My friend Donna sent me an e-mail today commenting on the fact that I am busy working on my house and have totally neglected to decorate for Christmas. Yes, that’s true. We do have our tree up, which half the lights are out and there are hardly any ornaments below three feet (my boys keep pulling them off), and I did manage to arrange a couple of mantles, but other than that…nothing. The truth is, I’m about to work on a ton of Christmas projects for HGTV and I’m holding out on buying a fresh tree and greenery as long as I can. You also have to remember that I started making my Christmas line in September and I got a little burnt out, so I took a break and worked on Halloween stuff in November and now I’m ready for Christmas in January. Craziness!
I’m also about ready to start a mad dash. I’ve got Blissdom (yay!), the Ground Hog’s Day Sale at Lucketts, a Chartreuse barn sale each month, my booth to tend to at Wild Rose, articles for Cottages and Bungalows, a wedding I’m designing for and the Lucketts Antique Market, both in May and, on top of all of that, I’m starting another business venture that you’ll be hearing about soon. I am nuts AND busy, so I’m taking the time to finish two rooms while I have a slight calm before the storm.
So, at long last, here is my new dining room table. I finished it the same way I did my last one, which I sold, but I like this one even more.
(Hmm…I’m still thinking about painting those corner cabinets, though. They’re just so close in color to the floor…)
Here’s the before.
I wasn’t sure if I would liked the shape of these chairs when I first bought the set, but I really love them now they’re white and skirted.
The detail on the legs is so pretty and a slight distressing brought out the detail.
The table top is my favorite. The inlay is so gorgeous and was covered in that horrible orange and black speckled finish. It’s now natural and classic.
You will be able to read a full tutorial on how to make these chair skirts, but not on this blog. You’ll just have to wait and see where it will pop up…
Today, my sewing machine was on fire. I finished upholstering the two French chairs, made two pillows and the last two curtain panels in my living room. I will definitely be sharing it all with you, but here’s a sneak peek of the chairs…
I was so happy making them, knowing they were for me. I didn’t have to work on not getting attached to them. I finished after the sun was long down, so I’ll get some pictures tomorrow.
70 Responses
The finish on that table and chairs is perfection! My heart would sing if I could find a table like that. Just beautiful! Merry Christmas!
Sherry
Nooo! Please don't paint the corner pieces!! I love the contrast with the white and they look built in as part of an older home, which is awesome!! OK, I know, it isn't my house, but I love them as they are! If you feel the urge to paint, maybe the insides to lighten them, but not the outside!! Just my opinion! I will hush now!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I truly do not know how you do it all! It makes me tired just hearing what you have to do. That table and chairs are divine. I love the shape of those chairs. Hmmm, I may have to think about painting my dining room table and chairs. Afraid the man may have a fit.
love the table and chairs! they really are perfect but I'm also going gaga over your new wall color against those curtains! I must have missed the post when you painted, it looks like a page from BHG!
Yes, I feel tired too! I don't know how you do it all. Love the table and chairs makeover!
Amazing. You and all you do. Amazing.
Your table and chairs are just so beautiful! You are incredible! I love those flirty little chair skirts too.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Love, love, love your new dining room table and those wonderful chairs. Great transformation!
You did a super job on this table and chair set….very inspirational!! Don't worry about those Christmas decorations…you are a very busy gal!!!
You did a fab job. The table and chairs looks beautiful! I think painting the corner cabinets would look so pretty.
Shannon
http://www.akadesign.ca
You did a fab job. The table and chairs looks beautiful! I think painting the corner cabinets would look so pretty.
Shannon
http://www.akadesign.ca
My vote on the cabinets is a cream distressed finish followed with a light brown glaze to dirty them up a bit and leave the top edge molding and the center molding between top and bottom in the brown wood color. JMO
I love it. You did a wonderful job and in time for Christmas…no worries on decorations, a mantel, a christmas tree, that's all you need and especially with little ones!!!!
You are very talented and inspiring. And it also sounds like you know how to manage your projects well too. Bravo! Just as long as you love what you're doing everything else will fall in place.
Hugs,
Mandy
Beautiful, Marian! You did a wonderful job on that dining room set. I like the shape of those chairs. Your wall color is gorgeous. A great choice for your dining room!
Ugh, it looks so beautiful! Love the chairs. I'm still looking for some. Those are a great size. The skirts are so darn cute. Are you planning on a rug? That might break up the similar tones of the cabinets and the floor. But, I could see them painted! I am really loving your tureen on the table 🙂
It is all loverly! One of these days I am gonna pull up to my machine with a drop cloth and partake in the slip cover craze. I think I can…..I think I can…..I think I can. You are convincing me.
Beautiful! My mother-in-law had those same cushion on her dining room furniture (the yellow velour). Merry Christmas!
-Trish
The table and chairs are just lovely. Love the little slipcovers. You did a great job!
Kim:)
Well now, it certainly paid to ask, didn't it? Look at all the info we got and all the eye candy that's just around the corner! 🙂
I didn't think I could love a table and chair set more than your last one, but I was dead wrong. I love this one SO much more. The detail in everything is outstanding. You have such a great eye for detail that matters.
Looking forward to your future biz endeavor announcement… tap tap tap.. don't make me email you again now… 😀
Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
Your table and chairs are gorgeous! I love the French Shabby look. I adore the slipcovers, too. I so need to make some for our set. Well done!
Blessings to you and your family through the holidays!
~Michelle
What is the color of the blue paint color on the walls? Love it!!!!
Do you get tired of hearing Oh Marian it looks fantastic!!!!
I need to come up with something better……..
Marian you are on fire!!!
Eh.. I guess thats a little better!
Are you even a real person?? I mean all my friends tell me they can't keep up with me so for me not being able to keep up with you.. That is saying something!! I need a nap after your posts! You know I love ya Miss Mustard Seed 😉
Stopping by (you're one of my staple 3 blogs) and this post had to make me take time to comment. I am in love with how you refinished the top of that table. Altogether gorgeous. Eager to see your new chairs…
What about a very pale blue hue for the corner hutches? Good luck with everything, sounds very fun. You are amazing!
Your dining room is so pretty and inviting! I love all the tones. I have a blue enamel water pticher like yours just sitting outside in the rain… I'm going to snag it and bring it in. I love how you have greenery in it.
I keep looking at the corner cabinets and trying to imagine how they would look painted… I'm torn.
If you do decide to paint them, maybe you can leave the tiny top piece of moulding dark to mimic the table top being dark?
And still loving your tureen.. That one was your grandma's tureen, right? So special!
happy Holidays!
Marian, how do you do it all? I can barely keep up with my housecleaning and still don't get nearly the creative stuff done that I'd like to!! Have you ever written a post on what a week in your life looks like? Hour by hour? Because I for one would truly like to know.
The table is gorgeous. Love your wall color in the dining room- I didn't remember the aqua hue to it, but I love it.
All right, so…how much do you miss the Harvest Gold cushions on those gorgeous chairs?? : ) Well done, Marian!
: )
Julie M.
Love the dining room table and the chairs. The skirting is perfect and that inlaid top is TDF!!
Wow! Listening to all that you are doing…well…I got tired out!!
Ha!
Good luck on all your endeavors.
Hugs
SueAnn
Simply amazing transformation! I agree, the table top revealed in it's naturally beauty is stunning. Great work!
Your table looks beautiful and I love the chairs and the slipcovers.
You did a wonderful job.
I don't see how you keep up with all the projects you have going and still find time to reupholster chairs! Whew, girl, you are amazing.
hugs
Sissie
Wow! I would having totally walked past that table and chairs set without a second glance. You have amazing vision! They are stunning!
Everything is perfect. I love the table and chairs but I really love them next to the color of the corner cabinets. I wouldn't change a thing.
Absolutely gorgeous!
It's perfect!!
Your table is beautiful! Talk about busy though. I hope you find some time to relax.
what a gorgeous transformation. It is stunning! TFS and bonne chance with all your upcoming creative projects. you are busy..busy!
Oh my wow! It is just absolutely beautiful. Oh my lovliness! You have to be nothing but thrilled!
Your "new" table is simply lovely. And your photos are beautifully styled and photographed as always. A little Sunday morning "magazine" fix for me. I wish there was a way to bottle and sell your energy and enthusiasm!
What a beautiful table and chairs. They look perfect framed by the two corner cabinets. The pleated skirts add so much charm, can't wait to see where that tute shows up.
I have two similar wood tone cabinets and floor like you – I have always wanted white built in cabinets and bought my wood tone ones as a less expensive alternative. My eye wants them white as a contrast against the floor. I so understand your thinking. I think that painting them will not only make my room look bigger and brighter, but make the cabinets look built-in. I just gotta do it as the room will never look right to me until I do.
I hope you can take a little break and have a wonderful Christmas.
My best- Diane
Beautiful! I still vote paint on the corner cabinets!
Oh My Goodness! I love this set, and would never let it go! You did a great job. I think the trick is envisioning it complete, cause it sure was ugly to start with. I will have to look at things with your eye!
I hope you will have time to sit down and enjoy your holiday! Have a happy one,
Hugs,
Sherry
Another beautiful makeover! I don't know when you sleep with all that you have going on. (Do you need an apprentice? 😉 Can't wait to see all that you have coming up!
Merry Christmas!
Sarah
Oops I forgot to add…I like the corner a cabinets the way they are. Maybe a rug under the table would break up the "sameness" of the floor and cabinets?
Sarah
i love your table, its so pretty. Im off to have a look all around your blog, im loving all of your pictures.
x
Another gorgeous job. You have such a good eye. I hope you get to use this set for quite a while.
PS. I think it might be nice to put something on top of the corner cabinets. Maybe a large bowl. Looking at the photos I just thought it looked a little empty or bare on top.
Could the dinning room be any more beautiful and perfect? I think not, but I do like the idea of paining the cabinet???
I am so excited to see what you will be up to sound like you are one bust girl!
XO
Kristin
…wonderful Job!…stunning makeover!
ooh-la-la gorgeous!
All your hard work was worth it!!!
You're not going to be able to stop admiring it all!! lol
Merry Christmas!!
Deborah 🙂
i agree with the other 49 who posted before me.
SO BEAUTIFUL!! cheers to you Miss Mustard Seed. if i could be like you someday i would…
gorgeous! love the distressing on the chairs. and i vote paint the cabs. with your talent they will be beautiful.
Marian,
You are the "wonder woman" of industry. I'm so impressed and happy you finished your dining room. Is it the picture or did you paint the walls another color…they look much more turquoise on my computer?
Karen at Garden Home and Party
Don't leave us hanging on the darling seat covers! Let us know where we can find the tutorial when it pops up!
Love the new dining set!
Reading all your upcoming plans… I have to wonder how you keep up with HOME…. and do you SLEEP?! LOL
looks great — but please please please DON'T paint those corner hutches! at least from what you've shown us in pictures, they're such a lovely rich wood and balance the airy whites and blues quite sweetly, and go well with your table and even the floor. don't paint them! =)
Marian, I don't know where you find the time and the drive to do all these projects so well and so quickly. I love the new set. I agree, more so than the last set! Pretty backs on the chairs and pretty slips!
Just beautiful!! I love those ruffled chair cushion!!
Just beautiful!
B. Ragards Elisabeth
I'm a newbie at this blog thing, so you don't know me, But your dining room table ROCKS, just beautiful1!!!!and I would paint the corner cabintes,My friends laugh at me they tell me "give the girl a can of white paint and God help us….
Beautiful table! Has that wall always been blue? I don't remember that… It looks great!
I love the table and chairs, and I think you're right about the corner cabinets. They would look fantastic painted.
I love what you did to those chairs. I think the cabinets will look good painted or not. 🙂 So if you need the energy for something else, don't paint lol
So GORGEOUS, Marian! The inlay is stunning & those slips are so very sweet. Cabinets are beautiful as is but I'd love to see them painted. Has that accent wall always been blue? I love it!…don't remember it being blue though. I remember the drapes & a cupcake sign.
Hugs,
Jami
NICE! I really love the shape of the chair backs too. They look great with the skirts, nice touch – much better than simple reupholstering (like I usually do!). I see what you mean about the corner cabinets. That's always such a dilemma – liking a certain finish on wood but then ending up with furniture and the floors matching. I'd say paint them, but maybe not entirely so there's still contrast with the table. I'm sure you'll figure out what looks best.
Did I read a little hint of things to come regarding a blog how-to? What do you have up your sleave MMS?
Have a super blessed CHRISTmas with the fam,
Missy
Absolutely beautiful! But now you've got me worried that I'll miss the chair skirt tutorial!
That table is gorgeous! And the chairs would have had me at hello! the corner cabinets would look great white too..
OMG!!!! Look at that table before and after!?!?!? OMG!!! WOW! BTW: I didn't comment on them before – but I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE your curtains! LOVE!
Your table is beautiful and it does sound like you are very busy…but remember this is the only year..the only time for this Christmas and no matter how busy you are or successful you are be careful that you don't miss out on what is truly important. Blessings, Dianntha
What a fantastic work your home has to be one of my favorite homes and posts of all time…love it! round dining table sets
I have been checking out a few of your article stories and I must say pretty clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your blog. Thank you very much.
Is your table top oak veneer? I have one I need to finish and was worried about sanding it. There is also about an inch missing and I’m not sure what to do about it, can you advise??? Also, did you use 2 tones of stain?
Please and thank you
PS: Love your work!!