casual dining rooms

Although most of the rooms below are probably technically considered 'breakfast' rooms or even just extensions of their kitchens, I'm looking at them today as inspiration for our dining room.  It's a fairly small room (like the rest of our house!), and a cozier, 'breakfast nook'-ish feel is where we're headed.  There will likely be some traditional dining room elements - like a statement light fixture - but overall it's going to lean more casual. 

source unknown

Would love to add some built-ins, specially a deep bench with drawers and some kind of bookcase/cabinet combo. And of course, I LOVE the otomi tablecloth.  I have two small pieces of otomi fabric from our trip to Mexico earlier this year - can't wait to frame them!!

Kathryn Ireland

 There's a lot going on in the above kitchen (tiles, colorful bowls) which won't likely be found in our dining room, but I love, love all the textures going on here.

Norman Park, via Absolutely Beautiful Things

Love the deep bench above! This is definitely on the 'eventually' list. Gallery wall here is fun, crisp and fresh. The architectural elements going on in that doorway certainly don't hurt!!

Pilar Guzman's home, via Martha Stewart Living

That banquette - ahhhhh!!!  Pretty sure it's not in our budget, but I do love it. Such a cozy spot for lingering, before or after dinner, or anytime! Especially with that fireplace I think I see on the left. This room kind of amazes me - quite the genius layout.  It's not big, but they've made such great use of the space!! 

Stay tuned for more on our dining room progress.  We have some fabulous chairs scored a few months ago on Craigslist which are waiting patiently for paint and fabric.  Fun, simple project....as soon as I decide on color and fabric choice! 

gallery walls

(to those of you visiting from my old blog - thanks for stopping by! i plan to post much more regularly here, so please visit again very soon :))

And to everyone -- welcome!!  I am thrilled that you're here. It's my goal to inspire you to embrace the home you have and make it yours. This may be as simple as grabbing a $4 bunch of flowers at the grocery store or corralling the bottles and jars in your bathroom onto a vintage tray from the thrift store, but I believe even small, simple steps make a huge difference in our homes, and enrich our lives in the process. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

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Thinking about gallery walls today.  Specifically, creating one above/around our TV.  We have a decent collection of artwork but much of it still needs to be framed! I've been searching local thrift stores for bargain framing options but I think it's time to expand my search.  Ikea has some good options, especially for simple, thin frames which I think will give just enough of a modern edge to our eclectic mix of art. Any other suggestions for super-bargain frames?  (even ikea adds up when buying multiples!!)

Some inspiration...

Schuyler Samperton - so good! This shot is quite old at this point (I think it's from Domino), but still feels just as fresh as the first time I saw it!  I have gone back to this photo again and again for inspiration.

Emily Henderson

Jenny Komenda. Recent photo shoot of her loft just before she moved out. I lean a little more boho but never cease to be amazed by her classic and genius style.  Again the thin frames are really working here. Note that the bottom three seems to just be leaning against the wall, but gives an interesting impression of floor-to-ceiling art!

Minnie Mortimer's Malibu home...love the casual and collected feel of this mix.  Another group of 

leaning frames - I like it!

Angie Hranowsky. Really like this gallery mix. Lots of white keeps it clean.

What do you think? And please do share any thrifty frame sources!