Delicious Dining Rooms

The dining room in our new home is very nice.  I can live with it but it's not exactly our style.  I asked my sweet husband what he likes most about the dining room now.  The floors ... a beautiful heart pine.. are a favorite for both of us.   He also likes the drapes.  I asked him what he likes about them and he said the add formality to the room. Oddly enough, when I asked what feel he wanted for the room, he said "Comfortable and inviting, not formal."  So we decided we like the finished feel of the room with the drapes.

So... now I'm on the hunt for the look that fits our style and will allow us to use what we have for the most part.

I've never been the frilly crystal type but I think I'd like to use a crystal chandelier  - perhaps with  black shades.

This dining table and chairs are very close to ours.  I like this room - especially the blue walls, chandelier and rug.  But I want something unique.  Traditional... but different.  Does that make sense?

So on the hunt to find a way to keep within our budget (little to nothing!) and create a great look....

I am LOVING these chairs!

This Davis Cabinet China Cabinet is available at one of my favorite shops.  It's a GREAT piece and  waiting for me to bring it home. 

Here's a sad picture of our dining room right after we moved in.

SO... Here's the proposed "To Do" List.

1. Remove the armoire in the corner (currently holding china!)
2. Paint the small piece to match the China Cabinet.
3. Buy the china cabinet
4. Order the Chandelier
5. Have the chairs painted to match and recover the seat cushions
6. Paint the walls  - I'm thinking about something like Sherwin Williams "Silvermist" which is a muted gray/blue/green.
7. Switch out the formal draperies for something less formal but still floor to ceiling.
8. Replace the light fixture with a chandelier that I actually like. Nothing picked out yet.
9. Find a light rug to go under the table.
10. Enjoy! 
11. Post pictures to The Alligator Box so you can see the finished product!
12. Move on to the next room!

I'd love to have your input and suggestions!

Thanks for stopping by!

Lori

Sheet Music Treasures

I found this primitive dresser  at a shop in Little Switzerland,North Carolina.  I loved it's rustic and simple  look.  I'm a pianist and when I found an old music book and remembered  a similar dresser by Mrs. Mustard Seed, I decided this was the piece to transform.  I love it!  Do you?

I sprayed the hardware with rubbed antique bronze paint.  I sealed the music with a polyurethane and when it soaked in on the edges, I thought I had really messed up.  After it dried I decided it really added to the aged look.  And it's sealed for plenty of use!

On a sheet music roll!  I've had this lamp for a while and it needed to have a shade update. I decided sheet music was a good option.   Now I like the shade better than the lamp! 

This weekend is supposed to be beautiful and fortunately I don't have much scheduled which means a little time for me to catch up on some painting I want to do!  Stay tuned!

Thanks for stopping by!

Lori

Linking to 


Debbiedoos Blogging and Blabbing


Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday


Naturally Me Creations - Who Made What Weekends

My Romantic Home -  Show & Tell Friday

French country Cottage - Feathered Nest Fridays

Iron Violet Designs - Fantastic Fridays

SOLD!

My last post was a popular one and for good reason!  What a beautiful home!  I wasn't surprised to see it SOLD in one week!


I don't always feel that way.  In fact, I just staged  another house that I wasn't as confident in initially.  However, after some renovation, cleaning and staging AND most importantly, a Realtor who priced it right, it too sold in one week!  Here are a few before and afters of that one! Be sure to leave me a note and let me know what you think! Let's start with a before shot... and plastic flowers.

Exterior Front Porch - BEFORE

Exterior - AFTER

Living Room - BEFORE

Living Room - AFTER
I removed the curtains to let light in but the Realtor elected to leave the curtain rods for new owners.

Dining Room - BEFORE

Dining Room - AFTER

Kitchen - BEFORE (YIKES!)

Kitchen Breakfast area - BEFORE

Kitchen View into Family Room - AFTER

Kitchen - AFTER
Can I get an AMEN?
No Wallpaper, new oven, new floors, under counter lights.... aahhhhh....

Back Hall  - Before and After

Rec Room - BEFORE

Rec Room  - AFTER

Rec Room View 2 - BEFORE

Rec Room View 2 - AFTER

Downstairs Bedroom / Office - BEFORE

Downstairs Bedroom / Office  - AFTER
Like the painting?  It's one of mine called "Wandering Xander."  I painted it the night  my son and I picked up a stray dog that we named Xander.  

Downstairs Bathroom - BEFORE

Downstairs Bathroom - AFTER

Family Room - BEFORE

Family Room - AFTER

So... on to the next one!  If my activities are any indication, the real estate market is picking up!


Thanks for stopping by!

Lori

Picture perfect!

As a home stager, I get requests to look at properties on a regular basis.  I've learned to expect the unexpected. This week I got a call regarding a property that I knew was special as soon as I pulled in the driveway. It has some special spaces that I feel in love with. Perhaps you'll enjoy seeing them as well.

Charming Iron Gate entry 

Beautiful rock landscaping with waterfall into a koi pond.

Clear water and beautiful, healthy fish.  One is ESPECIALLY healthy!  :-)

Pull into the driveway and you see this fabulous stone barn at the end  of the drive.

Serene Master Bedroom

Lovely Girl's Room

View from Family room to the wonderful rock and slate patio.

What a charming home!  I'm blessed to get to see these properties.  A special thanks to Ann Buchanan for calling me to stage this property.  Click Here to see this home and other's that Ann has listed in the Hendersonville, Tennessee area.

I'm linking to Debbido's Blogging and Blabbing Newbie Party

Have a blessed day!

Lori

Cranberry Pecan Salad

Sometimes I rush through life and make the mistake of rushing through meals instead of stopping to enjoy them.  I just came across this photo and recipe on Tasty Kitchen.  Tomorrow I vow to make this salad and enjoy it.  Slowly. Savoring each and every bite!  Care to join me?

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Mixed Greens
• 2 cups Baby Spinach
• ½ cups Dried Cranberries
• ½ cups Blue Cheese
• ¼ cups Pecans
• High Quality Balsamic Vinegar Or Your Favorite Dressing, To Taste

Instructions: Toss all ingredients (except dressing) together in a large bowl. If desired, drizzle with your favorite high-quality balsamic vinegar in lieu of dressing.

Enjoy!

Lori