“You’re gonna do what to where?”
“I’m gonna switch the Breakfast Room to the Living Room.”
“And how do you plan on doing that?“
“By moving around the furniture.”
(pause. insert heavy thinking)
“Okay, if that’s all that is involved – do what you want.”
(insert heavy smile)
Right before the Christmas decor came down,
I asked my friends what they thought about me switching
the furniture in two rooms. They agreed it sounded like a good idea.
You see, I LOVE our front Living Room.
It’s sunny and bright and filled with an abundance of morning light.
And I have to admit – it’s hardly ever used.
{BEFORE LIVING ROOM}
So, the table and chairs were moved to my favorite, sunny spot in the house.
{Sorry, Baby Lily.}
I pulled two neutral colored wing-back chairs from storage.
Then, added a French wicker basket as a coffee table.
And, moved my little blue chest between the two chairs…
I added my cable-knit sweater pillows…
And “fluffed” the black hutch with a Thrift Store Ironstone Soup
Tureen which I filled with a green plant.
(I paid $5.96 for the tureen) woot!…
And I stepped back.
And sighed.
And fell in love with my new Hearth-less “Heart Room.”
{Before Breakfast Room}
I love that my babies sit in these chairs while I am fixing dinner
and we talk and play pretend and Roo reads to Caity.
I love that inside the French wicker basket are two
fluffy throws they wrap up in.
I love that this space is now open and inviting and the perfect
place to hang out and just relax and unwind.
I love that at the end of the day…when the babies have left for
the day…I can turn on Josh Groban or Andrea Bocelli or
maybe ACDC. {It depends on what mood I am in.}
I can drink wine or drink coffee and read my favorite magazines
and Cookbooks. And take a few minutes to reflect on the day’s events
or plan the next day.
Those “few minutes” of nothing but the beverage of choice and some
music of choice – and my thoughts.
{Perfect!}
I did spend $30 on new mini shades. Plain white ones to replace the
back metals ones. (from Lowes)
Other than that – I used accessories I already had on hand.
I even changed the message on the little tin chalkboard…
Yes, please.
{hint, hint Mr Weatherman}
So. For $30 I created a new space in our home that is actually being
used more now than before when it was the Breakfast Room.
Oh wait… $35.
The plant in the soup tureen is new.
So you’re probably asking yourself…
“Self, what did she do with the old Living Room turned Breakfast Room?”
Let’s just say…it’s a work in progress and this post is
To Be Continued.
Oh and one more thing… you know the cute Sweater Coffee Cozie
you see here…
Come back on Monday and I will share how I made these from
leftover parts of a $5 Goodwill sweater.
I am taking part in a weeklong event called
“The Scoop on Creating a Cozy Home.”
There are some super terrific ideas below.
Please take a moment when you get a few spare minutes
to visit some of these participants.
Monday, January 13th
Tuesday, January 14th
Wednesday, January 15th
Thursday, January 16th
Friday, January 17th
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So before I go – I have a question for you.
Maybe a silly question? But I’m gonna ask anyway.
You see – I love to write. I have about four novels in various
stages of completion.
If once a month or so, I shared one of my short stories on a weekend
post…would you think that odd?
It would have nothing to do with DIY or Crafts or Cooking…
but, everything about women facing struggles, dealing with lost loves,
healing … and finding their way again.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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Sharon Rexroad's Bringing Creativity 2 Life says
Barb — I love the switcheroo! It DOES make that space by the kitchen oh, so cozy. Now, me being a ribbon aficionado, I’m itching to add trim around the bottom edge of the chandy shades, but other than that, perfect!
View CommentBarb says
Your on the same wavelength I am. I have a few ideas up my sleeve. 🙂 xxoo
View CommentMichele/Finch Rest says
Barb, I love that you switched your spaces – now YOU love it and it is more functional for you. Well done.
As for your short story thing, absolutely- your blog should be everything YOU wish it to be. Go to it, would love to read it.
Have a wonderful day.
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Michele – you know I waited to do this for a long time because I thought what would “other people” think of this idea. Then a dear friend said, do it bc YOU want to. Wise woman. 🙂 Thx for the input about the short story.
View CommentKATHYSUE says
Barb I absolutely love your new hearthroom, I can see myself sitting there while you cook one of your delicious meals and I am watching and listening to you and learning in a very comfy chair, Great job!
View Commentxo Kathysue
Barb says
I would absolutely LOVE it if you were sitting in one of those chairs right now while I was fixing us lunch. I need me some Kathysue time. 🙂 Have a good weekend and don’t work to hard. xxoo, Barb
View Commentlaura@top this top that says
I love that you switched things up! makes our homes that much more interesting! great job.
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Laura – isn’t it funny when we decide to use a space to make it fit our lifestyle rather than fitting the home? You should know, you did it with success too. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend. xxoo, Barb
View CommentMartina says
LOVE the switch Barb…so pretty and cozy!!
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Martina,
View CommentSo far we love it too and I find myself drawn to this space. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend. xxoo, barb
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Oh this looks like such a great place to sit and relax. Love the change. Hugs, Marty
View CommentBarb says
Thanks my friend – so far we are enjoying it too. Now to get the other room in shape, too. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend. xxoo, Barb
View CommentMary Alice Patterson says
Oh, I love this change you made!! What a cozy spot to be able to be in the middle of what’s going on in the kitchen.
View CommentMary Alice
Barb says
Thanks Mary Alice, I love it too so far. And that I spent $35 doing it. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend.
View CommentBe blessed, barb
Jenna says
I love love love that you flipped your rooms and it looks fabulous!!!! I tend to rearrange the furniture often, makes cleaning so much more fun! My husband tells people that he never knows what to expect when he comes home! Love the aqua bureau in the new space and the coziness of it all! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Jenna. I can’t believe I waited as long as I did. I have wanted to do this for months and finally said “I’m doing it!” And we are also now using the “breakfast table” more in the other room b/c its so pretty and sunny in the mornings. Go figure! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. xxoo
View CommentTami says
Love the sitting area! I would be spending lots of time in that spot if it were my house.
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Tami. It’s funny how we are actually using the table more now that its in the other room too. Amazing what happens when you switch around furniture and rooms to suit your lifestyle rather than the house. Thanks for stopping by. xxoo
View CommentYvonne @ StoneGable says
Barb, I’ll be hanging on your every word! What can’t you do, girl! I love the switch too. Your Hearth room looks amazing with your cozy chairs and that beautiful chest! Beautifully done! You sure are a dynamo~
View CommentBarb says
You mean my “un-Hearth” room. 😀 I really do love it and can’t believe we are actually using the space more than when we had a table there. Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet words. xxoo
View CommentShelia says
Hi Barb! I just love the switch-er-oo in your breakfast room. Those are comfy looking chairs and I love the cute painted piece between them. I am coveting that cute cute little cow pitcher on it. I’m sure it’s delightful having your little ones close by while you’re in the kitchen. I’ve always loved your pretty hutch and love how you always dress it.
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Barb says
So far I really like it too. Isn’t it funny how we are programmed to use a certain room for a certain function. I guess this is called “thinking out of the room.” 😀 xxoo
View CommentHeidi Colton says
I am waiting with baited breath to see what you did with the living room! I never would have thought of switching the two rooms. So far your hearthroom looks amazing!
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Heidi. I have some work to do on the other room. Well, a LOT of work. LOL Thanks for stopping by today. xxoo
View CommentCourtenay @ The Creek Line House says
LOVE the idea of rethinking the spaces in our homes! All it takes is a different perspective and you’ve almost got a whole new house! And I can’t believe that you just had those awesome wingback chairs sitting around in storage! 🙂
View CommentBarb says
Courtenay – those chairs were from my old office from the company I sold. I only paid $99 each for them on a sale at Hancock Fabrics. Yay! I like to say I thought “out of the room” for this switcheroo. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. xxoo, barb
View CommentCourtney says
I love the change and so simple to swap spaces and keep what love in your home but get a new look! So lovely!! Sharing!
View CommentBarb says
It was just a matter of getting my hubby to help me move the larger pieces. Then, spending a few minutes fighting the dust bunnies hiding behind everything. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
OK…if my memory serves me correctly, was the living/sitting room off the kitchen?…Love the new look…certainly keeps things more fresh and interesting!!…Certainly looks very cozy and beautiful.
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Shirley – its taken me a bit to get used to because I am so used to the breakfast table being there, but so far so good. 🙂 Hope you’re having a great weekend. xxoo
View CommentDeb says
Nice look on the rooms. And I would love to read your writings. 🙂
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Deb. I am really loving the look and feel so far. I hope to share a story next weekend. I am nervous bc I’ve never shared my short stories before. eek! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Blessings, Barb
View CommentSue at Blu says
I love what you created by moving some furniture around! What a vision! Looks so comfy!
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Sue. I am trying to be more creative and not spend any money. Or, not spend a LOT of money. I am amazed that a few furniture switches did create such a change, and so far – one that everyone seems to enjoy. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings, Barb
View CommentHelen says
Barb, suddenly I did recall the room I loved near your kitchen. (Back in the days of the HGTV message board!) I cannot wait to see what you do in that gorgeous space. And I’m loving the change of rooms featured today. Thanks for helping the ideas flow!
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Helen. Wow, HGTV days. It seems so long ago and so far away doesn’t it. I haven’t stopped in there in years and I really need to. I miss some of the “faces” in there. Do you still stop by? I have some work to do on the other room. Slow and sure is my mantra these days. Well, at least slow. 😀 Thx for stopping by. Blessings, Barb
View CommentPam @ House of Hawthornes says
Oh, I always wanted a hearth room. Never occurred to me that I didn’t need the hearth part 🙂 I like the switcheroo so far. Can’t wait to see the other part of it. And I say yes, to the short stories. For me. READING is the best part of blogs.
View CommentBarb says
Pam – I totally get you about thinking I needed a “hearth” to have the same setting and feel. I hesitated for a long time doing this even though I really wanted to. Why do we do that? 🙂 I am working on a new story and hope to publish it next week. (call me nervous) 😀 xxoo
View CommentKathleen G says
Well I just commented on yesterdays post. Loved what you did, switching rooms around gives you a nice sitting room in your kitchen. I have one too. Please do write your stories. I love to read. Kathleen in Az
View CommentBarb says
Kathleen – so far I really love the switch too. Its taken me a bit to get used to b/c its been the Breakfast Room for so long. I still turn to set down my coffee thinking the table is still there. LOL Blessings, barb
View CommentLauren says
I think you are the best blogger! I love your pictures and your home! Thanks for not giving up! You are really one talented lady!
View CommentBarb says
Lauren that is incredibly nice to say and means so much to me. I’m not gonna give up yet. 🙂 Thanks for being so sweet and for being a fan. xxoo
View CommentSamantha says
Your home is beautiful, so cozy! Happy to be on the Home Tour with you 🙂
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Samantha. Glad to have you this week. 🙂
View CommentAnne says
How fun to change out a room! I would love to do that but our home was not set up that way 🙁 .Your room looks amazing!!!Love your sweater cup cozy!
View Commentxx
Anne
Barb says
In a lot of ways I know what you mean. I am always jealous of people who can switch around furniture within a room. I don’t seem to have many options in most rooms. Its like the room determines how the furniture goes. Maybe thats best. I have some HEAVY furniture. ha. Thx for stopping by. xxoo
View CommentJanis@All Things Beautiful says
Barb, I like the way you think! How fun to switch things around. Love those cable sweater pillows. Beautiful spaces you have created! I was in a boutique the other day, and an ACDC song started playing…college flashback! Keep mixing it up!!!
View CommentBarb says
ACDC gets me every. single. time. LOL Thanks for stopping by. xxoo
View CommentConfessions of a Plate Addict says
I love the change, Barb! it really shows off that pretty chest! how nice to have such a cozy spot this winter! Have a great weekend!…hugs…Debbie
View CommentBarb says
Thx Deb – it does show off the chest better huh? Now to get it cleaned out and organized. sigh 🙂 xxoo
View CommentVanessa says
What a great idea Barb!! Love your new “heart” room and so thrilled to be on this tour with you! 🙂
View CommentVanessa
Barb says
Thx Vanessa – this was a fun tour. 🙂 xxoo
View Commentsara@renoventures says
LOVE the blue cabinet!
View CommentBarb says
Thanks. Its actually one of the few purchases I have ever made from Kirklands. 🙂 Thx for stopping by. Blessings, Barb
View CommentAngie Lawson says
I love your switcheroo!! ☺ It looks just wonderful. I LOVE your blue dresser with the numbers, I think I want to do something similar to my boys’ dresser (you’ve inspired me)! In answer to your question about the novels, I don’t think that would be strange at all!! I don’t think a blog only needs to be about DIY and decorating! We also like to hear what comes from your heart and with WHATEVER you’re working on at the time. Thanks for your inspiration!—♥Angie
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Angie. The chest is one I bought several years ago at Kirklands, believe it or not. LOL (I think they may still carry them) The numbers are regular house numbers like you get at Lowes. That’s all. Thanks for your feedback @ the mini story. I have written since I was a teenager but have never really shared anything, so it will be a little scary. 🙂 Thx for visiting, xxoo Barb
View CommentJennifer @ Town and Country Living says
So pretty! Don’t you love switching stuff around and then it almost feels like you live in a new house! Great change!
View CommentChristy @ Our Southern Home says
Wow, Barb! You really did some heavy moving! I so love what you did and the “WOW” factor is so amazing. I bet it feels like a new house! I am in love with that duck egg blue dresser!!! Hugs sweet friend! ~Christy
View CommentAnita from Cedar Hill Farmhouse says
Such a cozy home and love that black hutch!!! Beautiful, cozy, warm home, it’s very inviting.
View CommentJamie says
Beautiful and cozy, Barb! You’ve done a wonderful job 😉
View CommentHugs,
Jamie
Angela @Unexpected Elegance says
I love the changes!! It’s always better to use a space, too! 😉 So glad I was able to be a part of this tour with you!!!
View Comment~Angela
Jill says
I’m so glad I found your post ! It showed up in my “Hometalk” email. I’ve been thinking about doing the exact same thing in our house, but had never known anyone else to do this. You have confirmed my decision to move forward with this! I even have a black hutch that looks VERY similar to yours. My hutch holds my growing collection of ironstone. We’re thinking of putting a loveseat in our area along with either a tufted coffee table or a coffee table with a lift top so that we can eat in there if we want to. Thanks for sharing your idea!
View Comment