Yesterday I told you I was a wee bit remorseful about selling my traditional dining room set before moving to this house.
While I have nothing against this style of furniture – in fact, I think it’s classic and will never go out of style – a formal dining room just didn’t fit into our lifestyle anymore. Since we know we will eventually combine our dining room and kitchen into one space, we envision a humungous rustic farm table that is casual enough for daily meals and can also get all fancied up with linens, china and crystal when we entertain.
So rather than move it all, we sold the traditional table, chairs and china cabinet, and figured somewhere down the road when the money tree started producing, we’d buy our big dreamy table. Then a few weeks ago we decided to move our kitchen table into our empty dining room….
and discovered that it looks a tad miniscule in this room. How perfect would my old table, that has two leaves and could seat twelve, have been for this dining room?? I immediately thought of this table and chair makeover by Carmel of Our Fifth House.
While I have painted just about everything else over the years, I never in a million, trillion, gazillion years would have thought to sand, prime and paint that formal table. The thought just never occurred to me.
Look at Carmel’s table when she was starting the makeover:
And now, in her kitchen dining space!
A table and chairs that are pretty, spacious, comfortable, and casual enough for a family with kids.
Um, yeah, I’m a moron.
Okay so I’m not the kind of person who spends much time dwelling in
coulda, woulda, shoulda –
but I think this is a good lesson in thinking outside the box. Look around your house and rethink with what you already have. Imagine items that you’re not loving anymore with a makeover – a new color, a new fabric, a new spot perhaps. What’s holding you back from making your house reflect who you are?
Life is short, peeps. Love the space you’re in.
Thanks Carmel for letting me share the fabulous transformation of your table and chairs!!
Happy Leap Day, lovelies!
Jenny says
Thanks for sharing Lisa! I'm with you, I don't think I would have imagined how fantastic a traditional table could look all painted out! And, I think my parents would probably have me committed for painting a traditional table like that (they have one just like it that they've had for YEARS).
I love the farmhouse table look though, and can totally envision one in your bright and beautiful space!
Noelle says
Isn't it funny how we really have everything we need to have what we want?!? All in perspective! I am diligently trying to see my space with different eyes to get it to the vision is my head…..on a really tight budget!!!I do want to love the space I have, right now, today, not in some fairy tale future!
www.thisoldhouseinnewliberty.blogspot.com says
I only I had all the things over the years that I didn't think I needed! (although I would of needed a barn to store it all in!)…..
Nancy
Something Nice and Pretty says
Thanks for the reminder, her table and chairs are gorgeous!
Dana Frieling@ Make Them Wonder says
Been there, done that friend. You're not alone!
Angeline says
Maybe getting rid of your table was life telling you that you are ready for what you really want! That farmhouse table will be equally beautiful in your (gorgeous) space!
Dixie Sargent Redmond says
I agree that you should use what you have, but I also think there's something to letting a nice piece stay as it is. There IS another table out there for you, and it will be even better. I went to an auction recently and you would not BELIEVE what the furniture was going for. Amazing really nice furniture.
Dixie
Carmel @ Our Fifth House says
Thanks for sharing my makeover today! I think my family thought I had taken one too many crazy pills when I decided to paint this table! In your room, I think the farmhouse table will look better anyway – so don't feel bad. 😉 If I had a nice large space like that I would want a giant farmhouse table too!
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
Don't feel bad Lisa I said the same thing about a coffee table and side table that I gave away. I keep envisioning them painted! You should check Craigslist, I bet you would find something for a steal!
Jean @ Flower Hill says
No regrets Lisa! There just may be something better in the future!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
oh i think we have all done things like that… and i think i need a bang head here sign for my wall it happens so much!
Jennifer L. Griffin says
I love Carmel's table, too! I always consider that type of chair on CL because I know how great they would look painted with a fun fabric seat. But, don't worry! I know you'll find something even better! Drooling over those rustic tables…
Erin says
Thanks for this post! We had our house on the market last year before a transfer across country kind of fell apart, so when we moved everything back in the house from storage, we totally re-imagined our space. Sometimes when you move in somewhere you get comfortable with where you first place things, and you can have a whole new perspective by moving things around. Especially if you are using them for different purpose!
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
This just means something even more fabulous is in your future! This time you can pick the style AND redo if you want, right?
Lisa - A Room with A View says
It happens to us all, as you can see. That is how we learn!
Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says
Dont' worry, something will come your way…this happens to me all the time…"why did I sell this?" LOL
XOXO
Kristin