September 18, 2011

DINING ROOM REVEAL

Well, I did it! I painted the dining room set and changed the curtains, and am 98% toward my French Country 'makeover.' Just a few accessory tweaks to go...


Like everyone said, the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is wonderful. Two coats of the Antique White and it developed a flawless suede finish, not a brush mark to be seen (and that's saying something, since I'm not a good painter...) Since there is no odor, I was able to paint the table in place. I like the soft matte finish so much that I've decided not to apply the wax finish.


So, here's the before...


Here's the inspiration photo....


and here is the result!

I found this wonderful plaid at my favorite fabric store for $3.00 a yard!

and remember the rusty candelabra I considered painting? It shows up fine against the lighter drapes.


The table base as originally painted had a faint gold scroll that my husband liked, so I re-created it with a stencil.

I played with this frame forever, and finally decided to use it to display vintage menus and cafe images. Ran out of manila paper, have one frame to go...
Two of the menus are family 'heirlooms'...


a 1932 West Point Thanksgiving meal, from when my father in law was a cadet... (they had cigarettes on the menu-- sign of the times! and what is American Brick ice cream?)




and the Captain's Dinner menu from our Pacific ship crossing to the Philippines in 1952... note that we had authentic Sunkist oranges.)
To protect the originals I photocopied them onto manila paper... I may still add a mirror behind the frame to reflect more light.


I am really pleased with the results... and even have enough chalk paint left over to paint my pantry cabinets!


Paint: $50 Fabric: $20 Frame: $5.00 Artwork: Free... so total cost was $75.00!

LINKING TO: UndertheTableandDreaming

http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/

27 The best part of blogging is hearing from you!!:

marty (A Stroll Thru Life) said...>

Your dining room looks fabulous. Love the painted dining set, you did a wonderful job and it looks lovely. The drapes are lovely also, and I think the plaid is the perfect pattern. The window is going to be the star of the show. I love those two menus, how fun are they. Such a fun and creative idea. Hugs, Marty

jenclair said...>

Wow! I love it! I really like the plaid and the way you displayed the vintage menus. Great idea, Anne!

Cassie @ Primitive & Proper said...>

so much lighter and brighter! i especially love the table in white... it really shows off its awesome shape!

sharon said...>

Anne, You have really shown how a little paint can make a BIG difference. Love your table and chairs, they turned out spectacularly! Give yourself a pat on the back. What fun to use these personal itemds in your display!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...>

The table really looks beautiful...like an entirely different table! I love the pretty drapes...elegant but homey, too! And your project with the frame is wonderful! I would love to make something like that! What a good idea! I know you are pleased with everything! ♥ It's beautiful! ♥

Pamela said...>

F A B U L O U S !!!!!!!!
I love this room!
WOW!! This is magazine worthy...fantastic job Anne!

Is this paint expensive???

I just can't believe how gorgeous the chairs look and i love the chandy over the table. Love everything in the room!!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...>

WOW, WOW, WOW.....I LOVE transformations of rooms and furniture and homes, and ANN....YOU DID A MARVELOUS JOB!!!! BRAVO!

And you are so kind as to think that I was already a published artist! HA! No where near...well, actually, my drawings are going to appear in La Belle Inspiration magazine which will actually be in print for the first time at the end of September, but I have such a long way to go...thank you for your kind words and encouragement and KEEP PAINTING!!! Anita

Jen of Country Weekend said...>

Anne--this transformation takes my breath away, it it so fresh and lovely! The table and chairs are so inviting and I adore the blue plaid fabric. Love the way you incorporate family history in the frame. Great work!!!

Susan said...>

I love your dining room transformation!! I especially love the plaid drapes!

outjunking said...>

You did a wonderful job. What a difference $75.00 and the right choices made.
Lisa

The DIY Show Off said...>

Gorgeous transformation! I haven't tried the paint yet but have a lot of projects in mind. Everything looks so pretty - I love the window art!

WobiSobi said...>

I love old menus!! what a great way to display them!! I am so sorry about your shoes.. Man that really stinks!!
And thank you for your sweet comment.
Many hugs,
Anne

Decor & Harmony @ 4290 said...>

The dining room restyle looks stunning. I love your attention to detail. I'm your newest follower stop by for a blog visit.

KAT said...>

Anne,
this is so fabulous ! I love the chalk paint and the check curtains are perfect with it all...as much as I love your original painting there... I love the vintage menus and the chalk painted window, framing them.. spectacular ! manifique !

KAT

Pamela said...>

Looks beyond fabulous!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...>

What a fabulous makeover!! Martina

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...>

Your table looks absolutely beautiful now! Fantastic job. Found you via Coastal Charm. Toodles, Kathryn http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2011/09/few-finished-projects.html

Deborah March said...>

FABULOUS re-do of your table and chairs...classic and BEAUTIFUL!!

michelle said...>

Hi Anne!! You did a beautiful job!! I love your dining set and it really lightened up the space. The fabric is so perfect and I the artwork is gorgeous! How cool to have those displayed in your dining room.
You must be so happy how everything turned out! Enjoy your new space!!
xoxox

Kelly_Deal said...>

Anne, your French makeover is fab! Your did a great job!
Hugs,
Kelly

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...>

It's so gorgeous! I can hardly believe what a huuuuuge difference having the table painted a paler shade makes. It transforms it!

I love this look and you've pulled it off so well!

Sarahx

Tasha said...>

Gorgeous! Love the table and love love the chandelier! Great makeover! Thanks so much for linking up to Try it Tuesday at DotDotDot! It made my day! I will be featuring you!
Have a great evening!
Tasha

Michelle said...>

It looks so great! I would love if my dining room looked like that!!! I am stopping by to say hi because I just register for the SoCal Social!! I look forward to meeting you next weekend! Hope you have a great week!!
Michelle
www.delicateconstruction.blogspot.com

Something Nice and Pretty said...>

What a difference it made painting your diningroom set a lighter color! Love the fabric too and you got it at a great price!

Honey at 2805 said...>

It's amazing what a little paint can do! I really like the lighter color-it's so fresh! And the drapery is beautiful. You did a beautiful job!

Thank you for linking to Potpourri Friday. I appreciate your participation!

K-Sue said...>

Nice transformation! I love the way you cottaged up the dining set. I ma planning to paint my little kitchen set - just can't decide what color.
LOVE the menu display.

René said...>

You did such a nice job with your dining room Anne. I'm so glad you could join the party!

-René