Back to the Dining Room

Now that our beautiful shutter is in place I am trying to focus my attention back into the dining room. I think I have some kind of issue that does not allow me to concentrate on one area very long, or long enough to complete it. So, I'm back with a focus on the dining room and the next step is a roman shade to go between the existing Silhouette shade and the drapery, see below.

I'd like to bring some red into the shade and I have found some fabric at Pierre Deux that I really like. However, I have not been able to convince myself that I should pay their exorbitant prices for the fabric. I started a fabric quest and have not been able to find anything I like as well or better. That's the problem when you start at a high price point.

So, today I did a little searching about how to obtain designer pricing without becoming a designer (I have already procrastinated a long time and a few more years just to get the discount seems hardly work it!). And to my surprise there is really nothing out there. I have an old book that was published in 1995ish about how to buy furniture and accessories at designer prices called, The Insider's Guide to Buying Home Furnishings, but the material is a little dated at this point and, to my knowledge, has not been updated. I see, though, that the same author has a newer book out, Furniture Factory Outlet Guide 2006 (Furniture Factory Outlet Guide), so maybe I will order that book and find out if it is equivalent (Do you see another post coming soon?).

I'll keep you posted on my decision but, for now, I am thinking on it.

Shutter Complete!

So, last weekend we had out beautiful shutter installed and it is really lovely. This shutter changes the entire look and feel of the space. Here are before and after photos so you can see:

This is the before photo

These are the after photos, first with shutter open, then closed

The installation of this shutter has made a much larger impact that I had anticipated and has gotten me primed to get the remainder of my dining room and living room complete. Next is the fireplace mantel, valances for the windows that flank the fireplace, new base boards, then I am ready for furniture (you can see that we use the space for furniture storage at the moment) to complete the look. Maybe within a year or so the living room and attached dining room will finally be complete.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

I found this light fixture and thought it to look pretty cool. If would not work in my dining room because I have the wrong decor going on for it but picture it with a modern table and chairs, something very sleek. I think it would really look great. And lit I bet the throw from all the crystals make a great show.

European Dining Flair

As you probably noted from my dining room in process shot and my previous entries, I love this European style. I like the casual elegance noted in this dining room but I'm not sure that the draperies are a fit for me. I think I'd like to see something a little more provincial, some color. Without that it seems a little boring. All that aside, if you are looking for reasonably priced furniture and accessories you might try Ballard Designs. Each time I receive their catalog or an email from them I have to check out their new offerings. I get so many ideas from them that I cannot possibly implement them all. Have fun!