I will tell you that I'm not proud of this room's beginnings. There's a reason why it hasn't shown its face in blogland before now. But sometimes it's helpful to see that not every "after" was accomplished overnight with unlimited funds. And furthermore, not every "after" is a "forever after." As the needs of our families change, so will our homes, but that doesn't have to mean starting from scratch with each change.
Although I approach client projects with more of a vision and of course more of a timeline, the goal is more or less the same: developing a coherent style that can adapt and be added to or rearranged. And so even before gathering inspiration images, it's helpful to describe how a room should feel. This dining room is just a very, very, (very!), slow example of this.
Even though we didn't have the funds to buy anything new at the beginning, I had already described the feeling that I was after: "simple, natural, unfussy, sturdy." This is more or less the feeling that I wanted to accomplish on the entire main floor. Having that in mind helped guide the vision, and let me know right away whether something was working or not.
Check out the captions to learn more about the evolution of this room.
(Images: Leah Moss)
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Where did you get that coffee table? I've been looking for something similar. Thanks.
Ha! My dining room furniture is the same as yours at Launching Point, only in a different color (and minus the high chair). I'm not crazy about it but I don't hate it... I was looking forward to seeing how you worked with it. Turns out you didn't! I'm afraid my Phase 2 is years away...
I am confused about the dining table shuffling. Was it the one in the first picture that developed a crack? I am looking at the World Market table you have as table #2, so I would love to hear if it was sturdy. Love the glimpse into the evolution of your room!
Give your husband a big, fat hug. That is a great table and does it ever look sturdy. The whole room looks great.
Jennifer F.P. that looks like the Seguro table from Crate & Barrel, which I recognize b/c I just pinned it. http://www.crateandbarrel.com/seguro-rectangular-coffee-table/s220012
Don't care how the chandelier was dressed but do like the last and 2nd to the last photos.
'But sometimes it's helpful to see that not every "after" was accomplished overnight with unlimited funds. And furthermore, not every "after" is a "forever after." As the needs of our families change, so will our homes, but that doesn't have to mean starting from scratch with each change.'
Bingo. I really appreciate being let into the process of these posts. We see so many magical transformations in magazines and on shows but we don't always see the setbacks and challenges on a realistic timeline or budget. And it's in those setbacks and challenges that we can learn to be really creative and thoughtful. Learning how others deal with those obstacles is motivating and inspiring. :)
Ah. Thanks barlowgirl! Looks like it's going on my board too.
So refreshing to see a post that incorporates process, patience, and the realities of our pocket books. Lovely rooms, thank you!
Would your brilliant husband be willing to share the general design of his table? I'd love to attempt something like this with boards salvaged from my 100+ year old home.
Excellent post! Decorating a room is a slow process. You scour craigslist and search the web in search of the perfect item...which can take months. I admire their patience in creating their perfect dining room.
@ Lynne M S-
The table looks like what Ana White calls a farmhouse table.
Instructions: http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html