Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Dining Room Reveal



My "what was I thinking?" has turned into "I'm so glad I did!".


So, the last time I posted about my dining room (here) I was regretting ever pulling that first strip of wallpaper down.


I asked my self over and over, "what was I thinking?"




I eventually pulled myself out of the regret and started cleaning the tons of glue residue off the walls. My husband joined in and we found that it was going to be very slow going. There were a lot of really deep, big cracks in the plaster. It was only after we were almost done taking all the wallpaper down that I happened to be watching HGTV's Property Brothers when Jonathan mentioned that you should never take wallpaper off plaster. TOO MUCH WORK!


Yeah, I know.




By mid-June, not much had been done.  My husband's neck, shoulders and back ached and my allergies were acting up.


We realized that our ceiling probably should be painted first, but with 10' ceilings, we were dreading that too. We thought maybe if we hired the ceiling out, we could do the walls ourselves.


The glue was making us delusional.


You know how sometimes you just mention something in despair and it changes everything?


I was mentioning the dining room debacle to my sister and she just happens to have a son-in-law as a painter. She highly recommended him.


I called him, he came out and gave us an estimate for the ceiling and also to finish the walls too.


We went for it! He did it all! He got all the glue off, fixed the cracks, primed, and painted the ceiling and the walls.


Our house was upside down for only two days. We had to move everything into our parlor except for the large, heavy cupboards. They all got pushed to the center.




Enter Mike. He did a phenomenal job. The cracks seemed to disappear under his expert workmanship. I never knew he painted. So, if he is my niece's husband does that make him my nephew-in-law? Just wondering.


I really had a hard time choosing a color. I wanted a neutral, like a linen color. But being that the room is quite dark to begin with, linen in paint was just too dark. And I did not want a white white.


So what do I end up choosing? Sherwin William's Highly Reflective White. The name is deceiving because it is a very pretty, soft white in the room. My inspiration was the porcelain doorknobs in the room and that color was the closest match.


So here is the dining room BEFORE. You will see that most of the décor has stayed the same with some minor changes, but it looks so different without the busy wallpaper.





And these same views AFTER







BEFORE

AFTER



BEFORE




AFTER



You get the idea....


Sorry for the dark, fuzzy picture. It's all I could find. Now just a memory!




I love that I finally have somewhere to put my suitcase collection!



This was the wall with the awful large crack and many others and the plaster in the corner was all crumbled and holes. You can't see any of it now.

I restyled my bench....



This is the cupboard I have been waiting 20 years to hang somewhere in this house. It was in the dining room at my farmhouse and has been in the attic here since we moved in.




The wall looked a little empty and WHITE so I thought it was the perfect spot for it. I am still living with it and haven't even put anything in it yet!



Have you counted the number of cupboards in this room? Four!

Am I obsessed?

Did you notice the floors? While all the stuff was still out I treated them with olive oil. Just took my olive oil cruet and poured it on. I used a dry Swiffer cloth and spread it around. I had to wipe up some oil that didn't sink in, but most of it did. It does wonders to restore wood.

I got rid of the huge plate shelf and put my fish dishes on the wall shelf. They are pure treasures to me, given to me by my Grandfather after my Grandmother died. He said that I got them because I always caught the most fish when he took us fishing as kids.





Here is the lovely ceiling painted ceiling white. It helps to brighten things up a bit.


I love how my huge cupboard just pops against the white. The fact that it leans to the left is more pronounced now too. The floors are a little slanted!




I made a few new things for the dining room.

The ring clip valances, inspired by Kim at Exquisitely Unremarkable. I used 100% linen and I love how they turned out.


I recovered and repainted a stool I got at a garage sale for $2. I am so dumb that I waited to stencil the grain sack on it until after it was on the stool. It was trying, to say the least!


I made a new centerpiece for the table, using the same pine board and lacey burlap runner. The metal basket is from the shop I have a booth at, the cotton stems are from Décor Steals and the books are from garage sales.


One last picture. I love the vintage doorbell so we kept it right where it's always been. It just goes perfectly. 




I love how my things just pop against the white. I have been collecting old clocks and bread boards and so they have replaced some of the other décor items I have had in the room.

Time for a change....20 years in the making.

Hmmm, which room can I do next?

I already have color paint chips up on the walls in the parlor.....

What room have you been making over?

AnnMarie

I am joining these fun blog parties:

42 comments:

  1. Wow - what a difference! So clean looking in contrast to your vintage decor - and that's what it needed to pop. Great job!

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  2. Ann Marie, what a difference without the wallpaper! It really updates the room, yet still maintains its vintage feel. Glad that you were able to bring someone in to do the heavy lifting, so you have time to go spend time in your garden! Beautiful transformation!

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  3. All looks amazing AnnMarie. Wow who would think the glue could of presented a problem, wonder what toxic weirdness they used back in the past. There is nothing like plaster walls and so worth the hard work. Enjoy your pretty renovation and thanks for sharing your experience.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  4. Wonderful ! Everything just POPs against the white and all your wonderful collectibles look just right against the fresh walls. So fortunate to have a nephew in law? who can do such a great job painting. Loved seeing all your treasures. Congratulations on such a terrific change.
    Joy

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  5. Hi Annemarie....well your freshly painted room looks amazing, l love the soft white it just updates the space beautifully. Your breadboard display is fabulous as are your lovely fish plates. Your stool came up a treat even if it was a bit trying... Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Ann Marie, Now the walls let your wonderful collections shine. It all looks so much nicer, calmer. Now you know who can paint if you want something painted. Great job. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  7. It looks amazing - so nice & fresh!

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  8. Hi Ann Marie, WOW what a beautiful room. Your nephew in law did an amazing job and your restyling is wonderful. Everything shows up so well on that wonderful shade of white. Your collections really pop now and the trim around the windows is beautiful too. Amazing makeover!! Thanks for sharing and inspiring. I plan to paint all the woodwork throughout the house in the fall.
    Have a great week. xo

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  9. Wow!! What a fabulous change AnnMarie! It really opens the room up and puts the focus on all of your beautiful pieces. I honestly didn't even notice the built ins before. Thanks for the curtain shout out. They look great in the room!! And I have a bunch of niece and nephew in-laws...and a bunch of great nieces and nephews to boot. They are making me an old lady very fast! At least in name!! ;) Enjoy your new space!!

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  10. Wow the walls look so gorgeous and yes that would of been a lot of work for the two of you. Glad you were able to find someone to do the job.
    Hope you have a great week and stay cool.
    Julie

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  11. Sometimes it really makes sense to hand over jobs to the pros! He did a great job, and quickly too!

    It looks fresh and inviting Ann Marie. Love it!

    xxx

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  12. A nephew-in-law who is a painting pro? How lucky are you! The bright white really is perfect for your collections. The red cabinet may be my favorite in the room.

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  13. Hi AnnMarie, Wow what a bright space you have created! :) I have to admit your sweet nostalgic looking wallpaper is what drew me to your blog. :) I LOVE wallpaper.
    Have a great last week of July!
    Gina

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  14. Love this post---while I'm not a proponent of white. With all your painted/stained furniture it seems the most logical. And, porcelain white is a nummy color and helps to balance out all the warm tones. PERFECT! grins, Sandi

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  15. Your dining room looks fantastic! I love white and it makes your beautiful molding show up so much more. I bet that was so much work!!!

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  16. It looks great! You have some wonderful pieces, and your red cupboard is so cute!

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  17. Fabulous job on that room, AnnMarie! Every thing is perfect. I am especially fond of your suitcase collection.

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  18. love how it turned out so pretty and bright thanks for sharing have a great week

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  19. How clean and fresh everything looks with your new white walls! I think your choice of basic white, shows off the treasures you have throughout the room.

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  20. Love it all! SO clean and crisp. Aren't you glad it's done??? LOL.

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  21. I know how hard wallpaper is to remove You were brave! Sometimes it's just better to pay someone. White walls and beautiful wood are hard to beat.

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  22. Wow! Amazing♥ What a transformation ☺ You did a beautiful job.

    summerdaisy.net

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  23. Oh my goodness!! What a beautiful transformation. I love how all your gorgeous pretties pop against those clean, white walls. I am pea-green with envy over your suitcases. That blue and white one is gorgeous. I haven't seen one like that before. Can one ever have too many cupboards in one room....I don't think so! =) You have the most beautiful collections, AnnaMarie. Love that gorgeous light hanging from the ceiling rose. Love those sweet little white curtains and the braided rug. Everything is just glorious!

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  24. Sometimes you have to call in the experts. Your dining room looks fabulous...so fresh, crisp, and light. Love it!! Your wonderful antiques stand out beautifully against the white walls. Your awesome bench is calling my name :-))
    Mary Alice

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  25. Your dining room is simply lovely AnnMarie. It looks so fresh. I am smitten with your luggage display--pinned!

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  26. and I meant to say thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm ;)

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  27. Oh gosh Ann Marie, I love it! The room is so bright and cheery! I would love to paint my beige walls more white. Tall ceilings would be a big job. I'd have to hire out as well. He really did a fabulous job and I love all of your pretties! Especially your cupboards!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  28. Oh friend, what a stunning transformation! Everything looks so clean and fresh....I LOVE it! The wallpaper was darling, but the new look is beautiful. I just love the vintage luggage in front of the window and your vintage decor is oh-so-delightful.

    Thanks for showing us, sweet AnnMarie. Hugs!

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  29. Wow! What a huge difference taking that wallpaper off made, so clean and fresh.
    I remember taking wallpaper off some walls in one of our homes and it was NOT fun at all! Ours was a tin foil type that just would not come off, it was a night mare to say the least.
    Your home looks beautiful and inviting, AnnMarie, just beautiful.

    Have a blessed day~~

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  30. Wow, what a change! It does look so much brighter and bigger. You must be so glad you took the plunge. It looks wonderful.

    Thanks so much for joining us at the DI & DI Link Party, I hope you enjoyed it a much as we loved having ya!

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  31. What a fabulous transformation AnnMarie. I love how the white walls make your collections pop. Sometimes it's the most tedious jobs that are the most rewarding. Your dining room turned out just amazing!

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  32. Oh goodness! What a lovely update, so bright, bigger and beautiful!
    What a fabulous change and I am such a fan of white too!
    Looking really wonderful, I just know you must be thrilled!
    Jemma

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  33. Hi AnnMarie, such a beautiful transformation! All of your lovely pieces are really highlighted against the simple white walls, and all of your beautiful painted woodwork, too. I love all your collections and your pretty table vignette with the burlap and lace runner. I've never had to remove wallpaper, but I've heard from so many what a difficult job it can be. You must be so pleased and happy to have this behind you and now you can enjoy your lovely room more than ever! Hope you are having a great week, my friend. xo Karen

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  34. All I can say is "wow!" Oh, the power of paint.

    Thanks for sharing with SYC.

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  35. I love the nice clean look of the white walls. It looks fabulous!

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  36. I have almost the same color trim and doors in my house. I really like that color. We did the walls a lighter shade like that one built in cabinet your dishes are in. I think the walls look lovely white. Paint is such an easy fix and always brightens a space. Thank you for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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  37. I absolutely loved your tour of the makeover, the new room is just beautiful. All of your cupboards and antiques just pop out against the new walls where they didn't stand out as much with the wallpaper. I had a ton of wallpaper here when I moved in and it really did cause a lot of visual clutter. Things looked better after I removed it even though the walls are still a mess. I'm hoping to get at that room in the fall. What colour do you have on your doors? It's beautiful. I love the plates that your grandfather passed down to you, how special! The change you made to the window really brightened things up, your suitcase collection looks great there along with the new valance. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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  38. How nice! I so like the vintage vibe of the room and all your treasures.
    Amalia
    xo

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  39. Lovely, charming, cozy. All those things come to mind when I see this.

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  40. Wow, what a huge difference! The fresh white paint really makes your beautiful vintage pieces pop. Love the transformation.

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  41. White paint is a miracle worker isn't it? It's beautiful! And I'm loving the color of your trim. It's so gorgeous against the white!

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