It's a new year and the perfect time for changes around the house.
I spend most of my time in the dining room and I am a bit tired of the red window seat cushion,
but I have made 3 cushion covers since 2003 when we added the window seat and with a dead sewing machine, I needed a simpler solution.
I found this chenille bedspread in the attic - one of two on the twin beds in my childhood room.
I decided that after a white look for a few months, I will be happy to return to the red cushion cover so I simply wrapped the chenille spread around the existing cushion.
My favorite quilt was added mainly because I just like to look at it.
My favorite quilt was added mainly because I just like to look at it.
Next up was some new pillows - I love the white, but I am ready for some color.
My sweet sister-in-law, Carrell, gifted me with a remnant of Waverly check fabric because she said it just looked like my style.
There was just enough fabric for two pillows and KC's sewing machine works well enough until I can decide on a new machine.
The red striped pillow was made out of a table runner that I never use.
We are having a cold and rainy January so I decided that having my embroidery
and some reading material on hand are a nice touch for the room.
The colorful pillows brighten the room on the cold gray days of January.
We are having a cold and rainy January so I decided that having my embroidery
and some reading material on hand are a nice touch for the room.
As you can see, Lulu has given the new look her stamp of approval.
The Happy New Year banner will come down soon, but I am content with it for now.
And now that the dining room has a fresh look, I need to find just the place for my latest acquisition.
A wonderful friend just gave me a vintage cart and I have no idea where to put it.
What are you up to in these first days of the new year?
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If you haven't heard, I am now co-hosting the Share Your Cup link party so please join me there.
Share Your Cup
DIY Vintage Chic - Friday's Five Features
The Happy New Year banner will come down soon, but I am content with it for now.
A wonderful friend just gave me a vintage cart and I have no idea where to put it.
What are you up to in these first days of the new year?
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
If you haven't heard, I am now co-hosting the Share Your Cup link party so please join me there.
Share Your Cup
DIY Vintage Chic - Friday's Five Features
Looks great! I know the perfect place for that vintage cart--my house!
ReplyDeleteOH WOW...you did it, you transformed this space just enough to lift it to another dimension without having to spend any money, and it's truly clear, these changes! How I LOVE to change a room with just a bit of moving this here, moving that there....AND OF COURSE MISS L. has to approve! Give that curly cutie a hug for me?
ReplyDeleteLoving your new look, my friend!!!
Love it! Love the layers and colors...I especially love that you had your old chenille bedspread in the attic. The ivy growing on the wall outside the window is always so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI've been cleaning top down in the kitchen this week. When I put on my readers I realize how dirty things are sometimes.
You house is just so gorgeous. I really love the way you dress your house I wish I could get mine to look half as good.
ReplyDeleteSo easy, but so fresh looking. I would find myself spending a lot of time in your dining room too--love the big windows and all your colorful touches. Yea for the blue and white checks! The cart looks nice right where it is IMHO.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks so inviting. The touch of blue is perfect. "Happy New Year from Canada". Deb
ReplyDeleteI love the way you mix colours. Everything looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to meet you, Carol! I love how you redid your cozy nook with fabrics that you had. Now it's a bright, cheery spot. I'm swooning over your gifted vintage cart! ❤️ Happy New Year (I love your banner)!
ReplyDeleteI am slowly learning what joys new pillows can bring to a room - love your ideas and end result on this project. Those roses brighten it up as well!
ReplyDeleteI adore your dining nook, Carol! I love the way you can whip up new pillows to change and freshen up a space. You have such a cheery space to enjoy during gray days of winter.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
ReplyDeleteWell Lulu sure makes your new arranged space look real welcomed
Love that cart just move it around the house or I can use it for a while ? LOL
My precious little wool mice came from Schaffer House in Jefferson City Missouri
I think the cart looks great right where it is. I love the little pig on top of the dishes. And your dining nook is just adorable. I just can't imagine having that much imagination and talent.
ReplyDeleteWow! You dining room looks so beautiful! Thanks for visiting my blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the colors you have in your dining room! And that cart is just amazing!
ReplyDelete~Trisha
Your room always looks so cozy, Carol! Love the quilt and cushions. Nice cart too. Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi
Love the cart! Never seen one quite like it. I'm so glad you added the quilt to the bench. It is perfect. Your dining room is my fav in all of Blog Land!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Hi Carol, It is always fun seeing what you are up to. That vintage cart is wonderful, was it already red and chippy or did you work your magic on it? I think that it is wonderful how many times you write about a friend or neighbor getting rid of something and sending it your way. They all know your talent for restoration. I'm sure that many of them wish they still had their old junk after they see the way you have for making it useful and charming all over again :)
ReplyDeleteHave a happy day!
Connie :)
This is such a cute setting. Love the new look you created with the cushion and pillows. Your sister was right that Waverly fabric was perfect! That vintage cart is the cutest and I love the vignette you put together on it!
ReplyDeleteYour new look is very pretty and I love your new cart. I would like that bench also, so much natural coming in and it looks so comfortable.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend. Hope we get more rain. as we sure need it.
Mary
Carol your changes are always so refreshing. I love January for making changes too but am putting out Valentine's decor so haven't got to the main parts yet.
ReplyDeleteYour window seat change and new pillows are just so perfect.
I can see why Lulu loves the pretty upgrades on the window seat! I like where your cart is in the photo! Is it practical to remain there? That shot is magazine worthy!
ReplyDeletexo,
RJ
Every time I visit here I am inspired to do something. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour new look is lovely.
Have a nice weekend ~ FlowerLady
I love your simple and clever changes, Carol and that cart...oh gosh, lovely...and red!!
ReplyDeleteElegant solution for the window seat! And that cart is to die for!
ReplyDeleteHi Carol, I love all the bright colors you use here (especially the red and blue) and I think your new little cart is just wonderful. I imagine you will have a lot of fun playing around with that! I've just discovered your blog and have been looking around and must say that you've got a darling little cottage. I grew up down the coast from you in Laguna Beach, another beach town filled with cute and quirky cottages and houses-- so I can never resist little homes with lots of charm! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSo many pretty new touches that you've created and of course I love that quilt!
ReplyDeleteThe cart is wonderful! Put it somewhere new every month! :)
I love how a few changes can just freshen up a room. I rearranged some furniture in my living room and will do some more editing and then put some new items on my walls. Love that cart! It is so you.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
I love the new cover on the bench seat and love the quilt over it. The check pillows looks pretty too. If you don't know what to do with the cart then you could send it my way and I'd have to figure out where to put it....happily.! I like it in the entryway is it not a good spot?
ReplyDeleteI love the new bench coverings! That tea cart though is sooo amazing!
ReplyDeleteCarol, You have just redecorated my favorite spot in your home. :):) I love the idea of something to sew and something to read on hand. Blessings to all, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteI would spend a lot of time in your dining nook, too - such a cheerful spot! I really like how you layered the quilt over the chenille bedspread. The antique cart is beautiful. Love the wheels on it. You don't like it where it is? Maybe you could use it somewhere in the guest room?
ReplyDeleteNo matter what color covering and pillows you use, your window seat area is just so pretty and the view of your back garden is wonderful. I do love old chenille bedcovers and your quilt is lovely! Lulu is a prize, for sure! Blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThe window seat is lovely (as usual). I can see why you like that quilt so much! I saw that cart through the doorway and was immediately a little envious. I need a friend that brings me way cool red carts! Once it warms up you can use it outdoors as well. It would also look cute as a side table to your couch. Happy New Year Carol!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I was going to come to Share a Cup, but I realized I didn't have a post! Guess I better get busy!
Hi Carol, love the new look for a change. The quilt is fabulous and great job on the pillows. You can never go wrong with checks and grain sack!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Lovely frugal changes. We've been sick with colds and flu, so not much has been accomplished yet. I'm almost done putting up all the Christmas, then it will be time for winter decorating.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend!
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
OOO, I love your changes so much.Such a beautiful and fun room
ReplyDeleteThe cart is to die for...love it where it is but you know better than I where it will work best. It surely is cute...and I will see you next Wed...:)
Hi Carol, Your dining area always looks such an inviting space. The quilt looks to good to have been sitting in the attic not being used! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteLove the changes and the red cart is wonderful! Such a cosy spot.
ReplyDeleteYour home is so charming and colorful!! Love it!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
Hugs,
Deb
Two paws up from Lulu! The only approval rating that counts.
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic! Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteI was loving your red, but the new look might even be better. It looks so clean and fresh in your home, I can almost smell the sea breeze.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteYour title "A new year and a new look" I couldn't agree more. Your childhood chenille bed spread is pretty, love the vintage memories it must bring back for you. I can almost picture you in a new chenille white robe sitting and enjoying breakfast at your adorable kitchen nook planning out your day. The vintage cart is irrestisble ... Very sweet! Perfect with the wheels that an be moved around and great for entertaining, I love when you include a photo of Lulu and Carol I think everything you change up in your cheery cottage offers inspiration and admiration.
You asked so I'll answer I'm reflecting and relaxing at my own chosen pace this January. Working on elimating as much stress as possible through Artistic play for my own pleasure.
xoxo,
Vera
That vintage cart is amazing! The photo with the New Years banner is a perfect photograph. Happy New Year Carol!
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to love about every new detail! I love the quilt on top of your chenille spread, a great idea and so easy to change out now. I saw a vintage cart similar to yours in an antique shop a couple of weeks ago and was so tempted to buy it until I looked at the $325 price tag. Yours is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks so fresh and clean and bright! I love it and I really LOVE that tea cart!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour changes give everything a fresh look! Love it! That cart is such a treasure! The color is perfect and it looks good where you have it.
ReplyDeleteLove the cart and the changes that you made!! I have always enjoyed redoing some decorating at the first of a new year.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Cindy
Hi Carol, thanks for stopping by and commenting at ShabbyTeaParty. Your window seat looks so inviting, the perfect place to sit and daydream out the window. Hugs,
ReplyDeleteOooh! I love all your changes! The window sit looks wonderful. What a beautiful room to watch Winter go by. xxx Maria
ReplyDeleteOh my, I love your window seat transformation. I am going to use it for some inspiration on my kitchen window seat. I love how you gave it a personality with the banner and pillows and basket. So cozy. I'm getting some major ideas for mine. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSometimes we just get in the mood for a fresh new look! I like what you did in the dining room. That new cart is awesome! It looks pretty large too. I'm sure you will find the perfect home for it. It looks like it was made to go in your home. :) Hope the new year is treating you well. Have a wonderful Sunday!
ReplyDeleteNew Years is all about new beginnings in my mind and you are off to a great start. I always love watching the way you style things and keep it all so fresh looking.
ReplyDeleteSimple, clever, cute and filled with a dash of new hope, love, happiness and your effervescent can do outlook!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
xo
Jemma
That cart will be great even for afternoon use once the weather is nice. Lulu certainly approves. xoxo Su
ReplyDeletewonderful post my dear ! I really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeletelet me know if you would like to follow for follow :)
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I love the window seat! I think it's so pretty with pillows on it. I don't blame you for just covering the existing cushion so you have more flexibility with it in the future. I have a bench cushion that I've done that with too! The original is red and I have a cream matalesse coverlet on it.
ReplyDeleteLove your new look. The red and special touches are perfect. Love the window seat especially with your darling LuLu comfy for the photo.
ReplyDeleteI'm making refresh changes too. It just goes along for me each year in January.
Have a great week. xo
I don't know if you know about this blogger but, if not, thought you would enjoy her...
ReplyDeletehttp://helenphilipps.blogspot.com/2016/01/winter-bunnies.html
Such a pretty space! I love the red chairs and the quilt. And the vintage cart is great!
ReplyDeleteSimple changes make a huge difference. And the great thing is that you can always change them back.
ReplyDeleteIt looks really great. I love that vintage cart and the metal basket. Everything looks so fun and cheerful
ReplyDeleteHey Carol! All of your fresh pops of color are so pretty for a New Year!! I do the same thing with the daybed cushion on our sun porch. It's so easy to change the cover when it's not actually attached. Happy New Year! xo
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing that cart has wheels! It'll be easier to move from room to room. It is beautiful!!! I really like how you changed things up. I like that the seat cushion is temporary. Much easier to keep changed up. How do you get the outside of the window to show up in your pictures? Mine won't unless I use flash, your photos are always so pretty Carol.
ReplyDeleteGood Afternoon Carol, I love your quilt, it looks perfect on the bench and such a good idea, you can whip it off the bench the minute you feel like a change.
ReplyDeleteI just know you are going to have so much fun moving your vintage cart around your home.... I wonder where it will live. I think it will take a little while before you settle it into its new home.
Best Wishes as always.
Daphne
Your new look is fresh and lovely, Carol. I'm always amazed with how your whip up things to feather your nest. Happy New Year!
ReplyDelete-Karen
I love the new look of the window seat! Lulu has perfect taste!
ReplyDelete