uber busy getting my house back together – the whole
bloggy thing just wasn’t happening.
Bloggy Event.
home painted. It’s about 90% back to where I want it.
for example.
allowed me to edit some of my stuff. I am taking quite
a haul to a local consignment store this week.
But, mostly I have “Home Shopped.”
After all, isn’t that the best kind of shopping? 🙂
I am very happy with the results.
A special guest will be our hosts giving you the Grand Tour.
Baby Lily says come on in and take a look around…
I had my painter add chair rail and trim moulding in
the dado area, and paint it a glossy white. I have
received several emails asking me what the color of the
walls are. I would be happy to give you the formula, but
itsnot an available color. I had Lowe’s add a bit of this
and a touch of that, until I got the color I liked.
One of the few new purchases for this room were
four of these chairs, above. I just love the small cream and tan
checked fabric. I would love to have six of these, but
after a full-out search I have had no luck finding two more.
I shared the updated sideboard project a few weeks ago HERE.
I am very excited that is has come together so well.
I just love the lighter and brighter look and feel.
Can you believe this is the same room? (Before)
AFTER!
The mantle…
The second purchase is this large clock.
Originally, I had thought I would get a mirror.
I searched and searched for one I liked, but nothing
stood out to me.
I happened upon this clock, and thought
“Maybe, just maybe…”
I love the look!
The second area is the huge red Chinese rug.
I won’t tell you the value of this baby. We bought it for
a “steal” at an ATF Auction years ago in Newport, RI.
There is no way we would ever get the value of this
if we tried to sell it, and replacing it right now
isn’t in the budget. My good friend, Kathysue
at Good Life of Design suggested removing the rug
entirely to show off the wood floors.
After some serious begging sweet talk with Mr Grits,
we moved the extremely heavy table, rolled up the
rug and put the table and chairs back.
It looked bare to me, but I knew it was also something
new and different to get used to.
What I did not consider was the noise factor.
I remember why a house full of wood floors requires rugs.
To absorb some of the sound.
With two rambunctious Grandloves, we need all
the “absorption” we can get. LOL
So for now, the rug stays until I can find something
I can afford – or attend another ATF Auction. ha!
Finally, I want to remove the red fabric in the back of the
French hutches, and change it to something lighter.
I have a few yards of red ticking. I think the
Pink and White dishes would be beautiful displayed
in front of the red ticking.
I removed all of the darker red florals in the antique
Staffordshire soup tureen, and replaced them instead
with white peonies and green pears.
I added a few hydrangeas to pull in a hint of green.
Here is a close-up of the tureen. I did not add back the
matching base and ladle.
I removed the wrought-iron fireplace screen so you could see the pretty oval opening. A bit of antiquing glaze on a new urn gives it an older look and feel. (the wonders of glaze!)
Instant age. Love it!
I also have one of my fave books here, and one of my
most valued gifts that Mr Grits has ever given me.
A first run edition of Gone With the Wind, dated 1936.
The walls are painted what I would consider a true khaki,
and I love how it takes on different tones throughout the day.
From a warm tan to a soft green…
My project this week is to get new fabric on the back
of the two French hutches and get all of my
Pink and White Staffordshire beautifully displayed again.
I will share that project with you, in depth.
Until then, Baby Lily says thanks for letting her
show you around Mom’s new Formal Dining Room.
But for now, she thinks a nap is in order.
Just a friendly reminder about our upcoming
Egg-xellent Spring Party.
Are you getting your Cloches, Mantles,
Tablescapes and Recipes/Dishes ready?
I have lots of ideas…I’m sure you do, too, and
we can’t wait to see them all!
Starts Tuesday, March 13th!
Mark your Bloggy Calenders!
Finally – have you heard of this?
The Haven Conference in Atlanta.
Its June 21-22, and I AM GOING!
I am so excited to (finally!) meet Rhoda at Southern Hospitality
in person, as well as, the other wonderful hosts.
Myself and Shirley at Housepitality Designs
are going together. We will be flying in
Wednesday afternoon, the day before the conference starts.
If any of you are going – please, please let me know.
I would LOVE to meet you!
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch Met Monday
The Tablescaper Seasonal Sundays
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chic Before & After Monday
Mary at Boogieboard Cottage Masterpiece Monday
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesday
Judy at DIY Design Winter Blues Party
Jill at French 23EWDCupboard French Inspiration on Thursdays
Gina at The Chabby Chic Cottage Transformation Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic HomeShow and Tell Friday
Courtney at French Country CottageFeathered Nest Friday
Heather and Vanessa at the picket fenceInspiration Friday
Sherry at The Charm of HomeHome Sweet Home Friday
Jen at Tatertots and JelloWeekend Wrap-Up Party
Carlene @ Organized Clutter says
Beautiful! Very tastefully done. The fabric on your slipper chairs is very close to my sofa fabric!
View CommentMrs. Crafty Pants says
Gorgeous! Im a new follower from Grow Your Blog Hop! I hope you’ll stop by and follow me too!
View CommentKathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
It all looks great, Barb, and you have some great ideas for your future projects. I absolutely love that clock on your mantel! I am hoping to be able to schedule a painter in a few weeks to get our sunroom painted.
View CommentKathysue says
Love the lighter brighter version of your beautiful dining room!! It is amazing what a little paint and a good painter can do to a space!! Looking forward to seeing your other changes. xo Kathysue
View CommentLinda (Nina's Nest) says
Love the new dining room look. I have a similar paint color in my dining room and I love it. The red plates are gorgeous and I love the wall sconces. Pretty clock, too. Linda
View CommentStacy Curran says
Absolutely beautiful job !
View CommentStacy
Lizabeth @ Infuse With Liz says
Your new color in the dining room looks lovely, but it looked lovely before too! It’s a beautiful room and quite grand! I love how the entry doors open up to a large entrance and allows you to see the beautiful dining area! Your chairs look great and so do your updated plants/flowers!
View Commentℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT Barb!! It turned out beautiful! Love your four new chairs too. Just followed you on Linky.
View CommentRamblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says
Oh Wow! It all looks so pretty and fresh! Love the arrangement on the table! And the new chairs are gorgeous! 🙂
View CommentFABBY'S LIVING says
Oh, I have my button ready for spring parties! Your dining room is gorgeous, I just love it! I love elegant and warm and yours is. Your matel vignette is also beautiful. Have a nice week.
View CommentFABBY
FABBY'S LIVING says
I love your blog, your decorating is my style, so, now I’m your latest follower, hope you like mine too. I’m at Cielo’s party. Hugs,
View CommentFABBY
Cindy says
Sooooo soft and pretty! I love the wall color and all of the pretty touches you have added. The red transfer plates are making me jealous!
View CommentTerry says
Wow, I am constantly amazed at what paint can do to transform anything. Your dining room is just beautiful.
View CommentSherry @ No Minimalist Here says
Hi Barb, I love the new paint color and the room looks beautiful. I am loving your tansferware. Hugs, Sherry
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
Hey there Barb!!…I just got on my computer..been off for a while…I too am taking a little break to work on a project and travel….
I am so excited to see the final reveal!…It looks absolutely gorgeous!!…Everything looks so fresh and outstanding..Love, love, love it!!…
So now, put your feet up and “enjoy the view” and the fruits of your labor!!…
View CommentKelly says
Your changes look wonderful! I really like the added chairrail and new color. I think it’s going to look great once everything is done.
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh Barb, your dining room is so beautiful. I love it and all of your changes that you have made. Unreal. You do have such a knack for putting just the right things together. Hugs, Marty
View CommentTracy says
Oh Barb, I just love the new look! Light and fresh!
View CommentMelissa Miller says
Barb it’s all just beautiful! I love the touch of red in the gorgeous rug. I would leave it for sure. Nice re do!
View CommentInspired By Felicity says
Very pretty! I am your newest follower
-Pamela, InspiredByFelicity.blogspot.com
View CommentPat@Back Porch Musings says
Gorgeous dining room, Barb! Love it all!
View CommentKim says
Holy Grits! It’s gorgeous Barb, just as I knew it would be. Now, when can I move in??
View CommentShenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Barb, it looks great!! I can’t pick my favorite part; so, I’ll just say I love it all! It’s so pretty!
View CommentJudy says
It looks just beautiful. I love the lighter and brighter version. The color you chose is very similar to one I am considering for my dining room. It’s a dark burgundy right now and I’m ready to lighten it up as well.
View CommentJessica @ Stay at Home-ista says
Great look! I totally understand your rug debate. We lived without one for a long time until I just couldn’t sytand the noise any more. We wound up getting one on Overstock, I’m only 90% happy with it, but it shipped for free and was a great price, so it’s staying:)
View CommentDesigns by Gollum says
Oh, Barb, you have done an amazing job! You dining room is gorgeous. I love the red transferware–and that fireplace! The paint colors are perfect. Hope you have a great time at the blog conference.
View CommentKaren says
Everything looks beautiful! Question: Do you do your own flower arrangements? I struggled with one today (in fact I posted it on my blog today) and wished over and over again that I had the knack for that. Love the way you have lightened things up… just in time for Spring. You’ve done a wonderful job!
View CommentKaren
Ladybug Creek
Jan says
How lovely …and a fireplace in the dining room. My favorite thing in the room {right now} is the mantel …specifically that clock.
View CommentKim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Beautiful makeover. I am sure in time you will find just the right rug. Can’t wait to see the final look.
View CommentPamela says
Barb it turned out fabulous! I love the custom color and the new chair rail and picture moldings. It added that extra pop to the space.
View CommentSherry says
Your home is lovely and I love the changes you made. After reading this post I realize that a great clock is what my room is missing. So much inspiration!
View CommentGeneva says
Your dining room is so much brighter… you’ve done a great job with the design.
View CommentSherry says
Your room is just gorgeous! Love the lighter color. Your home is so lovely! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
View CommentSherry
lynnmosher says
So lovely! Love the soft green. One question: how are you lighting your lamps on the mantle?
View Comment