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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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March 1, 2012

Stick a fork in it…the dining room is done!

 

Whew! You may remember waaayyy back when, I shared my sad dining room with y’all and with Debra’s readers at Common Ground.  I entered it in her Design Challenge and asked for help in making over my dining room.  It was a process with several steps that I’ve shared with you along the way…but I’m happy to announce with the installation of my new gorgeous hardwood floors this room is DONE! Okay as done as a room in a DIY bloggers home is every “really” done…but I think we’re going to let this one rest back on it’s laurels for the time being.
Here’s a before and after to remind you what we started with. 
Scroll your mouse over to see the dramatic difference!

And here’s a side by side Before and After for our email and RSS readers!

Before

After

Before
 

After
HUGE difference! Like HUGE!
I am in love with every detail.  It strikes the perfect balance in our home of cottage farmhouse with a touch of traditional.  I followed so many of the suggestions offered at the Design Challenge and appreciated so much all of the advise.
I started by painting the room with Copen Blue by Sherwin Williams and then added wainscoting around the entire room, foyer and and downstairs hallway…by myself I might add. 😉
I also added architectural elements to the room by framing out the doorway into the kitchen and adding stacked molding above the doorway…again by myself…can you tell I’m proud of the woodworking skills I’m learning?

I added a new light fixture by making a drumshade chandelier, you can learn how to make your own by reading my DIY Drumshade Chandelier Tutorial.
 
Above is a glimpse into the hallway as well as a sneak peek of my in progress staircase project (see no carpet!) and do you spy Bama Boy’s Christmas gift hanging on the wall? A prize (okay not really, but I’ll tell everyone how smart you are) to the first person who can guess what it is…or should I say “what it says” grin!  Also, if you follow us on Facebook you might recognize my awesome Goodwill find…a set of Restoration Hardware candlesticks that you can still currently buy in the store! I picked these up for $14 for the set, they retail for $150.00!
You can see my DIY framed chalkboard that I made sitting on a dresser we moved in from the living room.
It was the perfect spot for it and I love my Kirkland’s lamp as a nice contrast to the ornate frame.  You can also see the mirror that was previously in the dining room in it’s new coat of white.
The design element that seems to catch everyone’s eye when they walk in the door is my gallery wall.
I had always wanted to group my formal pictures together to really show them off and this provided the perfect place! Aren’t my babies so sweet up there…sigh…hard to believe that little boy will be 18 in a few weeks.  I added some additional elements to the wall to create variety, but all were things I already owned so this gallery wall ended up being virtually free to create!
I recovered the chairs in this pretty blue and brown damask that I found at Garden Ridge for $5 for two yards! I thought the fork, spoon and knife art added a bit of whimsy.  These types of elements keep a room from feeling stuffy and at $10 each on clearance, they were a bargain!
And last but not least, we come to the most resent addition to the room…my new floors.  Purchased for us by my sweet “in-loves” (they will never be “in-laws” to me), we laid these gorgeous solid hardwood floors ourselves with the help of our wonderful neighbor (the best one in the world, I might add) last weekend! I waited a full day to put my furniture back in just so I could sit and stare at them and I might have even laid down in the middle of the room for awhile to soak in their beauty! 😉
For now, we’re leaving them bare.  Bama Boy emphatically stated that if we were going to spend that much on floors and work so hard to install them we were NOT covering them up with a rug….what can ya say to that? So for now we’ll admire them in all their naked glory. hehe! 
 
I am so happy with how it all turned out! I really wanted to strike a balance between design and function, between formality and fun…I think I’ve achieved that.  And at the end of the day this room makes me happy….
….and that’s really what it’s all about.  Finding joy in what you can dream up, accomplish and create with your own two hands! Thanks for following along on my dining room transformation! 
Bama Boy asked me if we were done remodeling rooms now…heheh…silly boy, didn’t he notice the bathroom makeover going on….I’ll be sharing that next week! grin!
Thanks for joining me today….at the picket fence!

Sharing this post with:

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Savvy Southern Style: WOW Us Wednesdays
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Chatty Chics: Wild Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday Unfolded
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
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94 Comments Filed Under: Board and Batten, Decorating, Design Challenge, Dining Room, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Courtenay@Creek Line House says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:42 PM

    Congratulations! What a huge project to get done. I was just thinking to myself how I bet I could learn to do a little woodworking myself and put up a bit of trim and stuff rather than making me husband do it all the time. I’m just a little bit more inspired now!

    Reply
  2. Ange says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    What an amazing makeover! I love all of it but you just can’t beat ripping out the crapet (no I didn’t misspell that, that’s what I like to call it) and putting in hardwood flooring! You rocked this makeover Heather, congrats girl!!!

    Reply
  3. FABBY'S LIVING says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:58 PM

    Fabulous! What an incredible make over, just gorgeous! I love it, you did an amzing job! The hard wood floor is stunning. Congrats and enjoy your week in this beautiful NEW DINING ROOM!
    Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  4. Debbiedoo's says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Heather your dining room turned out amazing! I loved the title too, LOL! Those floors are gorgeous..every little detail is. I can see why you are so tickled!

    Reply
  5. Cindy says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    I’m so Super Impressed!!! I love that you did the wainscoting by yourself! I am very proud of you! Huge Pats on the Back!!! I love every detail and it shows in the before and after just how hard you worked!
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  6. Gail says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    What a fabulous make-over Heather! Your hard work has paid off. I love your flooring.

    Reply
  7. Gina says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    Wow, this is a fabulous transformation! Your dining room really looks great. To tell the truth, I’m completely envious of your woodworking skills! 😀 Super job!

    Reply
  8. Debra @ Common Ground says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:39 PM

    OH MY Gosh, Heather, this is just such an amazing transformation. Needs to be a magazine article for sure. Heather Honey, YOU did a fabulous job. Love every inch of it!! xoxo

    Reply
  9. domestiCate says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:53 PM

    Looks amazing! You’re right…you struck just the perfect balance. I’d be sitting in there all of the time admiring it, too!

    Reply
  10. Stuff and Nonsense says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:55 PM

    from the ceiling
    to the gorgeous new floor
    i love it all

    perfect color for the walls
    and now the room looks so much brighter too

    and the finishing touches
    are too cute!

    alison

    Reply
  11. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:04 AM

    This looks so great! I’m so impressed. I love the color & the candlesticks! I want some like that so bad!

    Reply
  12. Kristin says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:04 AM

    Gorgeous floors, and a dramatically beautiful transformation! Loved reading about your progress along the way, and I am seriously impressed with your mad woodworking skills!

    Reply
  13. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    It doesn’t look like the same room at all, Heather! Fabulous job and I think it’s great that you did it in increments. It’s a great look! As for Bama Boy’s gift ~ does it say “Bama Boy”? I just saw a Garden Ridge here when we were driving somewhere. I’ve never been in one but reading about your fabric find, I may have to find it again and go there.

    Reply
  14. Cheryl B. says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:07 AM

    You did an awesome job. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just sit back and let everyone tell us how to design our rooms. Definitely will use a few of your ideas. Love the gallery wall. I have one with all red frames. Too cool.

    Reply
  15. Le-Ann says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    Sooo Gorgeous! I think we need another get together to really check it out, though. 😉 Oh yeah, and ROLLTIDE. 😉 (as much as it pains me to type that)

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 29, 2012 at 4:30 AM

      You know you are welcome anytime…and I’m not surprised you figured that out…RTR! 😉

      Heather

      Reply
  16. Jerianne says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:10 AM

    Roll Tide of course! LOL

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 29, 2012 at 4:31 AM

      Yep…you got it Jerianne! 🙂

      Heather

      Reply
  17. Eclectically Vintage says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    Heather
    You must be spending a lot of time in there now!! I would have been lying on that floor too – they look beautiful! Love the details too – the gallery wall, fabric, and that fantastic shade!
    Kely

    Reply
  18. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:18 AM

    Heather, this is simply gorgeous. I love it. Love the color, flooring, chandy, gallery wall. Well love it all.

    Reply
  19. Becca says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    Your dining room is stunning, Heather !! Your new floors are amazing … such an incredible “anchor” to a gorgeous space. I would’ve laid down and snuggled with them, too! Love the fabrics you chose, too … and, the drum shade is awesome! I’m off to take another peek. A+++

    Reply
  20. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    I can honestly say I am thrilled for you. It’s gorgeous. I can only imagine the smile on your face when you look at it! Congrats. It sure is pretty =)

    Reply
  21. Deserae says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    Your dining room is gorgeous! Love the wall color,the floors, and the white slipcovers, and drapes…just beautiful!!!!
    ~Des

    Reply
  22. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Girl you should be so proud of yourself, this room looks AMAZING!! Your floor is gorgeous and I love the slips on your chairs!

    Reply
  23. Tardevil says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    I do believe Bama’s picture says ‘Roll Tide’. ;o) The room turned out great. Love the paint color, the molding, the picture frames/chalkboard, white chest and floors. You rock! Oh, and the gallery wall is awesome.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 29, 2012 at 12:42 AM

      Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!! grin! It spells out Roll Tide in architectural elements all from Bryant-Denny Stadium. They are original photographs taken by a couple of gals who own an Etsy shop, called Varsity Letters. You can spell out anything you want from various schools…all SEC ones for now but they are expanding. Was a fun gift to give a Bama Fan who has just about everything. 😉

      Heather

      Reply
  24. Vicki says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:36 AM

    HEATHER! So pretty! I bet you make excuses to walk thru your new room time and time again!! What a great makeover!

    Reply
  25. Pamela says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    It looks fabulous my dear! A lot of hard work I know but it was well worth it in the end.

    Reply
  26. Liz @ Naptime Decorator says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:07 AM

    Looks AWESOME!!!! Great job!!

    Reply
  27. Shelley {Crazy Wonderful} says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:08 AM

    Looks freakin amazing! And, killer job on all the woodwork! I’m currently in the middle of updating our dining room and SO ready to be in your shoes and done already 🙂

    Reply
  28. Lisa Scibilia says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:08 AM

    It looks really fabulous! Love the color on the walls, the board and batten, the gallery wall! You must be so excited to have it done!

    Reply
  29. Cristina @ RemodelandolaCasa.com says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:10 AM

    Wow Heather! It looks divine! I love all the elements you incorporated! The hardwood floors, the wainscoting, Drumshade, the new color on the walls! everything goes together so nicely! Love it!

    Reply
  30. Judy says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:10 AM

    HUGE is an understatement. The difference is truly dramatic. I love everything. Those floors are so gorgeous. You really did an incredible job. Totally magazine worthy.

    Reply
  31. Maria Elena says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    Heather, it is beautiful! What a huge project! I know you are glad is done!
    I love it all and the new floor is stunning!

    Reply
  32. PitterAndGlink says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    LOVE the floor and gallery wall!

    Reply
  33. Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    Stunning!! It’s amazing the different that those gorgeous floors made in the room! The whole makeover is wonderful. A day and night difference!! I don’t know how you’re managing to work on a bathroom makeover. If I were you, I’d be sitting in my dining room just staring at the gorgeousness all day long.

    Reply
  34. Janel@hatingmartha says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:07 AM

    really? Like really? That’s crazy amazing! Great mix of fun, tradition, cottage, and country…gorgeous!

    Reply
  35. Vickie @ Ranger 911 says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:15 AM

    Beautiful transformation! But I’m most impressed with your woodworking skills. The board and batten walls and doortop trim look awesome!

    Reply
  36. Sarah@budgetfriendlydecorating says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    This dining room looks absolutely fantastic. Such a beautiful transformation!

    Reply
  37. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    Gorgeous! Those floors are amazing and really make the space! They look reclaimed and vintagey. So so pretty!

    Reply
  38. Angela says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    Great job!! It looks fabulous! What’s next? 😉
    ~Angela

    Reply
  39. Rachael Honner says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:41 AM

    The floor boards have given your room such an airy feel to it. I love, love, love the light shade… beautiful. I also really like the plain white chair covers, simplicity works every time.

    Reply
  40. Tricia says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:59 AM

    The floor is beautiful! The room looks great!!!

    makingitfeellikehome.blogspot.com

    Reply
  41. Honey at 2805 says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:09 AM

    Gorgeous! Everything looks wonderful and you woodworking skills are impressive!

    Reply
  42. It's All Connected says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:19 AM

    Okay, I have to say it. I’m shocked to find out you had an eighteen year old! You sure don’t look it. The dining room is lovely, too. lol ~ Maureen

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 29, 2012 at 4:33 AM

      And that Maureen made my day! ha! Yes I am the mom of an almost 18 year old who is graduating in a few short months…but thanks for thinking I don’t look old enough, trust me though I feel it most days. 😉

      Heather

      Reply
  43. Reannah @ {Shaped by Grace} says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:33 AM

    This is beautiful!! Great job!! The floors totally make the room! And I love the details in the decor and photos! I can’t wait to see the bathroom! 🙂 xo, Reannah

    Reply
  44. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:42 AM

    Heather,
    Your room looks outstanding!!! The new floor and all the wood work makes a huge impact. Hop over and share with us at NTT.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  45. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:55 AM

    GORGEOUS!!! Dang….your silverware is huge though ; ) LOVE your floors! You must feel like you are in a different house. It truly is gorgeous! So inspiring! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com

    Reply
  46. Lynn Richards says

    February 29, 2012 at 5:08 AM

    wooo hoooo!! Congratulations!!! Can we come over for a dinner party in your gorgeous new room??
    Way to go!
    xo
    lynn

    Reply
  47. Kim | At Home With Kim says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    Okay, that is amazing! So gorgeous. LOVE it all. The floors are incredible. And I LOVE the chalkboard. SO excited for you!!!

    Reply
  48. reFresh reStyle says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    Your dining room is so beautiful!!! I love the colors, it’s so bright and cheerful! I love bare wood floors, I agree with Bama Boy. You really have great wood working skilz :). Amazing makeover!
    Debbie

    Reply
  49. Lori says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:31 PM

    The placement of the china cabinet is perfect, everything is perfect. Love the floors, they alone made a huge difference.

    Reply
  50. Chatty Chics says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    Girl, it’s gorgeous! So stinkin’ pretty! The Hardwoods make such an amazing difference! So happy for you! Great job!
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com
    PS Thanks so much for linking up at my place today! I so appreciate you girls!

    Reply
  51. Cynthia says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    Looks fabulous. I love the shade on the chandelier. Th chairs look good and that table with the birdcage on it is beautiful.

    Reply
  52. Linda says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:32 PM

    You did a beautiful job! Love it!

    Reply
  53. Christina {Designing by Numbers} says

    February 29, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    Heather, I just love this room transformation. I don’t even know what else to say. You’ve done an amazing, stunning, fabulous job.

    I am soooo jealous right now!

    Take care,
    Christina
    http://www.designingbynumbers.com

    Reply
  54. Carol says

    February 29, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    Heather,

    We shouldn’t be surprised at your woodworking skills – you have been artistic and creative since you were a little girl. Beautiful job – can’t wait to dine in your dining room in May.

    Love you girl,

    Mom and Dad

    Reply
  55. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 29, 2012 at 6:27 PM

    Yikes…is it the same room??? You did an amazing job…Kudos to you…Such a beautifully refreshing room…A standing ovation!!!

    Reply
  56. Good Time Charlie says

    February 29, 2012 at 7:44 PM

    Heather! When is dinner, I will bring a side dish. This is gorgeous! I can’t believe the difference. I especially love the gallery wall, so beautiful, yet with personality. I can’t believe you did the stacked moulding yourself! I need to learn to do this. And last but not least, ohhhhhh those floors!!! You should have dinner in there all the time to enjoy it. Yay for you! -K

    Reply
  57. Kim Felton says

    February 29, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    The photo way layout is wonderful … thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  58. Marianne says

    February 29, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    WOW, amazing transformation. You did an awesome job. The floors really complete the entire room, and Bama Boy is right, don’t cover them up, they are too pretty. Such a professional job on the wainscot and stacked moulding!
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  59. Suzy says

    February 29, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    You did a wonderful job, Heather. So pretty…you have every right to pat yourself on the back!

    Reply
  60. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    February 29, 2012 at 10:50 PM

    Just beautiful — what a contrast between the before and after! Love the chair covers and the softness they bring to the room with the wood floor.

    Reply
  61. Mary says

    February 29, 2012 at 11:47 PM

    All beautiful … especially those floors. Thanks for letting us peek!

    Mary @ Sea Quilts

    Reply
  62. Calypso In The Country says

    March 1, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    Those floors are gorgeous! What a beautiful room!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  63. Mrs.B says

    March 1, 2012 at 1:30 AM

    Beautiful.

    Reply
  64. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    March 1, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    It looks amazing! Your floors are GORGEOUS!

    Reply
  65. Shelia says

    March 1, 2012 at 3:58 AM

    I just love your dining room to death! It is really a totally different room! I love those gorgeous floors and your wall color. Just love it all! The sun is shining all over the place.
    You’ve done great
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  66. thistlewoodfarm says

    March 1, 2012 at 4:17 AM

    Awesome! Where do I begin? The floors….check….fabulous. The walls and molding…..check….fabulous. You = genius!

    Brilliant job.
    karianne

    Reply
  67. Shabby Jen says

    March 1, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    Oh the transformation is perfect! What a beautiful room! I know you love it!! I bet you can’t even stop looking at it!! I know I wouldn’t. Glad I stopped by. I am a new follower now. Hope you pop over to my blog and visit once in a while. Have a lovely day!
    Shabby Jen

    Reply
  68. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    March 1, 2012 at 3:32 PM

    Heather,

    What an amazing transformation! I’m in awe of your awesome woodworking skills … that floor is to die for … the drum chandelier sets the perfect tone … the furniture re-arrangement makes the room look twice the size …

    … and the “in-loves” is perfect. I don’t even know them and I’m “in-love” with them!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  69. Val says

    March 1, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    Oh, it’s pretty…real pretty!!!!!!! What time is dinner?

    Reply
  70. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    March 1, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    WOW!

    Greetings from Australia♥

    Reply
  71. Sue says

    March 1, 2012 at 8:01 PM

    Changing the weight of the room to the end of the far wall really made a difference, Heather. The dining room really DOES seem larger in scale. 🙂
    Take a well-deserved little break before you start the next transformation, ok? ~ Sue

    Reply
  72. Janette - The2Seasons says

    March 1, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    I love the difference. The wooden floor made a huge impact.

    Reply
  73. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 2, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    All of the changes you made are just awesome. I remember when you first shared on Debra’s blog. What an incredible difference, and I am so impressed that you did so much of the woodworking yourself. AMAZING!

    Reply
  74. The Rooster and The Hen says

    March 2, 2012 at 7:36 AM

    That is one amazing room, it’s simply beautiful – you must love it! This project would be perfect for our linky party featuring “Transformations” called Repurpose-Remodel-Reveal, I know our readers would love to see it too! (It starts Friday, March 2nd 2012 at 7:00 am MST and reoccures every 1st and 3rd Friday)

    -Whitney @ TheRoosterAndTheHen

    Reply
  75. Honey at 2805 says

    March 3, 2012 at 1:31 AM

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful room at Potpourri Friday at 2805!

    Reply
  76. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 4, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Heather, Your did a beautiful job transforming your dining room! The hardwood floors and the board and batten give such interest to the room and I love the soft blue wall color. You did a wonderful job with the decorating too…beautiful! Thanks for sharing this at my party and have a great week. xo, Sherry

    Reply
  77. CAS says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    Your dining room turned out beautifully, Heather. I love your gallery wall, & the wood floor is lovely.
    CAS

    Reply
  78. Anna says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:43 PM

    That doesn’t even look like the same room!!! Holy cow! Good job, I love it!

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  79. Melanie Scheerschmidt says

    March 5, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    Roll Tide…Roll Tide Roll!

    Reply
  80. maryjomaterazo says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    great job! it really looks wonderful; you should be proud of all your hard work. enjoy!

    Reply
  81. Bonnie says

    March 6, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    YEs, I remember the common ground post. I love all your changes. It looks great.

    Reply
  82. cheryl @ nefotlak. says

    March 6, 2012 at 7:44 AM

    lovely changes. so fresh.
    cheryl xox.

    Reply
  83. Honey at 2805 says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    You are featured today at Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  84. Katie Olthoff says

    March 11, 2012 at 10:47 PM

    I love it! I have stained trim and painted my walls a similar color – love it with the wood!

    Reply
  85. Susan @ homeroad.net says

    March 15, 2012 at 10:57 AM

    I love the chair slipcovers… where did you find them?
    Thanks
    Susan
    Homeroad

    Reply
  86. gina says

    March 16, 2012 at 11:25 PM

    The picture looks like it says “Roll Tide” but I’m sure many others have noticed by now as this was posted several weeks ago but I just found your blog via Addicted 2 Decorating.

    I love your slipcovers. Where did you find them? I have chairs very similar to your but every cover I have tried is way to short and have never seen ones that work with arm chairs.

    Your dining room’s new look is amazing!! Love your woodworking skills!!

    Reply
  87. Tanya Anurag says

    March 17, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    The spoon and fork there caught my attention!! Nice makeover!!

    Reply
  88. OAK House 5. says

    April 16, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Love this room!!! I especially love the gallery wall. Well done!!

    Reply
  89. Babs says

    August 6, 2012 at 8:01 PM

    What a transformation! It’s awesome. Love the gallery wall and the flooring and the chair covers. I’ll bet you home sells in a hurry and you’ll be on your way to Hotlanta.
    Babs

    Reply

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Our son just turned TWENTY and I can hardly wrap m Our son just turned TWENTY and I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that we’ve completed two decades of parenting! I’ve had time to reflect on this season of life and shared some of my thoughts over at @club31women.

“Someday, years from now, we will watch home movies of the year 2023. And it will seem like I am peeking into the life of another family. I will have vague memories of those moments but my life will be so consumed with what is currently happening that it will seem like another lifetime. So, I embrace this season…this day…this moment. And I choose to declare that the emotional war in my heart between ‘what could have been’ and ‘what might be yet to come’ is over. I’m waving the white flag. I want my children to know that it is good and proper that they grow up and leave the nest. I want them to know that I can celebrate the passing of time rather than resist it even if there may be a few bittersweet tears that spill over from time to time.”

Head over to their devotional page to read the rest and I hope my words bring you encouragement for wherever you are on your parenting journey. 🤍
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards of your labor! The whole family pitched in to get our bark spread around the yard (I’m the master at raking it until it’s nice and even) and by the end of the day we were all done. Now we can head into summer with our big yard projects completed! 🙌🏻 Do you put in fresh bark every year?
Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’ Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’s your favorite thing about this month? Mind can be summed up in this quote…

“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” John Steinbeck
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! 👏🏻 This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ☀️
What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
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