Blogging Without Borders {Ugly Duckling Dining Room}

 

It’s here!  Time to reveal my project for our Blogging Without Borders project!

The idea behind this project was to encourage us decor DIYers to break out of our comfort zones when transforming a space in our homes.  We can all paint a room, right?  But what about those project ideas you pin but in the back of your mind you’re thinking it’s probably too complicated or over my head?  I know you have those thoughts.  Or maybe I’m the only one!

I’ve been looking forward to this project because it will truly be a start-to-finish endeavor (keep me accountable here, people!) and at the end I will have an entire room completed.  Those of you that have been following along with my Mom Cave and my kitchen or front porch know that I like to use the word “progress” but the word “finished” is MIA. 🙂

So without further ado,  here is my Blogging Without Borders Project:  my ugly duckling dining room!

dining room before

 

This space has become a dumping ground for my craft projects while we dealt with a rodent problem in our basement (my usual crafting area) in recent months.  My family antiques are lost in the clutter and dark paint color (how 90’s, right?).  And, of course, there’s no way to enjoy a meal in here.  So here’s the plan to breathe new life into this space.

  • Repaint walls in Behr’s Silver Sateen, the same color as my Mom Cave, and touch up the trim.
  • Create an overhead lighting solution.  This is a big one!!  Did you notice there’s no light fixture in here?  This space used to be a “formal” living area, but when I confiscated my brightly lit dining room off the kitchen for my Mom Cave, this space became our dining room.  I’m going to have to get super-creative here, as I have no intention of paying an electrician for this solution.
  • Create window treatments.  Now, y’all know that I’m a no-sew girl, right?  But I may have to break down on this one and teach myself to sew.  This is another big one!!  Those old blinds need to go as they only darken the space, so look for something that will let in as much light as possible and really finish the space.
  • Refinish or paint my aunt’s secretary.  I’ve wanted to address this piece for YEARS so this is the perfect time to do it since it’s part of this space.  Another big one!!
  • Revamp artwork/wall decor.  I have lots of ideas for this one!

 

dining room secretary

 

dining room wall

 

dining room windows

Ok, so I have my work cut out for me, no?  I’ll be checking in every other Monday to update you on my progress (I know, that word again!) with a final reveal coming your way on August 27th.  I’m totally pumped to get going!  Care to join us on your own break-out projects?

These sweet and talented ladies are joining me with their own projects, so check out what they’ve got cooking, too:

Amy @ Buffalo Roam, Dana @ Crafted Niche, Jaime @ Crafty Scrappy Happy, Heidi @ Décor & More, Tisha @ Delectable Home, Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage, Kirby @ Kirb Appeal, Holly @ Life as a Thrifter, Cassie @ Primitive & Proper, Debbie @ ReFresh ReStyle, Jessica @ Stay At Home-ista, Karah @ the space between, Laura @ Top This Top That and Kelly @ View Along the Way.

 

What’s on your To-Do List?

Comments

  1. Now that’s a job – you go girl! She’s no ugly duckling but I know you’ll make this room into a swan!

    For your chandelier – I picture Karah’s beer bottle chandelier! That will add the sophistication you’re seeking!

    Kelly

  2. looking forward to seeing it become a swan!

  3. Can’t wait to see what you do1 I’m debating window treatments for the “picture window.” Eventually, and if the budget permits, we’ll put a small back porch addition off of our living room and we’ll change the picture windo to French doors–but that’s about ten years down the road!

  4. Oh girl, my project is nothing compared to yours :). I can’t wait to see your room transfer!
    Best of luck to you,
    Debbie

  5. Can’t wait to see the final product!

  6. Whatever you do I think I’m gonna like it – it’s a great space to work with.

    ~Bliss~

  7. It’s going to be great – can’t wait to follow along!

  8. You know soon, we’ll be oohhing and aahhing and you’ll never remember how it looked =) It will seem like a distant memory! It’s a super space to work with and you have some amazing pieces. I am worlds of envious over that buffet….

  9. I know you’re going to turn your dining room into such an awesome space! It has so much potential 🙂

  10. Lots of potential here, Heidi! I’m sure you will come up with some fun solutions – can’t wait to watch the “progress.”

  11. Can’t wait for your ugly duckling to turn into a swan! 🙂

  12. I do not think I would call it “ugly duckling” now…as it is very nice…however, I know that you will morph it into a thing of great beauty…I love this concept that you all came up with…Look forward to all of yall’s projects and inspirations!!

  13. I think you are being awfully hard on yourself calling this the “ugly duckling room”. We are our own worst critics though, aren’t we?

    Can’t wait to see your progress!

    Hope you have a fantastic week!
    Hugs!
    xo-Lisa

  14. I’m here for you … cheering you on! Can’t wait to see the reveal …

    🙂

    Linda

  15. This is going to be GREAT!!!

  16. I also look forward to seeing what you do. I’m already thinking…”what paint color will she choose?” I love family antiques. Looks like you have some good ones. Good luck!

    Shasta @InTheOldRoad

  17. Heidi,

    I can’t wait to see it! I love following along…..this is such a fun party!

    Have a great Fourth!

    blessings,
    karianne

  18. Yayyy I love your vision and plans Heidi!!! I can’t wait to see what you do and I LOVE feeling like we are doing it together!!!!! I just wish we could really help each other….and hang out and talk about our battles with our projects!!!
    :o)
    Jaime

  19. WOW, you do have your work cut out for you! But what a fun project … I bet you are going to make it absolutely awesome. 🙂

Trackbacks

  1. […] like a deadline and out-of-town company coming to get your rear in gear on a big project, […]

  2. […] about some of my grandmother’s treasured pieces that now belong to me, like my foyer rug, my dining room buffet, the little slipper chair in my Mom Cave.  I’m also fortunate to have a few watercolor […]

  3. […] those wooden spoon display racks?  Those will be incorporated into the wall art phase of my Ugly Duckling Dining Room makeover.  That sweet little Japanese butterfly print framed in bamboo?  Couldn’t resist.  […]

  4. […] Without Borders project?  If you’re new around here, you might want to check out my project here and the progress here.  It’s fun to see it coming […]

  5. […] artwork is something I’ve had on my radar for my Ugly Duckling Dining room. Because this room doesn’t get a whole lot of daylight, a mirror was top of the list.  And I […]

  6. […] more on the Ugly Duckling dining room transformation, click HERE, HERE, and […]

  7. […] and trying desperately to finish my Ugly Duckling dining room to share with y’all on Monday!  Did you catch a glimpse of what I was working on yesterday […]

  8. […] forward to my Blogging Without Borders challenge last summer.  When I began to plan out the projects for my Ugly Duckling dining room, drapes were […]

  9. […] forward to my Blogging Without Borders challenge last summer. When I began to plan out the projects for my Ugly Duckling dining room, drapes were at […]

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