(After photo)
It all started with this coffee table book I bought (on clearance) with this beautiful bird on the front.
"Natural Histories Extraordinary Birds" by Paul Sweet includes 45 ready-to-frame bird prints! I am a bit obsessed with birds in decorating. I decided I wanted a wall of birds in my dining room.
Then, I grew to loathe my dining room curtains. They are the only window treatments in my home that I did not sew myself, and I disliked them from the day they were hung. 1) For starters, they were too short so I had to hang them right on the window frame. 2) The air vents are right below them so they blew up like tubes when the air came on. 3) The sun faded the trim from blue to white. This was the last straw. I lived with them for 6 years, and it was time for a change.
To make matters worse, the sun had faded my rug as well. Instead of a back background, it had turned to strange shade of purple.
I used to have my wedding portrait on this wall with some pretty plates around it. The portrait has moved to an upstairs hallway (where there are pictures of other people) and we hung the plates above the buffet.
If you need to have 12 prints framed and matted, it could cost a fortune. Enter Hobby Lobby and their 50% off frames. I bought 12 frames at $15 each (50% off of $29.99). I purchased 12 ready-made mats for $3.99 each.
God bless my husband and his laser level...
I love the finished product! Next, I sewed new panels and we hung them right up to the ceiling. Much better!
Clearly, a new rug was in order. I found this 8x10 sea grass rug on Overstock.com.
And that is my new and improved dining room! I am thrilled with the results. But I do think the table or chairs might look good in a distressed white... and the chairs could use some new fabric... but that's a project for another day.
