Dining Room Reveal {Renovation post 1}

In full transparency, my house is NOT always staged and I have learned a few tricks over the years when it comes to "strategically" framing things out of a picture... That being said, I am happy to finally share some of the progress from our home renovation.  I love to document and take pictures so here we go!  

When we first looked at our new house, there were charming details that I simply fell in love with.  It was certainly unchanged from 1967 with dark paneling and closed off rooms, but the dental crown molding and vintage light fixtures helped me see past that.  I'm so thankful that I had a vision for what this little house could be, because I absolutely love it!  I really wanted to restore this little ranch house and not strip it of all it's charm and character, but I also wanted to update the spaces and brighten it up a bit.  The dining room is completely transformed now and ready for Christmas brunch!

Here is where we began.  The kitchen was closed off to the dining room and the chandelier was not centered with the window.  My first project was to create a cased opening from the kitchen looking into the dining room which would allow more natural light to flood through the house and would create a more open concept space.

Y'all, this was a game changer.  The house immediately felt more open and as I redesigned my kitchen, I loved how connected these spaces felt.  The light fixtures in this house totally speak my love language.  Brass is on it's way back in and I'm riding that wave! 

Next, I was on to the wallpaper.  This wallpaper is fabric.  I thought about taking it down or shiplapping over it, but in the end I decided to paint it.  Turns out, it may be my favorite wall in the house.  The design is beautiful and I feel like I was able to bring that out with a little bit of paint!  

The entry way has the same accent wall and another vintage light fixture. Swoon.  Can you believe I almost covered this up?  

We worked so hard right up until our move in date, so we have been taking a break from all things reno but I am itching to finish our projects!  We finally hung curtains yesterday and I have restored my great grandmother's dining room table from 1964.  It fits the house so perfectly!  I have never restored a veneer piece and it was NOT easy.  Hence the tablescape...  I mean, if you put enough pretty things on a table, you will certainly not see all the flaws right?!  

We are going to have family over for Christmas brunch and I can't wait to enjoy our first meal at this table.  Four months ago, I stood in a very dark kitchen and imagined an open wall where I could entertain friends and host parties. Now, as I stand at my kitchen near our new island, I am in love with the view!

(A shot from our sitting room)

Merry Christmas!