Friday, January 21, 2011

Dining Room Updates

I've been spending some time in my dining area this week and I thought I would share some updates. I had a bit of wall space (above) that was bare and I've been meaning to fill it with something but didn't want to go out and buy a piece. So, I dug through my garage and found this old vanity. It was actually my first "steal" at one of my first auctions. I bought it when I was in high school for about $15. This past summer I stripped it and my mother-in-law helped me paint it before I distressed it. It fills the space without adding clutter and compliments the rest of the furniture in my dining area. It also adds some extra storage, which is always a bonus.

I kept the original hardware for now, until I find matching ones to my buffet (which are just small, square glass knobs). They don't look bad dark and actually add a bit of contrast.

I also threw an old rusted egg flat basket under the desk (since I don't want a chair at it) which fills the space underneath in nicely. I had bought it at a garage sale this summer for $5.

So, again, that was $15 for the vanity and the paint was left over from a previous project.

This mirror was a find at an auction this week which I picked up for $5! It's chipped and aged but it has nice patina and it matches the other ornate, large empty frames in my living room.

Above my buffet, I hung 3 simple ironstone plates that I had purchased about 3 years ago when White on White, one of my favourite local shops, had closed. It was fill a box for $25, if I remember, so they worked out to be a couple dollars a plate! It was a really simple way to fill out that wall, which has two small windows on either side.


And finally, my little pail of spring! I took and old white enamel bucket that I had, and used the fourth ironstone plate from the set above as a bottom (since I neither wanted water damage, nor rust damage on my vanity top). I filled it with paper whites that my dad brought me home from the greenhouse. They add such a vibrancy to the room and they will look so lovely when their pretty white blooms are open.


So, all in all, the entire mini-makeover cost me a total of about $35 and took me only an afternoon to arrange.

16 comments:

  1. That is a gorgeous makeover. The piece of furniture is awesome. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us.

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  2. Looks fresh and inviting and oh so spring like! I have the same wire basket,I use mine for paper towel rolls...never knew what it was for till now!!!

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  3. I think your photos are lovely and fresh!

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  4. So charming! I love when an easy project makes all the difference. I really like that it's simple and fresh....and that mirror is fabulous!
    I am really glad that I found your blog and have enjoyed all your beautiful posts - now I know why so many other gals love you so much! :)
    Sarah

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  5. Very pretty, Maria. The vanity is a lovely unique piece and I totally love white plates. The paperwhites are making me yearn for some spring blooms in all this snow and cold weather. I may have to see if I can find some.

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  6. Love this vanity & that hardware is so charming...im really fond of those pulls!!!
    xoxo

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  7. Wow it looks so great! That vanity has such character. I had a milk crate like that which I got at a junk sale for $4. I put it in our shop to sell, my aunt ended up buying it. I kinda wish I'd kept it, LOL!
    Have a happy weekend!
    ~michelle~

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  8. This is SO beautiful! I love everything you've done, and especially the beautiful new mirror. Your home and blog are gorgeous!
    Blessings,
    Courtney

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  9. Such a beautiful room and your "new" additions are amzaing. You have such a great style and I just love seeing your new arrangments.

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  10. Hey, another Maria! I'm a Maria too! I recently found your blog and it is so pretty! Love it. I featured on my Beautiful Blogs Friday this week because it truly deserves to be shared. :) Have a great weekend.

    Angie (my nickmane)
    Linen + Verbena

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  11. It looks great and what a steal! I found your blog through Faded Plains. I'm so enjoying browsing. You have a wonderful style.
    ~Heidi

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  12. ohhhhh... love the mirror :) fabulous find! it all looks so peaceful together - nice vignette :)

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  13. So fresh and pretty! You are a truly gifted decorator.
    Trish xo

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  14. Hi there, just found your lovely blog; love your dresser! And beautiful mirror!
    have a very lovely day, laura xx

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  15. Love how you disturbed it. I hope sometime you can share with us how you disturb your furniture. That would be cool.

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Thanks for leaving your comments! I always love reading them. - Maria