My husband retired from the Marine Corps almost 6 years ago after an honorable 30 year career. Our last duty station was in Beautiful Colorado. I was born and raised in Jacksonville, NC.
In the back of my mind, I always knew I wanted to come back home. But, we decided we would explore some options before we planted our roots. After several destinations and explorations across the USA, we made the decision to come back to Jacksonville to be with family and friends, and primarily because I wanted to be near my parents. We knew without a doubt it was the right thing to do. We bought a lovely home – but one that needed much work. It had been on the market over nine months, in a time that homes were selling within 4 hours. Let’s just say the previous owner’s DIY “abilities” turned off most potential buyers. (eek!) But not me! I saw past the really bad faux finishes, the really bad “crackled”cabinets (and the list goes on) to see the good bones of the home. Almost six years and a 25×25 addition later, we are finally getting this home to the point where we want it. At least for now…… 🙂 So I invite you to come along and tour my home. I will start with the formal Dining Room because that is the first room you see upon entering our home and looking in through the foyer. It’s probably one of my favorite rooms. It speaks of my style, it represents our world travels, and sets the tone for things to come.
Welcome to My Formal Dining Room…..
Hanging over the fireplace is a tapestry I purchased in Brugge, Belgium. This storybook town is called the Little Venice of Belgium, known for its lace and tapestries. I found the two cabinets on each side of the fireplace in a second hand store, covered in dust and grime. The back of the inside cabinet was covered in a horrendous lime green velvet (I did not know they even made a velvet in that color!), which I replaced with a red silk. Both cabinets display some of my collection of pink and white transferware and Staffordshire.
My mantle vignettes change with the seasons, as well. But, you will almost always find plates. 🙂
A wider shot of the Dining Room. This shows how the two china cabinets frame the fireplace.
This is a close-up of the inside of one of the china cabinets, and a glimpse of some of my pink and white pieces. The silk fabric on the back features a mini harlequin pattern.
Featured here is my fave piece of pink and white Staffordshire – a large soup tureen which has the original “spill” platter, ladle and (not shown) lid with a large cabbage rose top. I have filled it with an overflowing abundance of florals which showcase all the colors of the room – red peonies, golden snapdragons, green fern. This arrangement also changes with seasons. I can simply add berries or wheat or any number of florals to change the feel of this centerpiece.
I hope you enjoyed seeing my Dining Room. Please add your link below….and I look forward to seeing all your Tabletops, Vignettes and Favorite Accessories.
Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says
Barb, you have a beautiful home, lots of treasures from your travels. I’m especially fond of the Staffordshire dogs, I have one and would love to have another.. thanks for hosting a fun party each week. Hope this finds you feeling better. hugs ~lynne~
View CommentBarb~Bella Vista says
Hi Barb, all your pictures are so lovely and so very inspiring. Just so many gorgeous things to look at.
Sending out prayers to you….may God see you through this time.
Blessings to you!
View CommentBarb
xinex says
I love your home, Barb. I like how you decorate it, so warm and inviting. I hope you feel better soon. I am so sorry you are not completely well yet….Christine
View CommentPat@Back Porch Musings says
Your dining room is absolutely gorgeous Barb. I love Tabletop Tuesday. Of course, I am crazy about vignettes and putting them together.
Hope you get some answers at your appointment and start feeling better soon!
View CommentKathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Very pretty, Barb! I’m sorry to hear you’re still not feeling well, but we know our bodies best. I have no link-up this week. Been so busy finishing up other projects, but I bought a new little table that I hope to share next week.
View CommentSandy says
Barb,
View CommentYour dining room is just beautiful. I love the silk in the cabinets and the chairs look great. You have such an eye for color, it makes every room in your house look so warm, cozy and inviting. Thanks for hosting this event each week and for sharing all your inspiration.
Sandy
~ Sonny ~ says
All of your rooms are always beautful.. then- now and they surely will be in the future. sending healing energy your way and keeping my fingers crossed you will find a way to get well.
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Barb, I always love seeing your home and your dining room is just gorgeous. I so hope they find out wht the problem is with you. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Hugs, Marty
View CommentKathysue says
Barb, I remember this post and I remember falling in love with the vignette where you used transferware and your staffordshire dogs. Someday I hope to have some real ones, yours are beautiful. Loved it then and love it now. Feel better, let us know when you can what the Drs say, hugs Kathysue
View CommentDining Delight says
So glad you reposted this! Your dining room is lovely! I really like the cabinets on either side of your fireplace and how they fit the space perfectly. Your pink transferware looks lovely in them.
Sure hope you are feeling better soon. I’m sure it is so frustrating not to have the energy to re-decorate after Christmas or to do new posts (our favourite things!) Thanks for hosting this great new meme!
DD
View CommentJust a dreamer says
We all wish you well, and when you get better you need to know your blog idea is truly appreciated by all of us who love to lurk around how people “set” their houses (kind of like they “set” their tables). Love your Tuesday get together and hope you start to feeling better soon.
View Commentkim says
Hi Barb, this is my first time linking up to your party and I want to thank you for hosting it. I love your beautiful home and your dining room is gorgeous…Kim
View CommentDebbie says
Hi Barb, Sorry you are still not feeling well, the fact that you even linked up was so thoughtful of you!!~ Feel better soon. You dining room is awesome! I LOVE those sconces above your fireplace, they are something I would be drawn to….so if you ever want to unload them, please remember me:) Debbie
View CommentSue (Someone's Mom) says
Your home is beautiful. I am so sorry you aren’t feeling better. I hope you get some answers soon.
Sue
View Commentmbkatc230 says
Barb, I so love your dining room. I reflects you so perfectly, and I love that you have treasures from all of your travels displayed. I’m so sorry that you are still not feeling well, hope that they can get to the bottom of this! Hugs, Kat
View CommentLinda says
Love your fireplace decor! Hope you GET WELL SOON:)
Blessings,
View CommentLinda
susan says
Barb-You are a dear to bother at all! I hope you are feeling better and get to the bottom of the problem! Your dining room is lovely. I would adore having a fireplace in my dining room! I’d love to see before and after pictures of your home! Take care!
View CommentBlondie's Journal says
Barb,
Your dining room is lovely and inspiring! I love all of your pieces and pretty vignettes.
I hope all goes well tomorrow. You will be in my prayers.
xoxo
View CommentJanie
Shelia says
Barb, I’m so sorry you’re still having problems after your surgery. You’re in my prayers that a solution will be found and you can get to healing soon.
View CommentLove your dining room then, now or whenever! Your home is so pretty!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Yellow Rose Arbor says
I’m sorry to hear you still aren’t well. My prayers go out for you!
Your dining room and accessories are just gorgeous! I enjoyed seeing your vignettes!
Thanks for hosting, especially when you are sick!
Katherine
View CommentDiann @ The Thrifty Groove says
Hi Barb!
i hope you are feeling better soon! your dining room is just lovely. I really like all the colors they fel warm and inviting!
View CommentKathleen says
You haven’t been to the doc since last week??? Oh boy! That’s a long time to feel bad..
View CommentHope you get the answer tomorrow!
Mary@Boogieboard Cottage says
You have a lovely home nd blog. I like the isea of “Tabletop Tuesday”. There are more variations than just tablescapes, fun!
View CommentBarbara says
Barb, How stunning! Your dining room is gorgeous, and all the vignettes you do are outstaning. I enjoy coming here to see all the beautiful things.
Barbara
View CommentBarbara says
PS Hoping news is good with your appointment and you will be back to your self soon.
Barbara
View CommentPaula says
I enjoyed seeing your dining room and reading the stories behind some of your treasures. I hope that the doctor can figure out what is wrong and that you’ll soon be feeling better.
View CommentBeansieleigh says
I had to laugh at the “two comments”, as yes, it happens occasionally to a good MANY of us, I’m SURE! Being a fairly new follower, I’m here and commenting NOW, and may I say “You have a beautiful dining room!” I love seeing beautiful vignettes and pretty table settings! It’s all so very inspiring.. and FUN!.. Sorry to hear you’re not feeling well, and hope you’re feeling better real soon! ~tina
View CommentMarla says
Barb, what an absolutely lovely home you have. I definitely have plate envy, I love all the reds. Your home is very welcoming. Hugs, Marla
View CommentJo says
You have a beautiful home, and I love your choice of colors.Hope you get to feeling better.
View CommentDenise Marie says
your home is wayyy gorgeous!
I’m showing a corner of my front console with Anne and Andy
View CommentCass @ That Old House says
Oh Barb, what a gorgeous dining room! I love yellow walls in the DR … even though we have red! Someday I know I’ll repaint!
Your Staffordshire is wonderful ; Ihave so little of that and wish I had more…it’s a favorite of mine. Love the dogs, too — I have one of the original, fuzzy, shedding Staffordshire spaniels!
but just one china one.
Hope you feel better soon. I had my gall bladder out 12 years ago, and thankfully had an easy recovery. I hope you get answers and help.
View CommentCass
HollyC says
Barb,
Everything is wonderfully done!! I love that you’ve shard your home with us!
I’ll be praying for you to feel better.
Holly
View Comment9405018--Pat says
You have a beautiful home, so warm and cozy. So sorry to hear you’re not felling well..thanks for sharing…Pat H
View CommentAnonymous says
Beautiful home….love your colors! I have the same color palet….don’t you just love red?! Warm, vibrant, cozy, exciting……one of my favorite colors to add punch! Toni
View CommentMiss Janice says
I love your dining room! The fireplace is awesome and of course everything is done to a “T!” Feel better soon:)
View CommentThe Tablescaper says
I do hope you’re feeling better soon. I’m so glad you choose to share an old post. I hadn’t seen it before.
– The Tablescaper
View CommentSusan says
What a beautiful job you did on your home!! You love the cherry wood, I have cherry in my home as well…..beautiful decorating style.
I miss Ky, I lived there most of my life. In Eastern Ky, Morehead.
Susan
View CommentLou Cinda says
Barb, your home is beuatiful!! I love it! Love the fabric on those chairs you recovered! That is SO my taste too! I have a sofa that has similar fabric on it. I have had it for years and still love it! The two cabinets are glorious!! With the red silk? The perfect touch!
Thanks for sharing these fab photos! I hope you are feeling better!
Lou Cinda 🙂
View CommentFifi Flowers says
You have a lovely home… I will have to join this party next week… looks like FUN!
View Commentro says
Dear Barb,
View CommentI just stumbled upon your blog and I must say your home is beautiful. I, too am the wife of AF retired, 25 years. It was a great life and at times miss the traveling ALOT!!!! Thanks for sharing your lovely photos of your home.
Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda says
Hi Barb, I hope that you are feeling much better! Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Your home is beautiful…dining room and all! ~hugs, Rhonda 🙂
View CommentMary - Front Porch Lover says
Barb, you have such a wonderful home. I was tickled by the story of the chairs you had upholstered and your phone call to your Mom costing a small fortune. Oh, the things we do to ourselves sometimes! Bless you. I hope you are feeling much better very soon….Mary 🙂
View CommentBarbara says
Barb, you home looks so cozy.
View CommentYvonne @ StoneGable says
Bless your dear heart. I hope you are on the mend soon. I also had gall bladder surgery- it just knocks the stuffing out of you for a little while.
View CommentI am praying for you, Barb.
And I so enjoy looking at all the great pictures and participants. I’ll be participating soon.
Feel better!
Yvonne