Ready, Set, PAINT

Today we sorted through the dining room, assembled a piece of furniture, brought some pieces down from upstairs, and laid the groundwork to pull together our next projects for the dining room. 
When comparing the pace of the living room transformation, the dining room seems to be lagging, so it can be difficult to feel like a project is taking so long.  But the reality is, this room has a lot more to be done behind the scenes. A lot of projects that won't be super visible at all times, but will make this house function in a sensible fashion. Not only that, but the hustle and bustle of our daily lives become factors as well. And that's ok. Coming home feels all that much better when you are returning from a hectic schedule.  With each day we work, we are providing one more space of escape and peace in the home. Before long, the hustle and bustle will just serve as ways of making these homeowners even more grateful for the place they call home.

So here are a few things we are in the midst of, and anticipating.

I'm no Bob Villa, but this is my attempt at constructing what will soon be the organization station desk in the dining room. In a few weeks, we'll see if my "handywork" will hold up to the true test of human use. 

 I got this poster for the homeowner for her 30th birthday.  I also secretly (well I guess not-so-secretly now) really want to get it for my own house sometime. Because hey, if everybody knows the rules, I'm pretty sure this poster would bring order to my home.  If not, at least I could smile at it in the whining, frowning, and complaining moments....(not that they ever happen.)  Oh well, until I obtain one like it, I'm hoping this will bring some cheer to her home.  We haven't entirely decided on placement of the artwork pieces yet, but this one has a special place in the dining room for sure.

 When I was doing the initial walk through of the house, I saw this dresser hidden away in an upstairs room.  It is a fabulously fun piece, and I really wanted it to be seen.  SO? We have moved it into the dining room where it will serve as a buffet/kid art storage/pet dish storage/extra eating space for guest piece.  I just love it when pieces can be turned from a single use item into a piece with many many uses.  Can't wait to show you the end result of this one.

 Here are the drawers that belong to the dresser.  For the style of this home, I actually really like the worn nature of them.  What is this style you may ask? I'm calling it a cross germination of modern funk with rustic charm.  Sound like an oxymoron? Maybe, but it is turning out really cool, so we're rolling with it.

 If you examine extra close you'll see we are getting things cleared out and organized piece by piece. Once things are cleared out, we'll get to work on refinishing pieces and setting up organization stations.  And yes....the blue IS going...that portion of the project is just more work intensive, and is taking a while to accomplish. But as with all things, it will get done! But while we wait on handyman help for this project, we're working on the other items that we can do in the meantime.

 The original table top shown below will be painted solid (I'm withholding the color for now) . A fun rug will also be an upcoming DIY project to add interest to the room. I wish I could tell you all of the fun things planned,but goodness, I have to save something for future posts. Just know that I am officially excited.  Hope you are too.

As I was working today, my sweet Elliott came in with a plastic hammer and said "Hey Mom, I fix it, K?"  What a sweet little helper he is.  Also, he is turning 2 tomorrow! My how time flies when you are having fun.  Maybe that means the dining room progress will start to fly.....we'll see.

 One last view of the table before the look is totally transformed.  That, I believe, is a project very very near to being finished. And the floor below? Hopefully also sooner rather than later.

 I am reminded of the story of the tortoise and the hare. Slow and steady wins the race.  Shortcuts will only hurt us in the long term.  SO? Stay tuned, and when the time is right, you'll see the amazing transformation.  Also, final living room reveal pictures are VERY CLOSE.  A few pillows, accessories, and wall hanging projects and I'll bring the final before and after pictures.  In the meantime, take it slow and take it steady. No need to rush ahead.  Life is crazy enough already. Just enjoy the small victories, and before you know it, you'll be looking back on big successes.