Dining Room: Countdown to Thanksgiving
So, the other day when I shared by revelation about the Craftsman Way vs. the Lipstick Way, it wasn't exactly an accident that I used a discussion of my china hutch/cabinet/thingy in the dining room as an example.
In fact, it was because of my analysis of the dining room situation that I came to my new attitude about home improvement.
You see, I am having a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, with many guests, and I want to fix up the dining room for it. Not that anyone would mind if I didn't, for the record. All of the people coming are lovely and would never, ever care that my dining room is disgusting. Truly. I am so very fortunate in that way.
But wouldn't it be fun to have it be all fixed up and then have Thanksgiving be the first big dinner we have in it? Wouldn't that be neat?
(Seriously, I get all choked up whenever I think about it. Isn't that silly?)
Which is what lead me to list-making, and note-taking, and then major brain makeovers (always the best kind).
We are now officially on Plan B. In other words, Operation Lipstick is now commencing! I will share the story of each piece as I work on it, but for now the key thing is that I am going to fix up my dining area, before Thanksgiving, on a shoestring budget and a working, homeschooling Mom's schedule.
Anyway. Enough stalling. Here's the before's:
The table and chairs:
The cabinetry I pretend is a big china hutch:
The monolithic stone wall:
The scary plant thing that's built onto the side of the monolithic stone wall that we keep a basket of laundry in front of in order to prevent trips to the ER.
In case you're thinking that the furniture looks "not too bad" let me share this lovely picture that shows the full disgustingness of the Goodwill chairs. (Gack!)
But there's potential....
Stay tuned. I'm starting my first big project tomorrow, and I'll be posting all kinds of progress.
Wish me luck!
Meanwhile, I have to ask. Are you ready for the holidays? Any projects you're hoping to finish beforehand?
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Comments (7)
Nancy:
tami:
Barbara H.:
Linden Townhouse:
Jen@thecottagenest:
kate:
Rosemary:
so my big project before the holidays?
MOVING...next week...We will have Thanksgiving in our new house that we have worked to renovate every weekend for the past year.. I. Can't. Wait.
Posted by Nancy | October 13, 2011 7:00 AM
Posted on October 13, 2011 07:00
Can't wait to see how it all turns out Angela. Judging from the chair you re finished, it's going to be a cottage dream.
Posted by tami | October 13, 2011 8:24 AM
Posted on October 13, 2011 08:24
Maybe some fabric or that stuff that makes the glass translucent for the upper doors?
It will be fun to see what kind of "lipstick" you use! Good luck.
Posted by Barbara H. | October 13, 2011 1:42 PM
Posted on October 13, 2011 13:42
Good luck with all your work before the holidays! We keep chipping away at things at our place. I did begin some of my Christmas shopping. I like to be finished with that before Thanksgiving!
Posted by Linden Townhouse | October 13, 2011 3:09 PM
Posted on October 13, 2011 15:09
I have complete faith in you! You are one creative lady.
Posted by Jen@thecottagenest | October 13, 2011 4:36 PM
Posted on October 13, 2011 16:36
I completely understand how you feel about the doing it properly vs. getting it done visually. I too struggle with this. Currently I don't have a craft area, and I'm trying to forge an area in our unfinished basement to create a spot to craft. Problem is...I feel it is too makeshift and I would prefer to set up something more permanent but it's just not feasible for now so I'm feeling frozen about it all. I can't wait to see your dining area solutions. I'm sure it will be inspiring.
Posted by kate | October 14, 2011 7:00 AM
Posted on October 14, 2011 07:00
I am so happy to have found your blog, I read your story and can empathize with your issues - I have them too. I'm so swamped right now that I can't even imagine getting time to work on the wish list I have, which is quite frustrating. I have wanted to redo my dining room for two years. I hate the very dated 1990's wallpaper and the dreary colors. We splurged on the nicest new furniture we've ever had and it looks sad in that room. So, the first thing we need to do now is PAINT.
You know, that cabinetry could be made very workable for now. It's a wonderful amount of storage to have! Have you thought of painting it all white, adding some glass knobs or painted china knobs and the covering a long strip of particle board with either a lovely flower print or napkins to look like the back of a cabinet? I think that would make the piece of furniture look like one large unit and have the cottage look.
When I am brave enough to attempt my painting project, I want you to give me input. PLEASE!
Posted by Rosemary | November 2, 2011 7:04 AM
Posted on November 2, 2011 07:04