It’s a new year and this is our first room makeover/update of the year. This makeover had me really thinking about my style and how it’s evolved over time. Sometimes we know our style from the beginning, it never changes, just perfected and other times we go along with what’s trendy or what our loved ones suggest.
We ask our moms, our overly opinionated aunt Peggy’s and don’t forget the neighbors. What we’re really doing is not asking for their opinion but for they’re approval. Most of the time when it really comes down to it, we know what we want. We don’t need the approval of someone who may not even know the different in red and burgundy. Let’s stop putting so much stock into the opinion of others when it comes to our homes. In the words of Rhett, “frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Your home should be a reflection of you and not your aunt Peggy! If you’re really wanting to buy the purple bedding, go for it! If you’re not loving the farmhouse style coffee table and really want to the mid-century modern one, do it! Stop filling your home with stuff that’s just trendy and start filling it with things you love.
I love neutrals, white’s and blacks in particular. I think I was in denial for a while. I slowly saw a trend in my home last year and part of my was a little scared. White’s have gotten the bad wrap of being boring, sterile, or safe. I may have thought those things myself once but I’ve come to the conclusion it doesn’t matter. I love neutrals! I love that I can add any color throw pillow, rug or drape to my space. I love that I don’t have to repaint every time I change the towels in my kitchen. I’ve also learned that neutrals can be just as cozy with some textures and layering. Gone are the days of repainting a room twice a year because I would get tired of the wall color.
Now, let’s cut to the chase. Here is a look at our breakfast nook just before we began remodeling and moved in (yikes!) –
Here’s where we are today-
We installed floor to ceiling board and batten and installed some wooden shelving for my vintage copper. Of course the walls were painted a bright and creamy white, Dove White to be exact.
Board and batten isn’t anything new and is super easy to install, not to mention very affordable. We used an 4’x8′ sheet of 1/2″ MDF. We ripped it down into 2″ strips. We ran a 1″ strip across the bottom on top of the existing base board and a 3″ side piece across the top by the ceiling. We spaced our boards 13″ apart. The spacing is solely personal preference. We nailed each one in place with our nail gun and brad nails. I would suggest paint the boards with a primer first, due to their dark color.
After the room was painted, I installed the shelves use basic wooden brackets and two 10″ pine boards.
We’re loving our new space. This was one of the easier makeovers we’ve done and one of the more affordable. This room has evolved a lot over the last year and It’s finally just the way I want it!
I hope you all have a great week and remember to enjoy the process of styling your home. It’s a journey so don’t rush it!
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Charity Reine says
How tall are your walls? I want to do this in my dining room but we have 9ft walls?
Amanda says
Charity, our walls are only 8 ft. tall. This would be work perfectly for your 9 ft. walls!
Wow, Amanda! That doesn’t even look like the same space. Love the panelling, and it makes such a good background for your copper collection – which is a thing of beauty in itself.
Thank you Norma! I was thinking the same thing. The copper adds a warm touch to the room.
Amazing transformation! I love the board and batten! And you’re so right about white being so versatile. All of the rooms in my house have color on the wall (some that we painted ourselves years ago when we moved in, and some from the previous owners {who had a VERY interesting color palette}). Recently, I’ve been wanting to go neutral with everything. It’s tough because my whole house, literally, needs to be redone, and it’s hard to be patient in the process. Love your space! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much Amy! I know exactly what you mean about very interesting color palette, ha. We’re in the same boat with the whole house. Just take your time. It all gets done eventually I suppose. Good luck on your renovations 🙂 Have a great week!