addition like this:
- Windows are worth the investment. Natural light changes everything. Even if it stretches the budget, it’s one of those features you’ll never regret.
- Don’t cut corners on insulation. It’s invisible once the walls go up, but you’ll feel it every single day.
- Think about flow early on. How a new space connects to your existing rooms will affect how you actually use it.
- Layer your heating (or cooling) solutions. Having multiple options not only keeps you comfortable but also makes your home more adaptable.
The Bigger Picture
Now that the dining room is complete, it feels like a natural extension of the house, as though it was always meant to be there. The large windows frame the woods outside like artwork, while the layout invites you to gather, linger, and savor the moments shared at the table.
It’s not just about creating a pretty room—it’s about building a space that supports the way we live. For us, that means a place where family and friends can come together, where dinners spill into long conversations, and where the changing seasons are always in view.
This dining room reveal is just one part of the larger renovation journey, with the living room still to come. But even on its own, this space feels like a milestone. It’s proof that with careful planning, thoughtful choices, and a willingness to invest where it counts, you can turn a deck into something extraordinary.
And honestly? I can already picture the first snow falling outside those windows, the wood stove crackling in the corner, and the table full of people we love. That’s exactly what we hoped for when we started this project—and now, it’s here.
