Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Let there be Light!

Happy Tuesday!  May I just say that we had temps in the low 60's and sunSHINE this weekend!  Yay!  Spring just might be right around the corner!

I've been playing around in the dining room ... recently added two lamps (that used to be in the great room) to my *new* buffet to give the room a bit more ambience.  I wanted something tall to balance out with the ginormous mirror and shelves (feel free to click on pics to enlarge): 


I like how the crisp white shades tie in with the shelves, as well.  What do you think?


Love the glass bases which offers a bit of an antique flair:


I cleaned up the once tarnished tea service (that I bought from a local antique store last Fall) with good ol' *stinky* Tarn-X!  My gosh, WHAT a ha-uge difference!


Back over to the table, I kept the burlap runner on there and added two silver candleholders that I also poured Tarn-X over.  Look how they shine, next to the pretty fleur-de-lis vase from Willow House (filled with simple greenery and white long-stemmed Spring flowers):



While I envision a gorgeous chandie, dripping with sparkling crystals that would  blind you, it will have to wait!  Soooo, in the meantime, to give the chandie a *vintage-y* feel, I kept the clear beaded garland and dripping Christmas ornaments on there.  (A simple, inexpensive and fun way to dress up your chandie without breaking the bank):


Over on one of the shelves, I placed a few simple pears on a stand I found at Home Goods.  It's always fun to add a pop of color against a light colored background:


And, to the chairs flanking the sideboard, I added new cream fabric to the cushions (which used to be sage green) and also added zebra pillows for a bit of whimsy.  I found them at good ol' Wally-World.  Adding animal print ANYthing is such a great way to add the unexpected to any decor style! 

Speaking of pillows, I added two cream, satin ones as a backdrop for my grain sack pillow that I placed on the bench by the window.  And, while I LOVE my grain sack pillow, does anyone else find that they have somewhat of an *odd* smell to them?  lol.


And, to *think* that this room once used to look like this:


Quite a change to this, isn't it?


Before I go, I have to give a loving shout out to my super talented and beautiful sister, Liz, who created my new blog header.  She's an amazing freelance graphic designer who's got serious *skeelz*!  Thanks, LizzieBoo!


And, thanks to you, friends, for stopping by. 

I'm off to blog hop at the linky parties going on at these wonderful blogs ... come on over and play:

Southern Savvy Style/B2B

Thrifty Decor Chick/Before and After Party

Dittle Dattle/Amaze Me Monday

Becca

52 comments:

  1. It is looking so good in your DR! Not sure how it is there, but on this end of SC it is freezing today, and yes beautiful over the weekend. Your blog header looks awesome too!

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  2. Love it!!! It looks so fresh and clean in the soft colors. I really like your chandlier I have that exact one and want to change it out but it's fairly new so I may have to copy your idea!!!

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  3. I think your DR looks fabulous!!I love your lamps. Your white dishes are gorgeous.

    Kathy

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  4. Great touches. All of them. I use animal print in small doses too. Also, love the idea using shelves with plates on either side of the sideboard. My dining room space is (by some standards) empty because I'm afraid of clutter. I don't even have a picture or mirror above my sideboard but with all the simple lines and simple colors you've used, it's just the right amount of bling, decoration and detail. Really unique and pretty.

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  5. Just so pretty your new blog design and photos of your dining room.Your dining room just sparkles and shines. Thanks for sharing your decor.

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  6. Becca, what a lovely room! The new lamps are perfect. Love the chandie all dressed up. What a good idea to dress it up with beaded garland. The little zebra pillow is way cute! I like little bits of animal print around my house too.
    Enjoy your warm weather, we are freezing! =o)

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  7. Becca, I like everything you have done. The lamps are perfect and I would leave the beads and crystals on the chandy, too. Yes, real grain sacks are a little smelly. Love the header.

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  8. Becca, everything looks so elegant and beautiful. You are making me want to go light and bright, but in all honesty, I don't think I could pull it off the way you have. Nope, not a chance!

    Your lamps are beautiful. I am in love with your mirror and your arrangement of plates on the wall..it looks so DRAMATIC!!

    Love your chairs and pillows. Sigh....I love it ALL!!

    Your sister is GORGEOUS just like you and I LOVE the new header.

    XOXO ~Liz

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  9. Your dining room is GORGEOUS!! I love everything. I love your light and bright look so pretty. Your new header is Gorgeous!! Have a great day!

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  10. Beautiful room girl..love all the whites with the wood and the lamps are gorgeous! Gosh girl...I kinda like my silver stuff all tarnished! lol I didn't know you was suppose to shine them up! lol Love that grain sack...just what kind of smell you talking about sweetie?!! Now if it smells like fresh fields of wheat and corn blowing in the wind..that is awesome...but if it smells like the lower end of the barn standing down wind..welllll you might better rethink that pillow!!!! lol Beautiful post girl...hope all is well with you and yours and that you have a fantastic week! Picket

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  11. What a gorgeous room. It is so elegant! Huge props to your sister too. Your header is amazing!

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  12. Lovely classy room - I love your table lamps :o)

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  13. Hey girlie! As I am typing there is sun streaming in the windows and it makes me want to get up and do a little dance....maybe I will...ok, I'm back! :-) I am loving how your dining room looks and those lamps are absolutely perfect on your gorgeous buffet that I covet. And your new header is fantastic but then, I should have known that your whole family would be talented just like you are!
    It was fun to see a new post pop up from you and if you get a chance, stop by the new blog my sis and I just started! We have some fun giveaways going on...even a TJ Maxx one! :-)
    Take care friend,
    Vanessa

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  14. Everything looks beautiful as always Becca. Never expect anything less of you. :)

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  15. Gorgeous!!!!! You seriously have the Midas touch in decorating! Your DR is just beautiful! It looks so clean, fresh and elegant! Your header looks great and your sister is a beauty... just like you!

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  16. Emelia and LC ... thank you both so much for stopping by! I appreciate your sweet note! I wanted to leave you both notes on your personal blog/email; however, you don't have one linked to your name. So, I hope you stop back by to know that I appreciate your visit. Take care, Becca

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  17. I love all the new touches to your dining room! The chandelier is just gorgeous and I love all of your silver. I have been using Weiman's and it's hard work! Do you always use Tarn X? I may have to switch.

    Enjoy your weather, we are in the middle of the Midwest blizzard of '11!

    XO,
    Jane

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  18. That's so pretty! I do love the buffet lamps. They are really are very pretty. Everything looks so good! You have such a gorgeous home!

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  19. I did a big change in my dining room almost 2 years ago and I still love it. I'm going to give you the link but you probably won't be able to click on it so just go to that post to see it. Our rooms look very similar!

    http://gracioussouthernliving.blogspot.com/2009/03/dining-room-revealed.html

    So I think if you check out my post of 3/17/09 you'll see what I mean.

    I've used the green faux pears in there and also some aqua and shells in the spring.

    Have a good week!
    Judy

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  20. It's right out of a magazine! Gorgeous. I can't pick out what I like best? It's all great! Thanks for sharing. 8>)

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  21. Your dining room is gorgeous. Love the buffet and the mirror and the lamps are just perfect. Your tea service is stunning. Don't you just love the sparkle of beautiful silver. The chandy looks good just as it is. Beautiful room. Hugs, Marty

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  22. Wow! I feel like I always start off with a *wow* when I visit your new posts but that is the word that pops in head every single time. It is a truly stunning makeover. I really love the addiion of the elegant lamps and the silver candles. Very nice Becca. You have talent!

    Your blog looks so pretty too. Hats off to your sister. :)

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  23. Your dining room turned out really gorgeous, Becca. Love it!...Christine

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  24. Oooh, those lamps are yummy! And I agree with Marty, the chandy may not be exactly what you're dreaming of, but it's really pretty! Your new dining room has such a great style, and it looks like it reflects your cheery personality!
    xo, Andrea

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  25. Becca, your dining room looks wonderful! So many details! I love the bling on your chandelier, too!

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  26. What a wonderful " Boring and After " post, love the cystal garland on you chandy also your diningroom chair covers!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog...still working on my hutch but it will be done tomorrow, can't wait!

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  27. You have made a great change! I love how crisp everything is! Beautiful!
    Lacy

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  28. what a great before and after! The before was nice, but that after is gorgeous. Well done! Now you're ready for a feast in there!

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  29. Hi Becca,
    Your DR is fabulous! I really love the covers you put on the chairs; very classic looking. My DR is in the same colors as your old DR, and I must say I really love the "lighter" look...hmmm....you've inspired me!!!

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  30. I love it! The mirror is gorgeous ~ every time I see it. :-) I think the silver adds to the elegance of the room and the lamps are perfect.

    Your sister is stunning! Obviously very talented too.

    We have ice & snow & wind that is totally miserable. 19' today and down to 10 tonight with a wind chill of -12. Very unusual for us! And...unfortunately, just in time for the Super Bowl festivities.

    Have a great week!
    Pat

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  31. Hi Becca,

    What a transformation in your dining room. It looks totally different and so nice. I love your lamps on your buffet, and I like your chandelier too. You have beautiful taste.

    Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

    Blessings
    Sue

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  32. Hey girl! I love the new blog header. Your right, your sister does have AMAZING talent. Your dining room is fantastic with it's new lighter colors.

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  33. HELLO BECCA~LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL DINNING ROOM TRANSFORMATION!! LIGHT BRIGHT AND SO CHIC :)

    XO~MARI

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  34. It is a very beautiful room. You did a great job!!

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  35. I love the look of the new lamps in the dining room! So pretty!

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  36. LOVE your dining room! We're having a link party! Come on by!

    http://breadandbutter143.blogspot.com/2011/02/we-want-your-links.html

    Nikki

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  37. Hi Becca! Always enjoy exploring your blog. Would love for you to stop by to accept the Stylish Blogger Award because you have such a 'stylish' blog. Come grab the award and have some fun!

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  38. Hey girl! I sent you an email. I hope it didn't go in the spam folder again. he he

    Have a great weekend!

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  39. Love your blog! We've awarded you the stylish blogger award! Come check it out!

    http://breadandbutter143.blogspot.com/

    Thanks!
    Nikki

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  40. Hey I had some glitches in my blog and I had to recreate a new one will you please come follow me there its noplacelikehomeally.blogspot.com thank you!

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  41. Hey Love! Im SOOO glad to be back! It is LITERALLY JAWDROPPING, the before and after of your dining room! It went from Grandma Traditional to Hip & Da BOMB! LOVE the Chandie...you know I do! AND...Im SO EXCITED to be working on this Design Idol thing with 3 of my FAVORITE Girlfriends!!!

    Love you! xoxokara

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  42. Hi Becca, The lamps look beautiful in your dining room! I just love what you did in there...Kristen

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  43. Very pretty! I love the chandelier and everything else you've done!
    Blessings,
    Sandra

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  44. Love the new header Becca! And yes, what a difference in your Dining Room. It looks gorgeous - I love all the changes!
    xoxo,
    Kim

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  45. Hey Becca....I am asking some of my most favorite and talented blogger friends to give me some help and ideas for my living room. Og course you were at the top of my list. When you ahve a minute come on over and visit me. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
    http://cricketscafe.blogspot.com/

    Hugs,
    Cricket

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  46. Oh, Becca, your dining room is so gorgeous. You have such a wonderful talent for putting all the right things together. The lamps & the white shelves filled with the white stoneware are both perfect additions. I don't have any grainsack pillows, so have no advice regarding the smell. I know that burlap usually has an odor that lessens as it's exposed to the air.
    CAS

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  47. Thank you, Becca. I changed the status. I tried to send you an email but I couldn't get through to you.
    have a happy day~

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  48. STILL LOOOOOOVE this! Girlfriend,
    where you be???

    worried about you!

    xoxokara

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  49. I adore everything about this room....Light, bright, beautiful and very elegant!!!

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  50. this room looks downright REGAL.

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  51. As a silver restoration, conservation, and preservationst, I can say with certainty that Tarn-X will absolutely ruin your silver. Read all about its destructive qualities here: http://www.hermansilver.com/tarn-x.htm.

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I appreciate your comments!