Pretty bay window kitchen nook
April 22, 2013
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I’m back with the full picture of how the kitchen nook turned out. I first showed you how I transformed an IKEA table into a farmhouse table here. Thanks SO much for all the lovely comments by the way! They make my day!
Well, the next phase was new chairs. We have had the black chairs in there (from Garden Ridge) for about seven years now – they’ve held up OK. A few scratches but mostly OK. But the thing that bothers me about them is that the legs become loose ALL the dang time. I am tightening the bolts on them at least once a week.
I had fallen in love with a different chair too – and for months I was dreamin’ about it:
I ADORE these x-backed chairs. The pretty curves, the warm wood. LOVE. But these were way more than I wanted to spend. (One was $150, the other $200.)
So I watched for months and stalked Home Goods and never found anything. And then it hit me to check out World Market. Yes, again. I love that place:
They are the wood bistro chairs and I got them on sale so they were wayyyy cheaper than the other two versions. I only got two because I had a plan for the other side of the table.
Many of you guessed it – a bench. I mean, it’s practically begging for it, right? We’ve had one for years that I used to use at the round table we had in here. It’s been sitting in our mud room for a while now, so I pulled it out, primed it, then gave it a fun color:
That color is apple green by Valspar by the way –- I was trying to use a color I had on hand. It was brighter than I first wanted. When I asked hubby what he thought he mentioned how well it went with the boxwood wreath on the pantry door, the island chairs, the flowers on the table…the man is good:
I love the pop of color – this nook has had no color for so long, I’m happy to bring some in. And the best part about spray paint – it will take me 15 minutes to change it up if I ever want to.
Someday when the budget allows (and they are on sale again) I’ll pick up a couple more of those chairs to have for when we need more seating. For now this set up works great for just us.
The last change to this space was a new light, also from World Market. I had been eyeing it for months but was afraid I wouldn’t like the leafy things on it:
I went to see it in the store and it was GORGEOUS.
I’ve changed the light over this table at least five times now – the rest of the lights in our house have never been changed or replaced once. This spot…I don’t know what it is.
But I finally feel like this is the perfect combo – the size and look of the table and the pretty chandelier – it works now. I promise not to change it out again for at least a year. ;) I have a plan for our other light that was there – once I can find someone to climb 20 feet to install it. (Not it!)
Of course all of these changes happened over the course of a couple months – and I did my research on everything for six months to a year beforehand. (YES, I take forever.) Once I decided what I wanted I picked up different pieces as the budget allowed.
I’m SO thrilled to have a big table to use again. And yes, to decorate:
I may have to do a spring tablescape just to celebrate. And can I just mention I am OBSESSED with ranunculus. I love these flowers!
Someday I’ll learn how to properly take pictures so the light streaming in the windows does not blind us:
But today is not that day. ;)
I ADORE these chairs – they are really sturdy and the wood that makes up the “X” is too – I tried out some that were really flimsy and way more expensive:
I especially love this spot with the light on a dimmer in the evening:
It’s just so much more open and bright now! I cannot even believe the difference, I really can’t.
We all love this table – the size and shape just works so much better for this space. It’s so much easier to spread out on the computer, for homework – all that stuff too:
The round table felt so cramped in comparison.
And now that this spot is transformed, the budget is frozen for a while. This was happening while I took pictures this morning:
More water issues. The disposal stopped working and (gross) water was POURING out of the disposal. Didn’t know that could happen? Me either. Fantastic!
There are a few more changes coming to the little kitchen nook – and many more coming in the kitchen (someday). But for now I have a pretty table that I love. :)
**For more info on the chalkboard wall, go here.
**For more on the pantry (with the glass door), go here.
**And to find out how NOT to paint your glass atrium door, go here.
Oh, Sarah, I love it! The bench is just adorable, and the chandy is really pretty. I looked for the perfect white chandelier for our kitchen for months and ended up picking a brass one up at ReStore to paint...haven't gotten around to that yet. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda! Our ReStore is downtown but I checked it out to see if I could find one to distress -- couldn't find the right size or look. I love that place!
DeleteYour kitchen nook is gorgeous with so many interesting details. Love your new chairs!
ReplyDeleteI love how it all turned out, Sarah...the table, chairs and chandy! You did a great job and I feel good knowing that I'm not the only one that takes a long time putting together ideas! Can't wait to see what you are going to do for the other chairs.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the disposal problems. We were really lucky with having no flooding problems in our neighborhood but so many others weren't. I'm loving the sun today!
XO,
Jane
Love it, so fresh and inviting! Good job!
ReplyDeleteLooks so light and bright, the pop of color from the bench is fabulous! I am working on our kitchen too, just painted our pantry door black but not sure it's staying, might do a fun color instead! I just went to a World Market for the first time a few weeks ago. It was fabulous, if only I had one closer to me!
ReplyDeleteReally pretty! And I totally adore that chandy!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job xox
Such a gorgeous space! Thanks for sharing all the details.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your class at SNAP as well!! (should have pushed myself and actually met you...)
Thank you so much! It was a blast!
DeleteIt looks like we have similar floors, I'd love to know what you use to clean them?! I have a hard time making mine look that shiney!
ReplyDeleteI used to use a steam cleaner and loved it, till it stopped working. Now I just use a Bona spray/floor thingy -- when I clean them. ;)
DeleteIt looks fantastic! Great job! I love the bench + chair combo... it's a great look in your space!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like we have similar floors, I'd love to know what you use to clean them?! I have a hard time making mine look that shiney!
ReplyDeleteOh my email is lindsaymoyes@gmail.com. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Where did you get the cute spoon and fork above your pantry door??
ReplyDeleteI got them from a thrift store years ago -- you can see more here: http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/05/spray-paint-party.html
DeleteBEAUTIFUL!!! I love those chairs!! They look great with your new sofa table too!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so fresh and bright! I've been eyeing that chandelier for a while, too. Similar ones are so expensive. My last table was from World Market and it has held up great. It's too big for my breakfast nook in this house, but it looks great in a friend of mine's new kitchen nook, lol. My current one is from Garden ridge and it's a little wobbly, so I know what you mean.
ReplyDeleteYour nook looks fabulous!! I'm so sorry about your disposal. We had a leak in a valve down there before it's not fun. I hope your cabinets are okay.
ReplyDeleteThe chairs and bench are the perfect addition to your new (and improved!) table. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteLove the nook, so bright! What will you do with your round table & chairs? Use as a game table in your basement or loft room?
ReplyDeleteI thought about taking them down, but for now I think they'll get passed to one of my sisters. :)
DeleteOh that looks great!
ReplyDeleteI looking at the evening picture, wouldn't it look good to have the chairs and bench trade sides? That way the X back shows and pays off te Xback f the bar stools.
I thought about that, but with the bench on that side it keeps things open visually, which I wanted. And that side with the bench is by the island where we need more space. It fits all the way under the table so that gives us tons of room. :)
Delete*plays off the bar stools. I dunno, just a thought.
ReplyDeleteEither way, it looks fab!
Yep. Looks awesome! Ima gonna be getting the spray paint out for my own kitchen chairs now!
ReplyDeleteLOVE!! The chairs and bench are perfection! Also, I picked up one x-back chair at TJ Maxx, on sale, but haven't seen anymore since (so probably not available nationwide).
ReplyDeleteLooks gorgeous! Our garbage disposal did the same thing! And since we didn't know it was broken, it has been spraying gross water out everytime we run the disposal, leaving a puddle on my new floors. Not cool. A new one is on the to do list.
ReplyDeleteOh, the pop of green is so nice that the bench adds to the room. Just perfect!
ReplyDeleteFab!! I really love that table - you are seriously talented! The whole area looks fantastic :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kelli....I think the table is seriously awesome! Thanks for giving us some ideas :)
ReplyDeleteI love your kitchen nook! Your table, chairs and bench are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful Sarah! I love your chairs and your bench is the perfect shade of green.
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen nook is so inviting Sarah!!!! Love all the details!
ReplyDeletei love it! and you know, i've got to tell you -- because it resonates with me so much -- i have huge huge HUGE respect for people like you, who think, plan, think, plan, save, think, plan, save, and then make home improvements. as someone, like yourself, who spent all of her 20's in serious debt (while still dreaming of the glorious things in my future), and now that i'm in my 30's (and still dreaming) i'm almost out of debt and i couldn't be prouder of myself for that achievement. it will make our house hunting and updating that much more special when it happens. thank you for your honesty and lovely decor ideas! =)
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrea!! It makes for a house full of halfway done projects most of the time, but I take forever to do everything -- which helps the bank account for sure! :)
DeleteI was going to ask where you got the ranunculus! Love!
ReplyDeleteI find them at Trader Joe's every year about this time!
DeleteIt looks so pretty. I love all of the color! Those chairs are just perfect. I haven't seen anything like them in my trips lately. I think the light was a great choice too. Score again for World Market! Have a good week,
ReplyDeleteKate
Sarah: I love all the changes you've made in your dining area. I especially love that new light fixture. I just referred a newlywed/ new blogger to your site to see your new table today. She got new chairs, but needs a new dining table and they're on a budget. Of course, you were my first thought and her chairs would match your table perfectly.
ReplyDeleteLove it Sarah! Those chairs are amazing, and I love how you switched it up with the bench and the green paint. Plus, the "X" on the chair mimics the "X" on your bar stools! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWell, it's just gorgeous, Sarah...LOVE! And, that chandelier is perfect! Love it all!
ReplyDeleteOur disposal is on it's way out, too. It's got a slow leak right now but the hubs is traveling so I've got a towel under the sink until he gets home next week. I hope it doesn't start gushing!! The state of yours has me a little worried!
Anyway...your kitchen has me itching to do something with my breakfast nook. All that white is sooo pretty and fresh!!
Those chairs are beautiful, Sarah! I love that you held out and found them at World Market. They just have everything don't they?? I also love that painted the bench green - such a fun color and it really brightens up the whole table set up! Adorable chandy - the whole space is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh, garbage disposals! They never give you any advance warning before they suddenly misbehave in a very icky, messy way. A word of advice: When you replace it, stick a pan or a bucket under it for several days. We replaced ours recently, and everything seemed hunky-dory. About a week later, it leaked. We pulled out the new disposal, checked all the connections, and reinstalled it. Thankfully, it's been dry ever since.
ReplyDeleteI love the chairs. The X back is very much like the X back on the bar stools. Looks great. The green would have to grow on me, but it does add a pop of color.
ReplyDeleteI love that light from World Market. I might have to get it too!
ReplyDeleteI am loving all the transformations you are making to your kitchen nook area. It is looking great! I just posted tonight about those chairs from World Market. I used the barstools in our rustic modern bar! I love them and they have held up great! We got them about 2 years ago. I love the color you did your bench too! Love the pop of color
ReplyDeleteLaura
House Envy
Those chairs are sexy and they know it! ;) Sorry about the disposal issues - gah - we've had our share of those! Such a giant pain!
ReplyDeletePerfection, this nook is it. What I especially love about it is that it has that collected look that's harder said than done!
ReplyDeletexoxo
P.S. Adored your guest post over at Cassie's blog. Girl, we have some things in common. Watch out, I 'm goin' in for an awkwardly long hug. Don't be scared. :)
Sarah, loving the chandy and the fabulous chairs! I heart World Market! I was at Snap! too and took your class, great info :) I didn't get a chance to meet you and now I know it was cause you had to split soon after (sorry your hub's event was cancelled). You inspire me :) off to catch up on the posts I missed....Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteBarbara at Chase the Star
Your new table and chairs and bench look good! Somehow the happy apple color is perfect for the spring! :)
ReplyDeleteFor taking pictures of this space...I would hang white sheets outside behind the door and windows. It would soften the light but not block it. If you are perfectionist, you would make frames that stand by themselves, but I think just hanging them from (something) would work. :)
I really like these chairs! Thank you for sharing your source. I will consider them!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks fantastic & I love your new chairs. I've been eyeing these chairs for some way to use them at my house. I'm going to have to check out World Market!
ReplyDeleteI adore everything in this post! It seems that the X-back chairs look so pretty with my classic round table. Unfortunately, I haven't found one here in my place. Also, I love the bench. After reading this post, I am now inspired to look for affordable gorgeous furniture. :-D
ReplyDeleteOh the garbage disposal! Worst invention ever. My husband is a plumber and I think these things keep him in business...okay best invention ever :) His advice- get rid of it! Home composting is a great alternative. It's so easy and great for your garden! PS- Love the chairs. I'm so jealous you have a World Market!
ReplyDeleteI love the green bench -- it looks cute!
ReplyDeleteI love it all!! Especially the combo of those chairs and the bench with the pop of color! Love, love. :)
ReplyDeleteNice chairs & bench with the new table. Hey about that garbage disposal. I had one in our former house. It never worked right. Finally just took it out. End of headaches; end of nightmare water issues ;-) Some cities in Canada where my husband's from don't even allow garbage disposals because they cause so many isses with the city water supply. Just somethin' to think 'bout for the day ;-)
ReplyDeleteLove the chairs and REALLY wish we had a World Market anywhere near us! Bummer! Your green bench is fab too! Love the pop of color. Well done!
ReplyDeleteSusan
http://simplymodernhome.com/
Love your new kitchen nook! The table and chairs are great! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Leslie
House on the Way
Lovely, enticing, and all kinds of nice things! But don't throw out those chairs with the loose bolts. They really shouldn't make chairs with bolts...everything should be glued and clamped (and then donated to ReHouse for someone else to enjoy). You can get some good wood glue just about anywhere (even Lowe's)...if they sell glue, they probably sell clamps, too. But if clamps are out of the budget (or if the splay on the legs of the old chairs won't allow proper placement), then make your own clamps with a length of rope that you tie-and-twist (a long screwdriver or the handle end of the hammer makes a good twisty-gadget)...saved many a chair that way including some old kitchen Windsors that someone threw out...and my mid 19th century sofa (thank God for clothesline and that old hammer!) that had nearly succumbed to exuberant 4-year-old twins who thought it was the perfect bouncy toy...
ReplyDeleteGreat idea on the new bench. I've got one like it. I love the pop of color it adds to your dining room. Have you thought about painting the seat top black "attach" it to the room visually?
ReplyDeleteLove the new chairs and the pop of color on the bench. Very fresh and happy. :) One thing you might want to try if you ever have the loose bolts issue again is Loctite- just a dab on the threads should keep them from unscrewing.
ReplyDeletesarah! i looooove it!!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHere's 2 quick little tutorials for if you do someday decide to fix those blown out windows in your photos. Quick, easy, and painless! :) :)
http://www.yellowbrickhome.com/2013/04/10/setting-the-mood-indoor-photography-at-night/
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2013/04/photo-editing-trick-fixing-blown-out-windows/
Great job, Sarah! I love that all the pieces are from different sources. I also love the apple green, it's my favorite color. I have that same spray color on a table in my living room and it just livens up the room. When you figure out how to photograph a room with windows pass on the info cuz I still can't do it.
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing, Sarah! Love it all! Can't wait to eat some popcorn on it with Bub! :)
ReplyDeleteFab! Looks absolutely stunning! Way to go! Everything looks wonderful together! Good job girl!
ReplyDeleteWow everything looks beautiful! I love the bench and table :) Super cute. Pinning to the Better hOmes and Garden board
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful dissection of kitchen design! You've featured many of my favorite pictures...
ReplyDeleteModular Kitchen Collection
Oooo I hope you see this! I LOVE the chandelier and am thinking about getting it for our dining "room"... is it made for "hardwiring"? I see it comes with a cord to plug in but am thinking that in case you want to do it that way? And did it come with the ceiling plate thing? Thank you so much! I love seeing your transformations!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Mine was hardwire only, no plug. Many of their lights are plug in so I thought I'd have to cut it off, but it was ready to go!
DeleteHey, Sarah...I was just reading your most recent post about World Market...and...I've been eyeing that chandelier for a while. I need to know...do you REALLY like it? Does it give enough light with those little bulbs? It calls to me, but I don't want to hate it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Kelly
Yep love it! I can't remember if I use 40 or 60 watt but they give off a ton of light. We have it on a dimmer. Check it out in the store close up if you can -- I love it though. :)
ReplyDelete