Changes in the Dining Room!

If you've been following along for awhile, than you know all about my ongoing dining room makeover. When I first started the process, I admit I was a 'bit' overzealous in posting about my progress, (in my defense I was so excited to get this project moving, that I couldn't keep it to myself!) but, posting painted walls, really wasn't what folks wanted to see-and I got that.

So, while the work in the dining room continued, I held back on posting about it until I actually had something BIG to show you all!  I am happy to announce that our very ugly built-in has finally been completed!!!

Here is what it looked like prior to the make-over.  Wood, wood, and more wood-and the worst part- paneling!  Yes, you heard me right. Whoever built this monstrosity lined the back with a VERY cheap paneling, that I have despised since I first moved in.

Over the years, I've tried to cover it up by packing the shelves with as much stuff as possible, but even that didn't hide how truly ugly this piece was.

The built in definitely needed a good coat of paint, (or three), if it was going to ever measure up to the baker's rack that I recently gave a face lift to.  You can learn all about how I did that here.

  Like the baker's rack-I knew the built in would require A LOT of sanding, and that would require taking down shelves and removing hardware.  So, with hubby's power tools in hand....I set about getting this project done.

I'm very happy with how it all came together.

The sanding was tough, and it took three coats of paint/primer and two coats of poly acrylic, to ensure no chipping-but the outcome was well worth it.

The best part is......no more ugly paneling!  So what did I cover it up with? 

This product  truly is "MAGIC!"  I have worked with contact paper-I have also worked with wallpaper-this is a combination of both- but WITHOUT the hassle!  I chose it because, unlike wallpaper and contact paper, this stuff can be removed easily.  I liked that, because if for some reason, I ever get tired of the look, I can change it out without by simply pulling it off.  No scraping- no steaming. 

Of course-I did have to measure and cut (Oh goodness-you all know I can't cut a straight line-even when there are guidelines!)  But, I am proud to say-this time I didn't do so bad.

Once the paneling was gone-it was onto the hardware-which proved to be the easiest part of this whole project-and yet, made a WORLD of difference!

 

By this point, I was ecstatic with my progress, and was itching to share it all with you!  But....I held myself back, because there was still more work to do.

  After I cleaned out all of the cabinets (who knew I had so much stuff), I found plenty of storage for all those 'collectables' that I no longer needed to scatter around the house to find a home for them.

Since I had chosen to decorate my 'new' bakers rack in the coastal theme, I decided to carry this through with the built-in. Except, I also wanted to display some of my favorite items-( which, may, or may not-fit with that theme), but it was important they were front and center.  Take the votive candles that I was inspired to spray paint after reading a post from Marty, over at A Stroll Thru Life!

 

I started collecting glassware when I was in my early twenties.  These glasses and platter were two of the first items I purchased.  I scored the creamer at Goodwill a few weeks ago.

Hubby picked up the Austrian Crystal on a trip he took right after he graduated from high school.  He is VERY proud of them, and I can definitely see why!  I found the glass picture at an estate sale, many years ago.  I don't even remember how much I paid for it-but whatever it was-it was worth it!

Another starfish from Oregon is proudly displayed, along with a pitcher and glass plate I inherited from my granny!

The candle holders were a gift from a special friend, and the silver platter was a recent purchase from Goodwill.  I can't wait until my 'real' roses bloom-but for now-these Dollar Store fakes look pretty good-don't you think?

I have a few more project left to do in this room-and I will finally be able to reveal it ALL!

Until then.....

I'll be linking up with:

52 Mantel , From my front porch to yours, Craftberry Bush, Imparting Grace , Sweet Haute . The Brambleberry Cottage , Jann Olson, and Katherine's Corner.

So click on over and check out all the creative projects going on.  I promise you won't be disappointed!!!