the dining "area"

I never know what to call this space.  It isn't the dining "room" because it isn't it's own room, but an extension of the kitchen.  So, dining "area" it is.  This was the big project this weekend.  I finally got my bench.  It's an outdoor love seat, purchased from here.  It wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but I figured that it would be a useful piece of furniture whether we kept it with the dining table or not.  I do think about these things when we buy furniture.  I'm not a willy-nilly furniture buyer. 

So, the cushions that came with the bench didn't go with my new theme, so I made removable covers for them out of white twill.  A little crazy?  Maybe.  I finished all the interior seams so that they would withstand LOTS of washings.  I love it.  Please excuse the throw pillows, those will be recovered once I get the table top quilt made.  I'm very happy to report that since adding the loveseat, we've eaten at the table twice!  The kids love it.  This space is so much cozier now.

I also painted the two keeper chairs brown.  As I was painting them I thought that the color was totally yucky, but once I got them in the space I was happy.  I *heart* spray paint!  Now I need to find one more similar chair.  I'll probably make some sort of little white seat cover or something.

The plates got hung.  This turned out way better than I thought it would.  There is a mix of vintage and new plates up there.  I love it!

Last but not least, this old girl is getting a new dress.  I love this chair.  I've talked about it before, my $1 Salvation Army purchase.  I've reupholstered her and made slipcovers many times, so this should be a snap.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the wooden parts, maybe just an antiquing with dark brown?  I don't know, but I'm sure she'll look great!  Yep, this space is coming along nicely.  I think I'm even ready to start that table top quilt...

Comments

[Bridgette]

I just love hanging plates on a wall! At first it drove my husband crazy, he's a very "live inside the box" type of guy. Plates are so beautiful and affordable to use as art. Keep up the good work, I look forward to checking in again.

[Sarah Jackson]

It's all really coming together Beki! Looks great.

[stephanie]

Love the mix of plates! I have a little collection of vintage plates that I can't wait to display. I just can't decide on a paint color yet for the room!

[Christy/ MommaOnTheMountain]

Lookin' so good!

[Becky]

Things are really looking great in there. White slipcovers are a true fix for any furniture. Isn't it so fun to have a "new" space? Enjoy!

[Hannah]

Everything looks wonderful!! I have never been able to sew slipcovers, yours look amazing! I love the "dining area" space! Very inspiring. You have a spiral staircase? I just love it!! Thanks for sharing, looks like you have been busy!

[kat]

Looks so great!
I love the way your plates came out.
Nicely done :)

[ismoyo]

Looks like a very lovely area to have dinner in! Love those plates high on the wall!

[liz elayne]

it is looking great! love the colors! and the bench is a fantastic idea.

[chelsea]

I love your little dinette area. I don't want to use the term breakfast nook, because I don't like that phrase, but it's definitely cozy and comfortable looking.

I love how your chairs turned out! Did you use many light coats of spray paint to avoid drips? What kind of spray paint did you use? Is it a hard enamel-y kind? I have 5 chairs I need to do this to...

[Tine]

I can see why you need to unwind! You have been very busy!!
It looks great! The plates are wonderful....

[Sara]

The plates against the green wall is such a great idea. Love that color of green.

[miss chris]

:) It's looking great, beki! I really dig the mix of chairs in your dining area... it's making me completely rethink ours...

[Lisa Clarke]

I love it! You do "mismatched" so well. I mean that as a complement - I always have preferred for things to be a "set" to go together, but your space is proving that diverse items can be made to come together in a cohesive and unified way. Very nice!

[jessi]

How do you manage to get so much done! I'm always amazed! All of it looks fabulous!

[Sarah]

What a productive weekend! The loveseat looks great. With all that chair recovering, do you have any tips? I'm about to tackle this on a loveseat...

[katie]

look at you getting so much done! your list is getting smaller! it all looks great!

[Peacock Chick]

oh wow, I love the loveseat idea and the plates look fabulous.

[greta adams]

beautiful girl...call it the dining "nook"

[capello]

wanna come over and do mine next? please? pretty please? with a cherry on top?

[erin]

you rock the sewing machine, lady. i'm scared of slip covers.

[lera]

Lookin' good, Beki.

(I used the term "willy nilly" in my post today! How silly willie. sorry.)

[Mellissa - wondermommy]

Pretty area! Love the plates!

[Brigitta]

I so love the things you do, weather it's sewing, upholstering or painting, I just love it!

[Kelli]

okay -- I need to do something with the couch in my living room and rather than buy a new one (which I was going to do until just this second) you've inspired me to sew some new cushion covers.
Any suggestions on how to get started?

[Brea]

Love the entire thing -- I'm a sucker for plates on the wall! :)

[Cindy]

These projects turned out so beautiful! I wish I had one tenth of your talent! Thank you for being there at my birthday lunch. I enjoyed your 'leak' story!

[daisy janie]

Looks very cozy and happy! Nice work.

[claudia]

oooh!
i love the plates!
i'm really liking your home, it looks so cozy and welcoming. you're doing a great job :)

[Carolyn]

Love the green wall color. Do you remember the name/brand?

[Jona]

It really looks beautiful and soothing. I may have to steal that green paint color. It's gorgeous.

[julie]

Oh, it looks wonderful! I love your bench and the white covers!

[Jenny]

You've totally inspired me to hang my favorite vintage fiesta plates in my kitchen.... I love all of your little touches!

[Suzie Sews]

How do you do it? As for those plates...just beautiful

[Jess]

that bench looks great in there! I really like the color too, it reminds me of fresh avocado - I'm moving from California, so I guess that's on my brain!

[Tonya Richard]

Your kitchen is really coming along nicely : )

[Jade]

Wow Beki! I love that bench, the entire area looks great!!!

I need to learn how to make a slipcover!

[Holly at magnoliasandsunshine.blogspot.com]

OK Ms. Smartypants! When you're done up there, you just haul your happy a... "rear" down here and help me with mine! LOL That looks great! I love the idea of using the bench at the table. Looks like you and your new machine are quite happy together!

[Paula]

I love your new look! And those chairs are so cool! (don't forget to put the felt on the bottoms of the legs if you're using them on your new hardwood floors!)

[amandajean]

the plates look so good against that green wall!

[Shannon]

Everything is coming along so awesome:) I cant wait to see more.

[amy]

i love this area. so cozy and inviting!

[kristen]

I don't know you...but I LOVE to read your blog. You are SO fun!!! The Handbags you make are TO DIE FOR! I'll keep sneakin'-a-peek if it's okay w/ you.