Our French DINING ROOM MAKEOVER | How to renovate an abandoned house in France | Charente Living

Watch how we transform an old abandoned room into a grand dining room! See all the before and after videos and pictures. In the end of the video we reveal the finished room and invite you to have a surprise dinner with us. We really enjoyed making a dream French dining room. Please let us know in the comments how you like it.
We are Robert and Jyrki - two artists living in Helsinki, Finland. With no renovation experience, but lots of enthusiasm and passion we take on the big challenge of renovating a property abroad.
Follow us also on our Instagram @charenteliving
Music by KZbin:
Artist name: Johann Strauss
Song name: Blue Danube
Music by Audiio:
Artist Name: Cedric Vermue
Song Name: Slender (Instrumental) License #: 8801992262
#france #charente #diy #oldhouse #renovation #beforeandafter #dining #frenchhouse

[@carriechampagne2552]

Love the way you did the dinning room, all the silver shinning in the candle light, yummy wine, good company, and after the kitchen is complete a meal fitting for such a beautiful room. Well Done.🤗

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Carrie. So glad you like it!!

[@beiderbecke1927]

Happy Valentines Day! Here's to many glorious (and warmer) dinners in your beautiful dining room. I wish I'd been there to prepare something Downton Abbeyish for you, but your version was delightful. Thanks for warming my chilly old heart.

[@charenteliving]

Happy Valentines Day to you too from us here. Hopefully the summer will bring some nice Downton Abbey style parties there, when the menu will be a little more sophisticated!

[@kefaad]

Splendid! Simply adore the wall paper pattern and colour, moldings, paneling, flooring, the amazing rococo dining table and all of your details! Your dinner service is elegant too! Noble opulence!

[@charenteliving]

So glad you like it. Thanks for the lovely comments!

[@Redbuzzcut]

Cheers guys! I found your Charente Living channel by accident while surfing KZbin last night (passing some time away in self quarantine whilst I recover from COVID). What a lovely journey I've had with you, thanks! The dining room is fantastic and your documentation from purchase to here is very well done, bravo! I also thoroughly enjoyed watching you dine on two frozen dinners with a nice bottle of Bordeaux - glad you have kept your sense of humor on this journey. Keep up the great work and I can't wait to see what you post next! 🍷🍷

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much for you're lovely message. So glad you have been enjoying our videos!! More to come soon!

[@ninianmacmillan-keith7435]

A fabulous video , loved the dining table scene . The room looks so very elegant .well done chaps ❤️🇬🇧

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Keith!

[@greenb5716]

Stunning room. Fantastic job. Love the humble yet very elegant dinner. 😂. The company is really what matters. Thank you for sharing. 😂❤

[@veroniquefarge2241]

Tres joli! Vous avez vraiment mis cette belle piece en valeur avec beaucoup de goût! Vous etes adorables! Merci du partage.🌺

[@charenteliving]

Merci beaucoup Veronique!!

[@barbarakeegan9516]

What an amazing transformation. Congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Barbara!!

[@Jane-3229]

Cheers boys! 🤣🤣 your dining room is very beautiful 😍 I love all of your design choices ❤ I adore the little door to the cellar. What a fantastic feature xx

[@charenteliving]

Aw thanks Jane. We love that little door too!!

[@Sushi2735]

The Wallpaper was a perfect choice for a room that doesn’t have a lot of light. I love your furniture choices and to get 12 matching chairs! Wow! One suggestion, if you have another wall, a big mirror would reflect the chandelier and candle lights, back and forth across the room, with sconces on either side, even more light. Something to consider. You have just done an amazing job retaining the character. I look forward to seeing more. Enjoy your success 🎉

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Susan. Great suggestions. Would love another mirror in there.

[@katewestcottvt]

Yes, mirrors!❤

[@Sushi2735]

@@katewestcottvt, a large grouping of smaller old mirrors would work. Probably easier to find, too. And certainly less expensive. The guys are so talented they could do a neat grouping that would be stunning! 😍😍😍😍

[@phyllisburrell8661]

Even microwave food sounds very posh in the French language. Elegant dining fellas. ; ) Cheers.

[@charenteliving]

Haha thanks Phyllis!! Cheers to you too.

[@wayneNtampa]

A fabulous meal to celebrate a grande dining room! Enjoy the wine!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much. Cheers!

[@joulins]

Love all of it! So beautiful and full of respect for this old house. 💜 can’t wait to see the rest of the house! Greetings from Berlin! 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@jmbisme]

All your efforts are paying off nicely. I always enjoy watching your videos and seeing the progress of the house. The floors turned out very nice, and the story of the phone and keys gave me a good laugh as I have made similar mistakes in my life. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming!

[@charenteliving]

So glad you're enjoying. Great to have you with us and more videos coming soon!

[@cgjwitwe]

We love your videos and have had some shared experiences. We are an American couple who purchased a house in the village of Charroux (86250). We also have been removing wallpaper (often 4+ layers - and sometimes on the ceiling / doors) and have run into the same issue with stains coming through the new paint. We used a layer of primer and a 3 in 1 paint to fix that. Your video on the unexpected issues is priceless. We too have an unoccupied house next door and we also had our house completely rewired before moving in. Your taste in furniture is wonderful (we went with Ikea ). Keep up the good work!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much John. Hope you both have been enjoying the process so far with your renovation.

[@williamfahey6066]

I love the way you live. The China, Silver and Crystal Glasses is all so beautiful. Great video. Jeff❤

[@charenteliving]

haha it's not everyday like that but great to immerse in the fantasy when we can!

[@lizschultz1]

Oh...yet another wonderful episode! Absolutely love the dining room and especially the beautiful grey/green wallpaper - so restful and subdued. Thankyou both for braving the cold to share this special event with us, and my compliments on such superb culinary choices for dinner! Cheers from Oz! 🥶🍷🥶🍷🥵🍷

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Liz. Cheers to you too, and thank you for all the lovely comments!!!

[@rabbithill56]

You've done a beautiful job, cant wait to see what you do next

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much David!

[@elainejoyce2395]

love the room ,and dinner was fun .

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Elaine so much!

[@eileencronk7520]

I hope you always value and treasure every high , low and everything in between, of this fabulous adventure! Cheers!!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Eileen!!

[@LoireValleyChateaux]

BEAUTIMOUS guys! Your choices from the matte floor finish to the soft wallpaper work so well together. Enjoy your exciting journey! ❤️🙏

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the lovely compliments!

[@louiscecere5636]

Beautiful, elegant! You both have mastered your wonderful dry sense of humor.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Louis!

[@michelelavender1967]

Ive come here this morning to get calm and peaceful x from Athens

[@charenteliving]

Oh great. Hello to you in Athens!!

[@onedandylion]

Oooh that pop and pour was masterful! :) Dining room looks gorgeous!

[@charenteliving]

Haha thank you. We were surprised how the glugging somehow matched the rhythm of the music.

[@leneanker9518]

What a lovely vlog. You two are the best company. I am so glad I found your channel ❤️

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much. Great to have you with us!

[@CM-dx9yn]

@7:04 loved the Irish fellow’s foreshadowing the very next comment with his eyes! Even watching it on mute one can follow the tale!

[@charenteliving]

Haha great acting!

[@michelelavender1967]

back to the warm room haaaaa that room is truly beautiful

[@charenteliving]

It was freezing that day we must admit.

[@yisimlampiris-tremba2247]

You both did a beautiful job in your dining room. Wishing you two many celebrations and romantic dinners. 💕

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the lovely words!

[@jamesgraham9369]

Brilliant guys! Fantastic renovation on the formal dining room. Love your fun side too.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much James!!

[@catherinecliff646]

Just gorgeous! Some very special and well travelled silver on that table. An amazing job

[@charenteliving]

Hoping to make Shelagh proud!!

[@bluemecrazy]

Well done guys ! And looks like you've got sunny ☀️ and fairly warm weather coming your way next week ! Enjoy !

[@charenteliving]

Yes Spring is on the way!

[@Sushi2735]

What a inviting dining room! Just charming! Wish I was there for dinner! I’d bring the cheese course. 😅😅😅😅

[@charenteliving]

Sounds great, lovely goats cheese here in the area!

[@desireeismail3092]

What a beautiful transformation. Well done. Looking forward to the next video.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Desiree!!!

[@NicholaiMcGrath]

Love this, Love the wallpaper. Great fun SLIGO

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Nicholai, glad you like the paper. We love it too!

[@LimousinLife]

What a wonderful dining room! And I was laughing so much when the microwave pinged!!!

[@charenteliving]

Haha a hommage to our humble renovation beginnings!

[@philrose7716]

Love what you have done. Can't wait for the invite.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Phil!!

[@stevenepaul6222]

So fancy dinners in the spring and summers only? Really appreciate your hard work and simple yet very elegant decor choices. I think your room is a new favorite!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Steven. Haha yes when the room is toasty enough. Must get that fireplace working properly to put on a nice fire there.

[@jbart5260]

Your taste and your design choices are stellar! The diningroom is beautiful! You two are so adorable with a wonderful sense of humor!! I look forward to your videos. Well done! ... Jeff from USA

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Jeff! Glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@alanseviour7346]

Well done guys. The dining room looks great. Microwave food taste so much better with a few candles and a good bottle of wine, enjoy

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Alan, couldn't agree more! Cheers!!

[@deanviewofachateaumybandbi7899]

12 chairs the same incroyable !

[@charenteliving]

We were so lucky!

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

Love you two!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@joaocorreia3728]

Great job guys welldone congrats

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Joao!

[@TheCrowsNest1950]

Hi Guys, I'm really enjoying the great progress both of you are making in renovating and restoring your home. It certainly has been truly a labor of love with the end result being the greatest pleasure for both of you. Though the room may be cold when you filmed this episode, the end result is truly warm and inviting. I really like the choice of furniture you have purchased, and it is wonderful that you were able to purchase a complete set of 12 chairs. In spite of the difference, they work extremely well with the table and the large cabinet looks great in the dining room, I question why you would move such an imposing and beautiful piece of furniture into the kitchen. Keep up the great work, I'm looking for more videos. Mark

[@charenteliving]

Thank so much Mark for the lovely comment. Really glad you like the room and the furniture. Still not sure about the large cabinet as we might in the future need more of sideboard where we could serve from, making the room as practical as possible, but then we love it there too so it might stay. Great to have you along with us!

[@hangingwithjen]

I really loved today's CL vlog. I hope to be invited to the next dinner party! LOL super fancy! :P Can't wait to see the next bit of renovation and restoration. Good luck.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Jen, glad you're enjoying the videos!!

[@juanramos.jr.7948]

Thank you so much for keeping it real!🤣🤣😊❤, everything is gorgeous, love from South Texas!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Juan. Glad you're enjoying the video and will keep it real as best we can always!

[@MarianneInmarsilia]

Bonjour from Marseille ! What a fine dining room ! Love your caring restoration and the wallpaper is perfect !

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Marianne. Glad you like it.

[@charlieb2903]

I found your channel only a few days ago. I have now watched all your videos to date, and look forward to watching more. Where would we be without microwaved meals! All the best.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Charlie. Delighted to have you with us on our channel.

[@jlrobwil]

Sooooooooo funny! Loved your celebratory dinner!!

[@charenteliving]

Haha thank you!

[@hillsideurbangarden1380]

Beautiful Room! Good work.❤

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much!

[@flowerphotos6440]

Bon appétit and what a wonder job you have done, the room is stunning. Looking forward to the kitchen video.

[@charenteliving]

Thank so much. Glad you like it!!!

[@lindamounts2193]

What a beautiful room. Very tastefully done. Would love some video of when you're actually doing the work. I look forward to your future renovations.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Linda. With future renovations we will definitely be filming as we go. Just catching everyone up where we are so far now. Glad to have you with us!

[@eamonnohalloran2254]

A wonderful transfornation. I applaude the accents of Demaske Linen, Waterford Crystsl {Lismore pattern } and NewBridge cutlery {Kings pattern? } as a hommage to good living and Parties to come. Here's to Corte en Blue in the kitchen.

[@charenteliving]

Thank Eamonn. Cutlery is Chippendale style from Germany and glasses are sadly not Waterford, I wish!!!! Maybe some day we can have the Waterford collection in the cabinet!!

[@angelakilroe3271]

Just found you on you tube, really enjoyed your video and look forward to new ones coming up.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Angela. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@nadinephalip]

Luxe calme et volupté sur fond de beau Danube bleu bravo messieurs bonne continuation

[@charenteliving]

Merci Nadine!

[@nativetexson]

Fun video. The dinner sequence cinematography reminded me of one of my favorite movies, "Babette's Feast". Nice transformation of the room. 👏👏

[@charenteliving]

Definitely will watch the film, haven't seen it before!

[@nativetexson]

@@charenteliving It’s a classic “foodie” movie with amazing cinematography. 🎥

[@virsanib]

Delicate and exquisite taste! I love every details! Thanks for the video, one more week! Greeting from Spain!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the lovely message!

[@seaking526]

Only 2 years late but... if you have other dried out damp patches, try using an oil based paint to cover them and then paining over with your final water based choice: it is the water in the paint that is re-dampening the stain and allowing it to come through. It's much cheaper than spraying a Stain Blocker and you can always have half a can (stored upside down with the lid on tight) in the cellar, for when it's needed.🤔

[@charenteliving]

Oh thank you for the great advice. Thank you so much!!

[@phyllisburrell8661]

Hello again ! Just wanted to say that your floors turned out lovely. Laughed at the still photo of you reaching for the keys. You looked like a rite swashbuckling pirate, with the broom handle : ) Always good to see you again, sincerely from San Diego.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks again Phyllis! Haha yes, it was quite an interesting moment of how to get the keys, and great we had the camera to document it!! Great to reach you all the way in San Diego!

[@jrousku]

Beautiful and freezing 🥶 😍

[@charenteliving]

haha yes very!

[@christine2014]

À votre santé, et bon appétit! How lucky you are to have managed to get domestic staff so early on in your renovation 😉

[@charenteliving]

Hard to get decent cooks these days, but we have been lucky haha! Thanks so much!

[@karenhood8920]

Wahhabism complements to the chef!! I love all the changes you have made to the room. Lovely

[@rosaliesliedrecht7643]

You created a wonderful diningroom, I love the furniture, reminds me of my years in the South of France in Pezenas. let me know when you have that diner party 😂I come! And I will make a delicious dinner for you ! Cheers! Proost!

[@charenteliving]

Sounds great! Thanks Rosalie!

[@johnbruce-el8ld]

Just came across your page and want to wish you the very best . Am north of Boston and we dont have winters anything like Finland. I will follow your success in renovating your home. Best to you both

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much John, much appreciated.

[@gypsy1588]

The room is beautiful, very romantic.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you, we love it!

[@daviddeveau5101]

Wonderful renovation. Cheers.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much David!

[@lisainnewzealand8461]

Love. From Whakatane New Zealand. Enjoying each vlog thank you!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks for joining us Lisa!! Greetings to you in Whakatane!

[@ednahawkesworth7551]

A beautiful renovation 🤩 and a wonderful choice for your special dinner 😂😂😂

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Edna!!

[@worldwanderingwoman]

I love your house! I love the detailed molding!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Sarah, so glad you like it!

[@newyorktropicalgarden9364]

Beautiful work and I love the ending!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it!!

[@thechatelaine]

So Beautiful ❤❤

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@michaeldeleon7191]

Cheers!

[@charenteliving]

Cheers Michael!

[@tonyszep41]

Love your videos! A joy to watch.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Tony!!

[@lawrencebaker2318]

That was beautiful, heart warming and fun! The dining room looks great! I love the wallpaper that changes color in different light... makes the room seem fresh and moving with the time of day. Microwave meals are a necessity at times. Yes, some of those times deserve to be cherished (if not relished!) as well.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Lawrence, we really love the room and how it has turned out so far. We definitely try and relish in all the special moments together there.

[@luminyam6145]

It is so lovely.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@Ron_Robertson]

I loved this. I'm a super fan of "art de la table" and have collected a pretty good ensemble of French tableware (silver, china, crystal, etc.). About to move to Normandie in a bit larger place so will have room for more. I do love to have friends and family over, and introduce people to the use of the many charming specialty pieces that were made over the years. People seem to really enjoy that. And I loved the video of your collection in your secrétaire. You could have been speaking my mind. I have a little set I use for writing thank you letters, etc. I'll be in my place around the end of June, and can hardly wait. Love seeing what you're doing with your place. And looking forward to seeing each part as it gets done. Great work, and well done!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Ron for the lovely comment. I think we share the same visions for the 'art de la table'. Great you'll be back in June, always lovely to be there for the summer.

[@Ron_Robertson]

@@charenteliving It'll be an interesting change from the Seine-et-Marne region. I hope someday to meet you guys. I love the small towns in France, and I find people everywhere I've been in France to be friendly and kind.

[@rodolfogarcia4359]

Adorable🥰

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Rodolfo!

[@jaymurtagh]

Well guys, I only found you this evening, so binge watch your videos. What a lovely couple with a fabulous house. Have subscribed, and I am looking forward to seeing your journey together, and your progress on this wonderful house.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Jay so much, delighted to have you with us and thanks for your support.

[@katewestcottvt]

Cheers!🥂❤✌

[@charenteliving]

Cheers Kate!

[@waltercook4868]

Love the dining room! Hopefully, you will soon be able to replace The Blue Danube with Waltz of the Flowers.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Walter. Glad you like it!!

[@fishermann1102]

Well done!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you!

[@denniscampeau6577]

Cheers 🎊 To a job well done!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Dennis!!

[@rosepayeur4591]

Hi guys! Just meetingyou, your content looks very interesting! Can’t wait to watch the next vlog!!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Rose. Glad you like the videos!

[@peterwhite9261]

That was cute. Great restoration. I love the paint and wallpaper.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Peter!

[@pisces11105]

You guys are so funny with the TV dinners on top of china!!!

[@charenteliving]

Keeping it classy you know!!

[@50Street21]

Just stumbled upon your channel, gentlemen, and was enthralled with your dedication to preservation. I have since subscribed. Anticipating more videos. Cheers my friends! Darryl

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Darryl, so kind of you. Great to have you with us!!

[@nimuehmoon872]

...Great Job...👍...you cracked me up with the dinner....😂

[@charenteliving]

Haha glad you enjoyed it.

[@marciap5919]

👏👏Excelente! Muy bello quedo❤️. Y no me cabe duda que la cocina será mucho mejor 💪. Felicitaciones🥂

[@charenteliving]

Muchas gracias Marcia!

[@leighevans1394]

Fabulous :) . Funny guys lol

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Leigh!

[@mariaetheridge8343]

You have been wise to go with character in the house! It looks lovely. I had to laugh when you went fishing for the car keys!!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Maria! Yes, couldn't believe when we had left them on the mantelpiece.

[@lynnmk2384]

Beautiful room

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@TheImanuelita]

That was funny! :)

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Ima!

[@angielu3273]

lol. I will be looking forward to future projects.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Angie!

[@adelinefinlay1582]

😂loved your dinner in your beautiful dining room!

[@charenteliving]

Haha thank you, the food was 5 star!

[@figencebe9287]

Congratulations, so nice and soo romantic even with microwaved food ❤

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Figen!

[@shelbycooper7504]

Absolutely love your dining room great choice for the wallpaper❤❤❤❤ and loved the bit of fun at the dinner table lol.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Shelby, great you enjoyed it!

[@phillipsmom6252]

Nice 👍

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@fredscott1199]

Cheers! I love your dining room! The wallpaper is lovely! You guys didn't say anything about your stunning mirror! What a beautiful room you have created! I can't wait to see the kitchen and what you may find to put into your new kitchen. I have a condo in Nashville. My condo building was bombed out on Christmas Morning, 2020. We are all ok but everyone here is waiting to build out our units again. I am studying what you guys do so I might have a home as warm and comfortable as your home looks! Great job guys! I can't wait to see more! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@charenteliving]

So sorry to hear of what happened Fred. Really hope you get back into your home soon, and we are sure it will be beautiful and cosy once again.

[@sc0ttishlass]

I would have bet you were producing McDonald's menues LOL It looks beautiful, it has a very Gustavian kind of feel when the sunlight pours in, especially with the blue upholstered chairs. Well done!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Una. Sadly the McDonalds is a little too far away haha

[@paivitiitta1884]

Hear, hear !

[@charenteliving]

Kiitos Paivi!

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

😂😂😂, ‘a few mushrooms’. What a beautiful production from you both. 😂✊❤️😘😘

[@charenteliving]

Thanks lads!

[@twoeejitsinfrance]

Shepards pie in french sounds amazing. 😂

[@heliedecastanet1882]

"Hachis Parmentier, Purée à la crème fraîche" 🙂

[@charenteliving]

Doesn't it haha!!

[@cliffordl.4022]

I just discovered you guys. You make me laugh. Cheers!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Clifford, glad you enjoyed it!!