Score

Who remembers that beautiful pine hutch as featured in my dining room inspiration post?

I do. 

So much so, that when I ran across this beaut on craigslist I almost jumped out of my seat. 

Seriously, it's like the stars aligned, the clouds parted and the angels began to sing. 

I mean, how often do you find exactly what you are looking for, within budget, on your first try?

We moved her into the dining room a little bit ago. She sat undressed for awhile, mostly because I knew the remodel was about to begin and dressing her all up seemed a bit silly. Two days later, we made plans with neighbors to come over for dinner and I finally had a good excuse to get down to business.

So I grabbed a little bit of this and a little bit of that, playing with whites, greens and blues. And of course, my favorite tarnished silver.

 {Right now my Mom is so embarrassed to see that I haven't polished it, but what can I say, I like it this way.}

Eventually, I might start collecting things specifically for this space, but for now, this works just fine. 

Besides, I'll be taking it all down again shortly :(

I just can't believe that I found this piece on Craigslist. And for $150, I am confident that I made the right choice to snatch it up.

So, what do you think? Good score, right?

linking in with:

Met Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Thrifty Treasures @ Southern Hospitality

until next time,

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Dining Room Plans and Inspiration

I've been rattling on and on about all the plans for our dining room, but I've yet to share any real details.  As you probably guessed it, it's because we like to just jump in and see where it takes us. Not exactly the best way to get it done, but seems to be a pattern we just can not break.

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So, here's what I can tell you so far.

We plan to rework the wood moulding by carrying the board and batten through from the front hall. And, we plan to do it ourselves (eek)!

The above image was recently featured on the blog, Cottage and Vine, and I tell you, it was love at first sight. 

{from the dining room, looking into the foyer}

{from the foyer, looking into the dining room}

The only other main bit of construction (other than wallpaper removal, which we also plan to take on ourselves) is to do with this arch. The previous owners enclosed the arch to add louvered doors. We removed the doors when we first moved in, but the enclosed arch and casing have remained. Hopefully, not for too much longer. Oh and by the way, we will be hiring someone for this part of the project.

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In terms of what's going on the walls after said wallpaper has been removed and said trim has been updated, well, unfortunately, we aren't really sure. We are leaning toward a color similar to this. Why? Well, you know how I feel about color pallet flow from room to room...this shade makes a lot of appearances throughout the house. So we'll see. 

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Then it's just a matter of finding the perfect fabric for window covering and pillows. At the moment, we are liking the above. But still far from a decision. 

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The final step will be to add back in the furniture, which is where this image comes in. I'm loving the rustic elegance - the beautiful blingy, sparkly chandelier paired with the rustic pine hutch. 

LOVE it. Inspiration galore. 

So inspiring, in fact, that we decided to move our own antique pine jam cabinet into the dining room to see what we thought. So many things to think about.

until next time, 

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A Fall Welcome {foyer}

Ever since I shared my new mantel-scape, I am sure you've been dying to know what happened to my hand painted, PB inspired, round, wooden mirror. Well, you'll be happy to know that it's found a new home {at least for now} in our foyer. 

Playing with all the open space on my sideboard has been one of my favorite aspects of moving it into the foyer. 

{Moving the sideboard out of the dining room was the first step, of many, that I have taken to make our dining room less formal and more approachable.} 

I just can't seem to get enough. Some people, like my Mom, think it's too big for the space, but not me. I love seeing the slightly more formal sideboard, usually accessorized with more rustic pieces, when we first walk in. It's a little unexpected, which is always a good thing.

The only downside is that it covers the pretty wood moulding fronting the switchback staircase, but it's a compromise I'm willing to make. Clearly.

Anyway...

Changing this little vignette came together pretty organically, seeing as I needed a new home for the mirror {previously on the mantel} and lamps {previously in the dining room}.

And really, these sweet little buffet lamps do belong on the sideboard, so that was a no brainer. 

The beautiful orange mums were given to us as a gift by our sweet neighbors. They joined us for dinner over the weekend - the last meal in the dining room before makeover magic is set to begin. 

Stop back later in the week to see more plans and inspiration for our upcoming dining room project.

linking in with:

It's Fall Y'all - Thrifty Decor Chick

Between Naps on the Porch

The Polohouse

The Inspired Room

until next time, 

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The Mantel, Again.

As the seasons change, I'm always inspired to make changes in my home as well. Couple that with the upcoming remodel in our dining room and I was left searching for a new home for my starburst mirror. 

Actually, my SIL suggested trying it in the living room. And, boy, am I glad she did. 

Isn't it funny how sometimes all you need is a fresh eye? 

I wouldn't have thought to move my black painted mirror, seeing as I painted it specifically for that space. 

But, I am loving the pop of glam that it adds to the room. Not to mentioned the warmth from the golden tones of the metal. 

Um, yeah, good call Ash. Love it.

The cream, Asian-inspired urns used to reside on the dining room table. As did the autumnal toned bird duo. 

I just love creating a whole new look by using my own things paired in different ways. Happiness.

One of my other SILs once commented on how often I posted about my living room mantel - she's right - it is a reoccurring theme on here. Maybe it's because I haven't found a combination that I love enough to keep for the long haul. Or maybe it's because it's such a quick, easy, and affordable way to give your room an updated look. Whatever the reason...it's fun. And I love it.

So, tell me, who else likes to change their mantel seasonally or even more often?

linking in with:

Met Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Fall Mantels @ Centsational Girl

Jennifer Rizzo

until next time, 

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Fall Cookin'

We're embracing Fall around here {did you see our Fall entry?}, so today I thought I'd share the recipe from our first soup of the season.

You'll probably never believe this, but Mr. DD ran across this recipe in the Financial Times, of all places. Believe me you, I was as shocked as you. Not your average recipe locale. But, when he forwarded me the recipe for pumpkin and bacon soup, I thought, yup - we need to give this one a try. It did not disappoint. 

 We actually make quite a few soups around here. Almost all of them are pureed soups. I've found that this is the easiest way to get loads of veggies into picky Miss T. If she can't see it, she doesn't know. Ah, ignorance is bliss. 

Pumpkin and bacon soup by Fergus Henderson

Should easily serve 12

3 onions, peeled

3 leeks, cleaned

5 cloves garlic, peeled

Extra virgin olive oil

1kg piece smoky streaky bacon, cubed or in chunks {I halved the amount, 1 lb}

4 tinned tomatoes {I used one whole small can of tomatoes}

1 pumpkin {I used 3 butternut squash}

3 bay leaves

Bundle fresh thyme and parsley

At least 3.5l ham or chicken stock

Sea salt and black pepper

• Chop your onions, leeks and garlic. Put a good dose of olive oil into your pot, add the chopped vegetables and cook but do not brown. Add your chopped bacon and its skin. When these have released their fat, squish the tomatoes in your hands and add them, giving your dish a slight blush. Let all this cook down until you feel that the ingredients have really got to know each other, a gentle 25 minutes or so.

• While this is happening, peel, seed and chop your pumpkin into approximately 2.5cm chunks. Add these and let them cook for about 5-10 minutes. Then add the bay leaves and the thyme and parsley bundle. Now add the stock, enough so that you end up with an Arctic Sea of soup with icebergs of pumpkin bobbing about in your broth. Simmer until the pumpkin is soft and giving, but not falling apart (though a little disintegration is not a bad thing), say 30-40 minutes. Season to taste and serve hot.

This recipe didn't require pureeing, but we went ahead and did it. I will admit that pureed bacon is a bit of a strange texture, but ultimately, it just works better for us. I also made some other minor changes to the recipe, which I highlighted in green.

This makes a bucket load of soup. We froze half and I'm already looking forward to having it again. Enjoy!

until next time,

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A Fall Welcome {front porch}

First, I'd like to send out a heartfelt thanks to everyone for the super nice comments on our master bedroom reveal. Like I've said to most of you, that revamp really tested my patience, but we are thrilled with the results and even more thrilled to be moving onto different projects around the house!

So, as the plans for our dining room start taking shaping, I thought I'd share a quick update to our fall front porch. After all, following the keys debacle, I kind of left you {and me} hanging with an unfinished porch. 

Well, upon my mother's strong suggestion, I replaced the rattan plant stand with our existing white wicker stand. Of course, it didn't help that every time the wind blew the fern fell off the other stand. I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Onward and upward...

I found these great purple grasses at a local grocery for a steal. They helped set the tone for the whole porch. Of course, you know how I love using purple for Fall anyway. But this year, because the cooler temperatures seem to be coming earlier and I'm not quite ready to give up the idea of warmer days, I decided to incorporate a bit of yellow. 

Yellow mums and purple sweet potato vine fill out the planter. I'm really loving the bright yellow paired with the darker purple - it's a fun combination that's working for this transitional season. 

Happy Fall ya'll!

linking in with:

Southern Hospitality - It's Fall Ya'll

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Master Bedroom Reveal

I think I have officially dragged this project on long enough. It's time to call a day on the revamp of the master bedroom.

I've shared a lot of the projects along the way. Showing little snippets of the room here and there, but it's totally different when it all comes together. Don't you think?

It all stared with my quest to add additional storage, which lead to the sourcing and painting of the two matching dressers turn nightstands.

jewelry box update

Then, of course, I had to rearrange the furniture to make room for the two dressers. And switch closets with Mr. DD.

lamp update

Finding a spot for the loveseat was an ongoing challenge in the layout of this room, but we finally came up with a location that works well. I miss having all that space to throw my clothes at the end of the day, but fortunately our little musical chair routine gave me a new spot to showcase my laziness. 

Anyway, the newly painted white dressers made me want to lighten the whole room, so I set about finding new bedding. Pottery Barn clearance shams, TJ Maxx duvet, and a homemade pillow rounded out the new look. 

And you can't forget my PB knock off lamps. Still loving those and the updated feel they bring to the room. 

Danish Chairs

The now infamous restoration of the Danish chairs will hold a special place in my heart. To date, the most commented on (not all nice, by the way) post on my blog. 

The vanity was another fun project. Glue gunning the vanity skirt - high class, all the way. Organizing my jewels and creating the hanging necklace board. And of course, creating my relaxed, faux roman blinds. 

The list seems to be going on and on - no wonder this project took so long! Funny how you can forget exactly all the work that went into something. Thankfully, I've got this blog to remind me. ha!

I have to say, as much as I enjoyed re-working our bedroom, I am super excited to have it done and finally be able to move on. 

Hope you enjoyed this transformation as much as I did. 

For before pictures, click here.

linking in with:
Met Monday
The Girl Creative
Wow us Wednesday

until next time,

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Dining Room Love

So, now that the cat is out of the bag and we all know that we're planning to tackle the dining room next, I thought I might share some pics of my most favorite dining room of all times.

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Of course, it's none other than Sarah Richardson's farmhouse. Suppose that's no big surprise to most of you. 

Casual, rustic, elegance at it's best.

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Where to even start with this room. 

LOVE. 

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The warm color pallet, the cozy feel, the table big enough to seat an actual crowd, 

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the comfy casual seating, the eclectic mix of fabrics, I could go on. 

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But I won't. 

I'll just say one more thing...this room speaks to me: 

Come on in, sit down, join my family for a meal, and after I hope you stay awhile and visit.

And isn't that what we all want our homes to say? 

I think so. 

Who knew one room could say so much?

until next time,

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What's Next?

I'm finally getting around to all the tedious details associated with a room reveal. Who doesn't love a morning spent spackling, sanding and touch up painting - you know? That's right, I am officially calling it on the Master Bedroom...stick a fork in her, she's done. So, come 'round for a reveal, hopefully next week. 

{Thanksgiving 2011}

To keep my mind off the so-not fun task of touch up, I've been brainstorming about the next project to tackle around the house. After a lot of debate and a bit of inspiration, we've decided to focus on the dining room. 

What can I say about the dining room? 

It's the only room on the first floor that hasn't been touched. 

I've got a love/hate relationship with the existing, very eye-catching wall covering. I hated it when we bought the house, then it grew on me, now I am back to wanting it gone. 

{Wall covering - even if I did love it, it's in bad shape - coming off in places, water damaged, torn, etc}

Here's the other thing. It's a great space. Tons of light. And could add so much to our home. But, it gets virtually no use as is. Sure, there are the holiday dinners and an occasional date night or family dinner, but otherwise nothing. And in a house this size, we just can't afford to not use it. 

So, just like in our newly re-vamped BGR, we put our minds to coming up with a solution to this problem. 

First and foremost, I wanted to make it feel less formal. All this dark, heavy wood furniture just doesn't speak to me like it used too. I want a lighter, fresher, more youthful look. Something that speaks to my signature style - casual, rustic elegance. 

And, I want it to be multi purpose. Office/library, homework/hangout zone, dining room - yeah, I pretty much want it all. 

Sounds like a lot, but I think we've got a plan. Nothing earth shattering, but a plan nonetheless. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of inspiration...which I'll share a bit later. Waiting on a little Craigslist collection :)

until next time, 

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The BGR re-vamp

A couple of days ago I mentioned, on Facebook, that Miss T has been complaining about her room a lot lately. Not enough space to lay out all her things, but most importantly, not 'fancy' enough. 

{BGR original}

You see, we're in the throws of the "Fancy Nancy" phase. {If you aren't familiar with this series, it's fun, so check it out here.} Essentially, everything must be fancy. We are talking jewels at all times. This girl has always loved her accessories, but lately, we are taking it to a whole new level. 

Of course, I want her to be happy in her room and not feel stifled and confined by my sense of design. But at the same time, I'm not interested in starting from scratch. She only moved into her BGR a short while ago. 

So, with a little creative problem solving, we came up with a new layout for her room. No, it's not ideal or picture perfect, but it works and it makes her very happy...lots of room for her babies to lay out in a row, lay whole outfits across the floor, line up patients for check-ups...you know the drill. There's always so much to do :)

By removing the headboard from one of her beds, we were able to nestle the bed between the wall and the radiator. Essentially, creating a day bed and freeing up a LOT of floor space. Double win. 

The piece de resistance came when I found this {awful} butterfly canopy at Bed Bath and Beyond for the bargain basement price of $10. (Had been $29.99 less 50% for slight damage, plus a $5 off coupon). Having a fancy tent was seriously high on Miss. T's wish list. Needless to say, I scored big points with this one. 

Otherwise, it was just a matter of moving the other pieces around and reworking her wall decor. I'd like to pick up a couple more butterflies {fortunately, they are on sale} and perhaps some additional throw pillows for the daybed. Maybe a duvet cover, I'm not sure. But these things can all come with time. And for now, the complaints have stopped and she's excited to be in her room again, which makes quiet time much better for both of us. Ah, crisis averted. 

Hope you had a great weekend - and averted some of your own crisis, big or small. 

linking in with:
Met Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

until next time, 

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