One Room Challenge REVEAL Blue and White Dining Room

Well, here we are! Week Six of the One Room Challenge and I couldn't be happier to cross this one off my list. Thank you so much, if you are just now reading or if you have been following along this whole time. If you want a quick recap here are the following links: 

Week One- Plan
Week Two - Drapes and Paint Swatches
Week Three - Painted Room and DIY Chandelier Update
Week Four- New Accessories
Week Five- Pulling It All Together

Otherwise, to catch you up in light speed form, I just made over our dining room! We are new home owners to an older colonial home we are so proud to call it home. There are so many beautiful aspects of our "new" old home and we are really enjoying making it ours. My style is a mix of traditional and modern, with southern influences while keeping my young family in mind. Oh, and I can't turn down a healthy dose of blue and white. 

We will cut to the chase and get to the good stuff- the photos! 

That dentil moulding took hours upon hours of painting but it sure does look amazing.

I have been painting a lot lately and taking some classes, which has been so fun and my choice of activity during free time. I already have some new things lined up to be working on that I can't wait! Also, my handy husband built the frame and I painted it gold.

I found this bamboo console at Winston's Collection on instagram and they lacquered and delivered it right to my dining room. It is such a fun little piece and I love it with the mirror that I have had for ages. I have been wanting to do a plate wall for so long and I finally have it! I just used some of my antique Blue Willow collection (new) and Spode Blue Room.

You might notice the piece of furniture below is different than what I planned on using. I painted that bamboo chest white, cleaned up the hardware...and it still wasn't working. It really was too small for the room. The piece seen below was in our living room so I swapped them. I'm not totally sure it will stay because I would still like something a bit larger, but it works for now! I put some more of my blue and white in it for a punch of color.

Anyone else's husband obsessed with Blantons? I have to say, what a cool bottle.

I couldn't resist this tiny artwork by TomTom! We just got a shipment of his in our shop and I am the proud new owner of his beautiful little artwork.

You can find the plate hangers I used here. Super easy. Also, I ordered these white linen shades for the chandelier and I love how they transformed it even more. If you are new here, I really wanted to save this brass chandelier :)

I have been collecting blue and white for years and am still adding pieces whenever I come across them. I added the Blessing Beads to make our collection even more personal.

The drapes are my babies, literally. I love, love, love looking at this fabric. They make this room really pop and I'm so glad I stepped out of my solid fabric drapery rut! Also the color of the walls is Lily White by Benjamin Moore. This is probably the truest representation of the color, It was a little grey outside on photoshoot day and think it swayed the color a bit. It is a beautiful blue with a hint of grey.

I love a little whimsy in every room in our house to keep things fun and light. How cute are these cocktail napkins?

Thank you again for joining me. I'm excited to check this one off my list! 

I'm looking forward to catching up with the the linkers here and the featured designers here! There is so much good to be seen I encourage you all to check it out! Big thanks to Linda with the Calling It Home for putting this all together.

Linkable sources: I will be updating these throughout the day!
Lamp
Crystals on Chandelier and here
Chandelier Shades
Plate Hangers (invisible!)
Marble Cutting Board
Marble Wine Cooler
Marble Cheese Knives
Bamboo Console
Wine Glasses
Blessing Beads
Stir Sticks
Embroidered Cocktail Napkins
Bow Wine Stopper
Small Bar Artwork
Drapery Fabric
Drapery Hardware
Original Large Artwork by myself- email for inquiries
Chair Fabric

One Room Challenge: Week Five Blue and White Dining Room

Welcome back for week FIVE of the One Room Challenge! We are so close to the finish line and I have to say I can't wait. If I'm being honest I'm ready for nothing on my to do list but fun stuff! Nevertheless, I will finish up this room and be glad that I did it. No one ever said it was going to be easy right?! If you are new here, thanks for stopping by. I am Katie, wife, mom of two, living in the cutest little area of the NC coast. For this challenge, I am making over our dining room in a fresh blue and white design...if you want to catch up, see the links below!

Week One- Plan
Week Two - Drapes and Paint Swatches
Week Three - Painted Room and DIY Chandelier Update
Week Four- New Accessories

This update will be short and sweet- I've got things to do people! Let's refer back to the punch list:

-Caulk and paint trim (a doozie...dentil moulding) in progress
-New window shades (these are terrible mini blinds)
-Hang new drapes!
-Paint walls
-Paint nightstand-ish piece of furniture - in progress
-Update chandelier
-Fix the table/lamp/art situation- in progress
-Flank china cabinet with mirrors? - in progress
-Remove door to room - (trying to decide to do this or not because we need it for a baby on the move)

So this week, I started painting the bachelor's chest and it is already looking oh-so-fine. It is primed and sanded, ready for it's final coats of paint. I had a little time yesterday to shine up the hardware with some Brasso. I love watching this stuff work its magic on old brass hardware! The other option would have been to simply spray paint them gold, but I love the patina and nothing is better than the real thing.

Hardware is pre-Brasso...

I also mulled over my fabric decision for the dining room chair covers. I just couldn't justify spending hundreds of dollars on chair fabric that will likely take a beating. It also made me think about this room and what it's purpose is in our house, which leads me into a whole new topic. Yes, it is a formal dining room but we are generally not really formal people. We are at the beach and everything is a little more laid back here. I want this room to be one we feel comfortable in when we have a few more people joining us for dinner, with high chairs pulled up and water bottles instead of stemware scattered across the table. Most likely there will be a baby feeding a dog her food from the table at some point during that meal. I want it to be a fun space! This is the best part about the One Room Challenge- you don't have time to push things out of your mind- you are forced to make decisions, which is a good thing for me! So- I found this fabric and I am totally loving it. I also envisioned a slightly preppy room when I had this design in mind. Who better than Kate Spade to pull it all together. I will be covering the four side chairs and keeping the arm chairs as is with white slipcovers.

Next up, I am totally in limbo on my art choice. I am worried the bird art (seen here) is slightly too big and a little too vintage for the room. I might paint something myself this weekend. Totally going to be a last minute decision and I can't wait to see what I end up with!!

I haven't touched on the mirrors flanking the china cabinet on the punch list. I mulled that over too and I am thinking about incorporating some of my dishes into a plate wall. TBD. Again, can't wait to see where it all ends up.

By the way, I just want to mention that your comments, messages, emails...they all make such a difference. I really, truly appreciate all of them as a little nod of encouragement. This week has been pretty stressful (outside of the ORC as well) and little messages really make a difference- so thank you! That is all for me this week. See you next week for some fun at the big reveal!

Linkers are here and featured designers are here! 

One Room Challenge: Week Four Blue and White Dining Room

Welcome back for week four of the One Room Challenge! How are we already at Week Four? It is officially time to freak out! I am making over our dining room in a fresh blue and white design...if you want to catch up, see the links below!

Week One- Plan
Week Two - Drapes and Paint Swatches
Week Three - Painted Room and DIY Chandelier Update

If you are new here, I'm Katie and I am a wife, mother of two, living on the coast of North Carolina. We bought our current home in October, did some initial upgrades, moved into the house December. I am really just catching my breath from the move. We might never move again :) Our house is a two story white colonial, black shutters, timeless design and layout. We are settled in pretty well but none of the house is "done" if you know what I mean. Everything is kind of 50% there...we still have a stack of pictures in our living room waiting to be hung, hardly any drapes hanging on the walls, and little projects in each room to be completed. I chose the dining room because it has taken on it's own little path of actually getting somewhere and I want to go ahead and cross this one off the list. If you know me, you are familiar with my love for mixing traditional and modern design, touches of vintage/antiques, fresh flowers, and a healthy dose of blue and white.

To get us all on the same page, here is the punch list:

-Caulk and paint trim (a doozie...dentil moulding) in progress
-New window shades (these are terrible mini blinds)
-Hang new drapes!
-Paint walls 

-Paint nightstand-ish piece of furniture
-Update chandelier
-Fix the table/lamp/art situation- in progress
-Flank china cabinet with mirrors?
-Remove door to room

So this big accomplishments this week were that we finished painting the walls and are making good progress on the trim. I promise you I am more tired of talking about painting than you are probably hearing about it. So. over. it. Anyway, painting the trim really sucks the fun out of my day so I'm doing it little by little. But, y'all...it looks so amazing painted!!! It is like a brand new room.

We were out of town last weekend and then I unexpectedly had to make a day trip back to Raleigh on Tuesday to say goodbye to a family dog (thank you for all your kind messages on insta!) and I really didn't think I would have much to update on.....Then I had really, really, good luck at a consignment shop yesterday and found some really cool pieces for accessorizing!! First up, I want your opinion on this bird art. It's an original and I think it is SO cool and really amazing for the room. I know art is so personal so you may think it is hideous. In the right room, I think it is pretty fabulous. I search high and low for original artwork at thrifts, estate sales, antique shops, you name it. I love originals!! I plan on doing something to the frame as well to make it a little more modern. Also, the little swan planter was a find at an antique store in Florida. I'm obsessed...

I also found a pair of these pink ginger jars for $30! I have been wanting a pop of pink to tie back to the shades of our rug and also our Tobacco Leaf dishes. They do have a vintage rose painted on one side but I plan on facing that toward the wall. Also, a new plant stand. I have been envisioning a fresh plant in this room. 

The best find for the week is a new console to replace the one seen above with the bird art.  I am so excited. Big thanks to Winston's Collections for getting this baby painted and to me in time for the big reveal. I cannot wait!! I plan on using this console as a bar, and of course for lots of great storage.

Why oh why did I order a sample of this beautiful hollyhock fabric?! It is stunning. I just don't know that it is ideal for covering dining room chairs with the potential for stains. You should see our kitchen buffalo check covers- they are absolutely awful! Recovering the chairs was not in my original plan but I would like to incorporate another fabric somehow.

This situation is getting worked on this week: painting the bachelors chest and mirror white, and gold leafing the wine rack. I bought this wine rack when we got married with a gift card. It is a little rustic but I hate to let it go. I think the gold touch will be perfect!

So, I think we are getting somewhere finally. I would like to find a lamp for the bar as well. I tend to like modern shapes and solid colors for lamps, so that is what I am after.

So- LOTS to do this week. Wish me luck and send good vibes for finding the accessories, fabric, lamps that I need to pull this room together!!!

Catch up with the linkers here and featured designers here!

One Room Challenge: Week Three Blue and White Dining Room

Welcome back for week three of the One Room Challenge! Thanks for joining me. For this time around, I am making over our dining room with a blue and white design in mind. Here is a little background:

Week One

Week Two

If you are new here, I'm Katie and I am a wife, mother of two, living on the coast of North Carolina. We bought our current home in October, did some initial upgrades, moved into the house December. I am really just catching my breath from the move. We might never move again :) Our house is a two story white colonial, black shutters, timeless design and layout. We are settled in pretty well but none of the house is "done" if you know what I mean. Everything is kind of 50% there...we still have a stack of pictures in our living room waiting to be hung, hardly any drapes hanging on the walls, and little projects in each room to be completed. I chose the dining room because it has taken on it's own little path of actually getting somewhere and I want to go ahead and cross this one off the list. If you know me, you are familiar with my love for mixing traditional and modern design, touches of vintage/antiques, fresh flowers, and a healthy dose of blue and white.

To get us all on the same page, here is the punch list:

-Caulk and paint trim (a doozie...dentil moulding) in progress
-New window shades (these are terrible mini blinds)
-Hang new drapes!
-Paint walls (I'm thinking an icy blue OR a stencil. Is stenciling still in??)  in progress!
-Paint nightstand-ish piece of furniture
-Decide on chandelier  in progress!
-Fix the table/lamp/art situation
-Flank china cabinet with mirrors?
-Remove door to room

And what happened this week? I did a fun little update to our chandelier and started painting and caulking. Let's start with the chandelier! I know many people would toss this brass beauty to the side and opt for something more modern and I totally get that. For some reason I had this inkling to hang on to it but it needed some updating. Let's also not skip over the fact that this is a lot more cost efficient and also less of a headache to get my husband to hang a new light fixture. One of his all time favorite tasks (right up there with painting the walls on a Wednesday night at 9:30 pm, thats another story)...

For this update, I wanted to add strands of crystals and also some pendants that would hang down like a typical chandelier has. I needed a way to attach everything so I bought this tarnish free brass wire from Hobby Lobby and made my own jump rings. You need something to use as a mandrel of sorts, and this Sharpie pen was the perfect size. Also, grab your wire cutters.

By the way, I think the crystals are a great quality with lots of sparkle!

I found the easiest way was to wrap the wire up tight next to the cap so it has a resting point. Wrap a few times until you get a nice tight circle and clip!

Easy jump rings! From then you just attach the rings to the place on your chandelier. I had leftover pendants from previous chandeliers that I went ahead and added across the bottom row. 

I ordered a few more strands of crystals and I am adding another row to the top. My Mom also has some vintage crystals that might be added to the mix or replace the pendants you currently see. Such a fun update. I love that the light catches on them and brings a whole new look to this brass beauty! 

Just yesterday we started painting the walls. My toddler has been on Spring Break this week so in other words, it was hard to get much done. I think I got a solid 20 minutes of painting in yesterday during nap time! I barely convinced my sweet husband to join me to get our first coat on the walls late last night. Thank you honey. Husbands are such willing and excited volunteers for the ORC!

I love the brass and the blue together!

And here is a fun fact...we have a central vac system, which is great, but the house came with these old yellowish plate covers. I was two seconds away from ordering a new cover and decided to put a coat of wall paint on it. Everything still needs another coat, but oh my gosh, what a better look for these vacuum plates! Ahh!

And just as a refresher, this is the paint swatch "Lily White" with our drapery fabric.

So not a ton of progress, but definitely headed in the right direction! The plan this week is to finish painting, add the additional crystals to the chandelier, and make some decisions on furniture and accessories. Still so much to do!

Catch up with everyone linking up here and the featured designers here! 

One Room Challenge: Week 2 Blue and White Dining Room

Welcome back for week two of the One Room Challenge! Thanks for joining me. For this time around, I am making over our dining room with a blue and white design in mind. Here is a little background:

Week One

If you are new here, I'm Katie and I am a wife, mother of two, living on the coast of North Carolina. We bought our current home in October, did some initial upgrades, moved into the house December. I am really just catching my breath from the move. We might never move again :) Our house is a two story white colonial, black shutters, timeless design and layout. We are settled in pretty well but none of the house is "done" if you know what I mean. Everything is kind of 50% there...we still have a stack of pictures in our living room waiting to be hung, hardly any drapes hanging on the walls, and little projects in each room to be completed. I chose the dining room because it has taken on it's own little path of actually getting somewhere and I want to go ahead and cross this one off the list. If you know me, you are familiar with my love for mixing traditional and modern design, touches of vintage/antiques, fresh flowers, and a healthy dose of blue and white.

To get us all on the same page, here is the punch list:

-Caulk and paint trim (a doozie...dentil moulding)
-New window shades (these are terrible mini blinds)
-Hang new drapes!
-Paint walls (I'm thinking an icy blue OR a stencil. Is stenciling still in??)
-Paint nightstand-ish piece of furniture
-Decide on chandelier
-Fix the table/lamp/art situation
-Flank china cabinet with mirrors?
-Remove door to room

So, what happened this week? The drapes got hung! I mentioned that this room has started its own little path, and the drapes were something I decided to tackle about a month ago. To say I am relieved that they are up and hanging straight is such a relief! I am pretty proud of myself too. These are fully lined with pinch pleats. I followed this tutorial from Design Sponge and it was SO good. Not all tutorials are created equal I learned. I highly recommend it! 

They "kiss" the floor perfectly. Obsessed. 

We also removed the old vinyl mini blinds and replaced them with wooden blinds. I really didn't want anything that would stand out here, just basic. They are doing their job well and the room is SO much brighter with out the mini blinds! I can't believe the difference.

I went back and forth on the stenciling and wallpaper idea, and once I saw the drapes go up, they confirmed my decision to keep the walls a solid color. This is more in line with my original inspiration photos and I think the leopard is too fun to take away from! Decision made. I bought three paint samples for the walls, pictured below. The color I am looking for is what I would describe as a french blue. I do not want Carolina blue. A soft, pretty blue with a hint of grey. The bottom sample ended up being so dark, it won't be a contender. Can you guess which one I am leaning towards? I would love your input as well- or even better- if you know this perfect blue I am looking for!

Another idea that came to mind is adding some crystals to our existing brass chandelier, and possibly shades. You can see in some of the photos a random string of crystals hanging. 

The plan for this week is to decide on the wall color and paint- and start caulking the trim. Lots and lots of cracks that need to be filled along the ceiling line. Painting the trim will be a doozie but I know it is going to absolutely shine once it is done and I can't wait to see that!

Thanks so much again for following along. To see all the other amazing projects going on, you can check the featured designers here and the guest participants here!