It can be done - love in the dining room

So I don't even have any cute way to say it, but I finally like my dining room. It only took more than four years and four rounds of paint to get the wall color just right.  And then my tiny little makeover took flight. The walls have gone from ecru to the most unfortunate pumpkin color you have ever seen, to the most unfortunate fleshy color you have ever seen, to now--the most serene bay blue color I have ever picked or seen. What can I say...I'm a girl who likes color! (That one's for you, Kristin.) The new paint color is actually called Oyster Bay. How could I go wrong with that?

For those of you interested in this sort of thing (it's my favorite thing!), I will tell you about my little dining room makeover.

My first step in getting it right was having inspiration. Yes, that word that every designer on HGTV overuses. But guess what? It worked! I've never been inspired by anything for the dining room, which is probably why I got it so wrong so many times. Nevertheless, I came across this picture frame in a fabric store and had to have it. It suits me well, and I've always loved the unexpected combination of blue and red, or rustic and fancy together in a room. I like all that kind of stuff in combination: black and brown, gold and silver, old and new, fancy and simple, curvy and straight.  Maybe it's my ying and yang...or something. :)


So I went with it. Here is the before (ick!):

You can see where I tested four neutral colors around the mirror before turning a corner and going with blue. 

Here is the after (ah...):

Yes, that is the children's art easel in the back corner. As much as I would like something more my taste there, we use this room mostly for arts and craft projects. So, for now, the easel stays.

The first thing that makes a huge difference in the room is the hutch. That is the same hutch, just made over. It was like a dark hole in the room previously, so I painted it to match the mirrors flanking it. That first step, alone, made a huge difference in the room. I painted the bead-board in the back of the hutch 'Fireweed' red to tie in the the red pie safe (pictured below) in the room and the red shag rug in the adjacent living room. I also changed the knobs.

Other than that huge change, I made a few other minor changes. I got new drapes and moved the rod up higher. I think I still need to get a heavier looking rod, though. Mom, I may or may not have time to iron the drapes before you come, so it's best if you prepare yourself. :) I also took a trip to one of my favorite stores with the girls for a few accessories to tie in all the colors. This is my favorite new accessory, a table runner from Pier 1. Peyton picked out the red lantern, and I kind of think it's perfect.

Here's another favorite accessory, that is not new. That painting of the creek finally found a good home. I moved it from a dark spot in the hall and it's just right in here, until I commission the artist to paint a hummingbird scene for this spot. This is one of my Mom's paintings, of course! She's pretty much the real deal, in case you didn't know.

Now you can see more of the red going on in the room.

I have a few things I still want to do so I can call this room complete (for now, hehe). I would like to change the chair seat fabric, but after four trips to fabric stores I still can't make a decision. And if there's one thing I've learned from trying to beautify my home is that I really should never settle for something thinking that something is better than nothing. That is not true. I've learned the hard way, and I always end up trying to replace the thing settled for almost immediately. It's best to wait until I'm sure or I find what I love. 

The other little beauty trick I want to do is something I need your help on, friends. I have started using this pie safe (below) in the room as a arts and crafts cabinet for the girls since we use the table so much for that sort of thing. I want to cover the glass with something so I don't have to keep it cute and orderly inside. I have thought about a few ideas: painting the glass, using a window cling, or somehow affixing fabric to the inside of the door. What do you think? Any suggestions?

I believe that's a wrap. Hope you're weren't bored too much (Dad). Anyway, I'm just so happy I don't cringe every time I walk through the dining room now. Good night everybody....oh and let me know what you think about that pie safe, please!