Sunday, April 19, 2009

Spring Redecor

A little Spring

in my kitchen. A yellow potted plant from my son's girlfriend brings in the sunshine. Finally, I can see out my kitchen window, unlike a couple of weeks ago, here.

I took the plunge and started redecorating the formal dining room. Because of the dark raspberry, painting primer is the first step.

What is the final paint plan, you ask? I wasn't sure when I started painting.
Here's the scoop-
I want the dining room to coordinate with the sitting room below.
I do not "shop" for inspiration in a store.
I happen upon inspiration. I stumble into inspiration at flea markets, auctions, or (my favorite) gifts, (like the silver tea set in the picture above).
I'd like the dining room to coordinate with this picture that I found at an auction a few years ago.
I'd also like to bring in textures and shades of shells I found in the Caribbean.

Along with the shells and silver, I have added the soft blue from the sitting room. I also decided upon a taupe color. Which walls, what color? Fabric? Recovering chairs? Drapes? Any ideas ladies? Those decisions will come later. For now....
back to painting primer.
Blessings, Ele
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27 comments:

  1. Pink Feather ParadiseApril 20, 2009 at 1:52 AM

    I love your colour selections, i love the colours of the sea, and natural stones... the painting is lovely, I am not sure about fabrics etc but I am sure you will have a wonderful time experimenting.

    X Alex

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  2. ShaamApril 20, 2009 at 2:53 AM

    I love your style and oh my I love that silver tea set! I aspire to own one like it someday, when I can afford it LOL. I like your philosophy on decorating :)

    All the best,
    Allison

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  3. LoriApril 20, 2009 at 5:17 AM

    Ele, the color palette you are working with looks very pretty...i can't wait to see the finished room!!!

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  4. vivianApril 20, 2009 at 6:21 AM

    its always so much fun to redecorate. love the soft colors that youre using. cant wait to see when you finish!
    have a sweet week!
    vivian

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  5. Cherub Kisses BoutiqueApril 20, 2009 at 6:44 AM

    Ohhh what a thoughtful girlfriend your son has.... lucky man & lucky you too!
    :D
    Can't wait to see the end results of your labor, of course we all know it will be fabulous whatever you decide
    :D
    Have a wonderful week Ele!!

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  6. Maison DouceApril 20, 2009 at 9:47 AM

    I'm really liking where you are going, it feels very serene!! Keep us posted on your progress!!
    Isabel

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  7. SoniaApril 20, 2009 at 10:22 AM

    I love the painting you are using for the palette. Great choice of colors. I cannot wait to see your dining room when its finished. Your living room looks gorgeous.
    Sonia

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  8. UnknownApril 20, 2009 at 10:44 AM

    Ele...I just know that whatever color you decide on it will be so ELEgant!!!!! (Oh My, I made a pun hehehe)!!! I do love the color of your sitting room...can't wait to see what you come up with..it will be so purty!!!!

    Love ya...Lorena

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  9. vickieApril 20, 2009 at 12:09 PM

    It's going to be beautiful when you are done, Ele. You have a great eye for color. The tea/coffee set is beautiful! I love the two chairs in each corner of your breakfat area. I'm sure you are glad the snow is melting!

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  10. FlossApril 20, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    That is going to look wonderful. Thanks for your photos.

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  11. Amanda@Imperfectly BeautifulApril 20, 2009 at 2:09 PM

    Can't wait to see the finished dining room. I'm sure it will be gorgeous like your other rooms!

    ~Amanda

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  12. SecondhandroseApril 20, 2009 at 2:31 PM

    Ele, those are the colors I am falling in love with too! What color and brand of paint are your sitting room walls?

    karen

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  13. Cindy (JunqueArt)April 20, 2009 at 3:20 PM

    I love the colors in your sitting room and I know your dining room will look wonderful. That painting is gorgeous! Can't wait to see your room finished.

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  14. JenniferApril 20, 2009 at 3:54 PM

    Ele I love that picture your found at the sale.Its great.The paint colors are very pretty!Can't wait to see what one you go with.I love your tea set and that carafe its so pretty.I want one like it so much,I found one at a store locally but it is high in price.That was so sweet of your sond GF to bring you flowers.I bet you are thrilled the snow has melted soon you will be able to plant your sunflowers right?Hugs,Jen

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  15. BertieApril 20, 2009 at 4:51 PM

    Finally your snow has melted. Your son has a very sweet girlfriend. Those flowers are perfect for bringing spring into your lovely home. I love your sitting room color, but will you paint the dining room the same?

    You have such great taste, it will be perfect, I'm sure.

    Happy Spring!!

    Bertie
    Aunt May's Cottage

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  16. Sweet Cottage DreamsApril 20, 2009 at 5:24 PM

    I LOVE the colors of your sitting room. The bottom color on your paint swatch looks like the color I used in our bedroom - pretty close. It goes with everything.

    Have fun! Looks like a lot of work but the end result will be lovely!!

    xo
    Becky

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  17. Jean TuthillApril 20, 2009 at 7:56 PM

    Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will love it! You are right, sometimes it just takes getting into it to get the project moving. You've got a good start. Can't wait to see what you do with it. I love the painting, it's beautiful.

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  18. BettyApril 21, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    From the other comments, I can tell everyone is as impressed with your decisions as I. Lovely soft colors; very peaceful already. Have to tell you, your chairs are gorgeous. When I saw your first picture with the flowers (such a sweet thing for her to do), I thought your chair in the background was a big Snoopy in his goggles..haha. I couldn't imagine why you had him in the room; then, I saw your chairs and fell in love with them...just beautiful. Looks can be deceiving...at least, the first look deceived me...teehee.

    Good luck with your final decisions on decorating!

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  19. sepiadreamsApril 21, 2009 at 5:26 PM

    Hi Caleen, when I paint my furniture I never use any primer UNLESS it has a shiny surface. If the surface is shiny I will sand it first and if I think it is still too slick I will prime it. Priming is one step I just do not want to do. As for my paint (creams or whites) I always use SATIN because it is the only paint that gives a nice slick texture and makes it very easy to stain. If you try to use any stain with matte paint it ususally ends up being a disaster. You want to be able to have work time to rag off the stain. I paint my pieces with 2coats of any satin paint you choose (I like Behr paint) when that is dry, I sand around the edges with an electric mouse sander, then I paint on Minwax Gel Stain and rag it off with clean paper shop rags. Wear latex or plastic gloves when staining. That's it!!! It is easy when you practice and do it as much as I do. Hope this helps you-BTW your color choices are great, I love the light blues...Love Tiina...

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  20. ConnieApril 21, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    Ele, I'm trying my best to catch up! Your flowers are gorgeous, honey......
    xoxo,
    Connie

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  21. CaleenApril 22, 2009 at 12:59 PM

    Hi.. Thank you for letting me know about the painting.. I don't know how she was linked to your blog.. Sorry!! I had asked a question about her painting and stain.. I could have asked you!! You are a busy gal too.. I do love your colors and you are smart to prime first.. I love what you put together as a pallete.. It will be wonderful.. Thank you.. Your a dear!

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  22. UnknownApril 23, 2009 at 8:02 AM

    It is going to be gorgeous Ele!! I love those colors! I have really been drawn to aqua, white and blue lately! That painting is gorgeous!!
    Love ya,
    Amy

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  23. Stephanie ~ Angelic AccentsApril 25, 2009 at 12:57 AM

    Hi Ele! Can't wait to see what all you come up with for your room re-do! You always have such exquisite taste! And that beautiful white coffee table with the gorgeous silver tea set on it really has me swooning!!

    Love you,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  24. Reflections from the Stone NestApril 26, 2009 at 7:02 PM

    Love the colors, Ele. Some of my rooms can do a re-do, as well! I do think the blues and shells are a nice inspiration.

    Happy decorating!
    Kitty

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  25. FRENCH LAUNDRYApril 27, 2009 at 11:06 PM

    I love the colors and the stuff. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Happy decorating!

    Judy

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  26. Mrs. Cherry HeartApril 29, 2009 at 10:35 AM

    Wow Ele that is going to be quite a change!
    I can't wait to see it all done!

    Hugz & Blessings,
    Dolly

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  27. American HomemakerMay 1, 2009 at 8:27 AM

    I love painting projects. How fun. You have some really gorgeous things!

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