Guest Room. My Shabby Chic
I have always loved shabby chic. I will admit it. But, it has never fit very well into the decor I have. Needless to say, Tony does not like shabby chic. We agree on almost all decor decisions, but not that. However, we did have another spare bedroom and decided to use it as a sort of guest room. I was able to put a dresser in there and have a space where I can store my extras (curlers and make-up) and get ready for work. So, Tony let me have my shabby chic way with this room. It, as is the rest of the house, is a work in progress. But, its starting to work.
Just as you come into the guest room, you see this chair. It's too bad you can't see it in the picture, but there is a shabby blue frame hanging on the wall behind it. The little plant stand matches another being used as a bedside table. They are antiques, one from my great grandmother, the other found (how crazy!) at an antiques store.
The bed is directly in the door. Chenile bedspread, antique shadow box filled with my antique collectibles, vintage bench.
In the back corner is the only extra closet space of the house. We keep the vaccuum and things in here. The vanity is for me to get ready. I had bought it with the intention of painting it shabby white. But, now I am afraid of taking away from the piece. Any suggestions??
Our Little Collection
A close up view of our little collection.
Side view of the printer's type tray and collection of dice.
One Little Project At A Time
When I get excited about something I lose all patience. Tony tells me constantly, “Calm down Jess, one thing at a time.” I’m trying, but just can’t control myself. Here is one small project we have completed. Just before we moved in here we went to an auction. We found this old little kitchen cupboard and scored in for $10. It’s back was burned and the sides were wrinkled, and paint was falling off. People probably thought we were crazy for even taking it home. But, a new back, a few dollars, and a lot of work later, we have a cute vintage kitchen island. The kitchen was too big not to have a table for more counter space, and this little guy solved our problem. Take a look! (I need to get better at remembering to take before photos of our projects! oops!)
I love those old tin tops! It does have one chip we would like to fix, but overall... Cute! What do you think?
Moving On To The Dining Room
We have also got the dining room pretty much set up (for now). We do have many projects on the list, but Illinois winters don’t allow for too much outdoor work (sanding and painting). Here is the mini tour of the dining room. And, as always, suggestions and comments are always welcome and appreciated!
This is a little corner of the dining room. The door leads down to an old basement. This was a hand-me-down metal desk. We fell in love with it. We don't really use it as a desk, but more as a table and storage (the house has NO extra linen-type closets!). The little jar is a bag of HUGs! The paiting is one by my brother, which he gave me for my birthday this year. I love this little area.
A close up of the painting by Ryan.
This is the corner of the dining room between the kitchen and the living room. The antique table and antique lamp are from my grandmother. The silver balls are modern and I think provide nice contast here. The little primitive box was one that Tony made when he was in high school. I think its adorable. I added antique bottles.
A close up of Tony's little box and the apothecary bottles.
This is the other side of the window. The plate rack obviously still needs to be hung.
This is our little red dining room table. The mismatched chairs are all painted black. if you can see the curtains here or in any other pictures, they, too, need to be replace. They are covered in fruit. Its on the project list!
This is the little wall space next to the window. I love this set up. I always love antique frames.
This is the wall behind the dining table. It is pretty bare for right now, but we are working on redoing a giant antique desk for this spot. We got the desk at an auction for $5! The candles and shelves will stay.
The Kitchen Comes Together
- The little window to the dining room. Enless possibilities. The clock happens to have faces on both sides!
Close up of the window and beautiful bottles we have collected.
View heading out kitchen door. The artsy rolling pin was an auction find. The curatins have to go, but that will be an upcoming project.
Some of the DIY the landlord tried above the microwave. He had it hidden by a mass of leaves wound in lattice. It was so dusty and ugly. So far I spruced it up with a vintage lunc box of recipies. I love the little vintage tea pot Tony found for me.
The other corner of the kitchen. Same old ugly curtain. I was also thinking about painting the cabinets. We are renters, so this might be a project for after we have been here a while. But, they are old, shabby cupboards, so maybe, just maybe...
Some More Pictures
A few more before shots.
This is the before of our living room and boxes. And the UGLY curtains!
A view from the living room into the dining room. Stuff was everywhere!
Where To Begin
So, as I said, my boyfriend and I have just recently moved into a new house. The place is cute and cozy, but it will take some work for us to arrange, decorate, remodel, and combine all of our belongings. We have been there for a couple of weeks now. But, to backtrack, here are a few photos of the house as we were moving in, and the empty rooms just asa we are starting to arrange.
Tony is making dinner in the new house with our pup Romeo.
Make Mine Eclectic 