Thursday, February 18, 2010

My Breakfast Room and Family Room Reveal

When I bought my house I knew we would need to enlarge the kitchen and family room area. The previous owners were empty nesters and although the layout worked for them, it was not appropriate for our growing family.

This before picture was taken during our home inspection. At this point the previous owners had removed much of their family room furniture - all that remained was their small kitchen table and some odd chairs. You can see that the wall of windows was about 3 feet beyond the solid wall. A larger table would have ended up looming into the Family room space. So, when we were ready to renovate we pushed back the wall and added an additional nine feet to create a dedicated breakfast room. Here is the breakfast room after!

We recessed the ceiling and added beadboard and crown moulding to match the treatment we added in the kitchen.
I vacillated for months over the light fixture, but finally decided on the Niermann Weeks Italian Chandelier with an antiqued silvered finish. (Actually I vacillated over spending the money or not spending the money - I always knew it was just perfect) In the end, it was my husband's sage advice that made me order it - "You will look at this everyday, all day, for years - buy what you love!" I am so glad I listened to him (He says its one of the only times!)
Here you can see that we added three windows on each side to keep the original feeling.

I found a wonderful Belgian wrought iron table with old wood top that fit the space perfectly. Wisteria had a bench that was just the right size and I topped it with a grainsack! The linen curtains were a steal, only $20. a panel, a close-out from Country Curtains; all they needed was a little doctoring.
You might remember that at this time I also took out the over head cabinets between the Family Room and Kitchen area and removed four lower cabinets to create more of a center island.
Here you can see how much better the space feels. Removing the upper cabinets also allowed you to see the recessed ceiling area in the kitchen. We spiffed that up a bit by adding the beadboard and crown moulding details.
Here is the Family Room before. This is directly across from the center island. The size is deceiving as the back wall is over 13 feet wide.
Here is the Family Room after. We added the window on the right to match the rest of the back. It was a great addition as it brings in so much light to what used to be a shadowy area. The mantel above the couch I found in the trash on the side of a road many years ago. It has an original workman's label from 1881. What a find!! I just love the feeling it brings to the space. Lamps are from Aidan Gray and the mirror is from Wisteria - It came in gold so I silver leafed it one afternoon.
Here is the before looking from the Kitchen area out toward the Family Room area. Notice the wonderful ceiling detail that was hidden from view before we removed the upper bank of cabinets.
And here is another photo of the after. Notice the addition of the crown moulding. The chairs are my old yellow club chairs, slipcovered in the same close-out linen from Country Curtains- a steal at $6 yard. I think they are bit oversized, but until I find what I am looking for they were an inexpensive fix. Here is the TV cabinet - notice the size of the TV that fit in it.

We added a gas fireplace, mantel and surrounded the area with crown moulding. We also placed a much larger TV above. Winter is long here so the fireplace makes the space so much more cozy.

This is the full view of the new space if you are standing in front of the fireplace.

From this...

To this...
(click to enlarge)

A final thought - I have received some email recently about rooms done by decorators that are considered "high-end" and not accessible to the average person. I just want to share with you that not all things that look expensive actually are expensive. Beauty does not have a price tag. Do not be afraid to mix $20 curtains and mantels you find in the trash with expensive chandeliers, or reproductions from mail order catalogs with real antiques. Trust what you love and it will all come together. It's not about the price, it's about surrounding yourself with things you enjoy.

We really enjoy our new space - I hope you do too!!
To see more of my house click here.
(all photos Willow Decor please do not copy without permission)

95 comments:

  1. WOW!! You have a beautiful home!! I am so jealous, it looks beautiful!! Thetis xx

    http://www.littlesooti.blogspot.com

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  2. Wow! Iam in love with your home! Can i move..stunning! Great job! ~lulu

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  3. Oh be still my heart. What a magnificent transformation..... crown moulding, crown moulding, crown moulding... I wish that was part of the building vocabulary here in Australia. I love your breakfast windows and the light in the room. You have such vision.. I love that! A-M xx

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  4. I. AM. TOTALLY. WOWED. Oh my word...

    Beautiful!!!

    Ruth

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  5. Holy mackerel! I live for before and afters and this is one of my faves! So,so beautiful. You did a magnificent job!

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  6. Well done! We just started our kitchen renovation (I can hear the guys demo-ing as I type!) I'm looking longingly at your photos and trying not to dwell on the many weeks of construction mess we still have ahead of us!
    All the best ~LeAnn

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  7. Fabulous!!! Every bit of it. What color are the walls? Looks like a Dove Gray to me....Love Tiina..

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  8. Oh my gosh, this is gorgeous! I'm just a blog lurker, but had to post a comment! Also, what is the name of that paint color??

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  9. Tina,
    The walls are Ben Moore Arctic Shadows # 1559. They are a neutral gray green.
    xx-Gina

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  10. * OH... my... Gosh!!!!! CONGRATS on a BEAUUUUUUTIFUL "NEW" HOME~~~ It's just WONDERFUL~~~ (EVERYTHING is~ looks like you didn't miss a beat on your way to your dream come TRUE!!!

    ENJOY!!!!! (I already KNOW you are/HAVE to be "proud as punch"!)~

    Blessings to all,

    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  11. What a reveal! I love everything you did. Really beautiful!

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  12. This is all just gorgeous! You must be so happy to have all of this work behind you. (I'm very jealous.) ;) Congratulations on a job well done!

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  13. So pretty, so you! Thanks for sharing the journey!
    xo xo

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  14. It looks amazing! I love all the details -- and you ended with the high end look you were talking about. I'm so jealous of your CC linen -- what a steal! I wouldn't mind hanging out in the kitchen all day if that's what it looked like. : )

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  15. Your home is just beautiful. I like a lot of the same things that you do. I would love to have a mora clock. Someday. Our floors look similar. I love how you have the windows around your dining table and I love your color choices.

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  16. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is absolutely positively one of the most STUNNING spaces I have ever seen. I am absolutely drooling!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  17. What a beautiful transformation Gina~ thank you for sharing this with us! I adore your kitchen (especially the butler's pantry/office not in this post) and your breakfast area. Love your style!!
    Hugs~
    T

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  18. Absolute gorgeous! You've done a wonder to this place!

    XX
    V.

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  19. You did a fantastic job with the renovations, and design!!! Think I have the same Wisteria mirror :) And, I love Aiden Gray...have several things from them. Ahh...great tour.

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  20. Wow... a lot of thought went into this renovation and it shows!!!!
    Your home is gorgeous... I can only imagine how happy and proud you must be!

    Congratulations!!!!!

    ~xo always

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  21. The paint color is gorgeous. And what a huge relief over that "before" paint color! Arctic Shadows is right in that section of the BM fan deck that I love.

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  22. what a great reno - just amazing result, thankfully you have the eye to see potential!!!

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  23. Aidan Gray, Niermann Weeks, Wisteria - I love them all, and have owned things from each. I couldn't agree more with your comment about mixing high end and low end. That way, no one ever knows what is $6 a yard and what is in the thousands.

    But most of all, a huge thank you for showing these photos. You did a wonderful, wonderful job and you should be so proud of how beautiful it looks!

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  24. Can I just say. Better......much better. I love the dining room with all the windows. What a lovely spot to sit and be surrounded by friends and family.

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  25. It's beautiful! You obviously had a vision...

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  26. Really, really spectacular! I love the choices you've made. I especially love how you covered that bench seat in that fabric. The windows surrounding the dining area are wonderful. And that chandelier... absolutely beautiful.

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  27. Hi Gina,

    I'm with everyone else here and always love to see pictures of your home!!! Love what you have done, everything looks stunning. Thanks for sharing.
    Take care
    Janine
    XXOO
    Tasmania, Australia

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  28. Love your renovation, particularly your chandelier. Is that the Niermann Weeks or a knock-off? I have been wanting that chandelier, but can't afford it. Would love to find a reasonable replica. Thanks, Rindy

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  29. It's beautiful Gina, a wonderful transformation, xv.

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  30. It looks fantastic Gina, I'm in love with your bench!

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  31. The new addition is so beautiful - it must be wonderful to sit around that table when there is sun coming in through the bank of windows. All the rooms are very pretty and you can tell that you have put your heart into the design. Your husband gave you very good advice - I am sure you love seeing that chandelier every time you go into the room!
    Nancy

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  32. Absolutely beautiful...thanks for showing us inside your lovely home! Love the colour of your walls too! Tracey xx

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  33. Gina, this is just lovely. What an amazing transformation!
    xoxo

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  34. My english is bad, but you have done soooo nice work in your house that I have to post a comment;) Extra windows you put in was very succesfully...yes, and the kitchen by removing upper cabinets. Smart built-in TV-cabinet.....but what about the heat from the TV? Is there space enough round the TV so its not overheating?

    You have done very nice work at your home:) Have a nice day:)

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  35. Looks so beautiful. What a gorgeous home!

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  36. You have done an amazing job I loveyou work.
    I'm with A-M Australia needs CROWN MOULDINGS. Thank You for showing us these photo's I agree you don't have to spend loads to get a fabulous look
    Kind Regards
    Karen

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  37. The transformation is amazing! And it is so comfy and cozy now! The kids look adorable too!

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  38. It is just beautiful. I love the mix of seating around the dining room table. Can I just add that I love that you were not afraid to show us your TV?! TV's are part of life and we rarely see them in decor photos. Thanx~

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  39. It's wonderful! One of my favorite "afters" in a very long time! I'm sure you're thrilled with it.

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  40. Absolutely Gorgeous!!!!

    Your colors are fabulous and the end result is stunning. What lovely proof that high end beauty is accessible to all.

    Thank you. Oh and I too give this make over 5 stars!

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  41. Wow!Wow!WOW!!!!! I would say this is perfection. You must be so happy with your new space. I love the addition of all the windows, the more light the better, It would be hard for me to point out a favorite because I truly love it all. I do like the addition of the beadboard on the ceiling, that made it look so interesting and textural. Just a GREAT JOB! Kathysue

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  42. Gina, how absolutely stunning! It takes a great eye to pull that off!! I am so glad that you are also pointing out that not everything needs to come with a hefty price tag. Mix and match and make your home personal!

    Had I seen this earlier, I would have included this in some of my latest posts about before & after rooms. But you are not off the hook, yet!

    Happy rest of the week! xx Monika

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  43. You have done a great job and what wonderful advice from both you and your husband. Beauty doesn't have a price tag, mix and match and buy what you love.

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  44. Just stunning, well done! Where did you find that beautiful table? It's beyond perfection! Thanks for sharing your journey.....

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  45. This is so fabulous--I can't even tell you! Everything you did improved your space dramatically. I especially love how you decorated it. The dining area with the table, bench and chairs is wonderful. That chandelier is gorgeous. I agree with you about mixing high end with low end. I too mix catalog items with retail with antiques with flea market with discount sources, etc, etc, I think it makes for a much more interesting decor. Everything has a "story."

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  46. Absolutely beautiful :-) Love your new eating nook with the windows all around. Your kitchen & family room look great too :-)

    I totally agree, there's no rule that says you can't incorporate inexpensive pieces into a room and still achieve a high-end look :-)

    Kelly

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  47. wow this kitchen renovation is absolutely fantastic! amazing how things look much better now! congrats!

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  48. omg - it is gorgeous! i love the pushed out breakfast room, that makes all the difference. it is so wonderful, you must be in heaven!!! love it!!!! it's wonderful!!!!!

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  49. Fantastic! I have looked at it so many times. How long did this reno take and did you do the work yourself? Bravo!

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  50. I can't believe it's the same space. OH MY! Please come over to Portland OR and help me with mine!

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  51. Gorgeous mix! How refreshing to mix designer with things you find by the road!!!!!!You made it work beautifully!!!!Maryanne:)Congratulations!

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  52. A beautiful transformation. I am totally impressed. And I love what you said about surrounding yourself with things you love and enjoy. Keeping simple is often the best solution! Great work! Congrats! Marija

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  53. Positively GORGEOUS!! Can I come live with you:)
    Blessings!
    Gwen

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  54. Gorgeous job! I love every single transformation!

    Roeshel

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  55. It's absolutely beautiful! So elegant and classic. Trina

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  56. What a treat to see your vision transformed into reality Gina! Couldn't agree more with you on mixing low end with high end to achieve a great result. It's taken me years to have the confidence to do that, wish I'd had more resolve years ago. You've created a beautiful, welcoming space for your family - bravo!
    Millie ^_^

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  57. Thanks so much for sharing your before and after, so well detailed and an amazing transformation....would love to see a close up of your chandelier!

    Best wishes from Ireland,
    Mrs C x

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  58. Hi, Wonderful transormation. Can you share where you purchases the rug?

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  59. I left a comment the other day and am still dreaming about this space! It is so gorgeous! I just wanted to let you know we featured you today on our blog as one of our favorite blogs! Your work is so inspiring!

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  60. Glad that you're loving your Italian Chandelier!

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  61. Amazing - thanks for sharing. The detail that I absolutely love is how you hung the drapes cattycorner in the breakfast area - simply brilliant!!!!

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  62. LOVE that chandelier!!! LOVE it! I also LOVE the table...where did you din it? The transformation has been so fun to watch. I wonder if you are in the Houston area by the mention of some of the shops.

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  63. Gina, it is just so lovely - clean and fresh but still with lots of character. Perfect. Love the light fixture. xo Terri

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  64. Beautiful! Love, Love, Love the Dining Room!

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  65. Wow, job well done! You nailed the architectural details, the colors, the stone & tile, hardware, and furnishings. Enjoyed looking at your photos.

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  66. Hi,
    Im new to your blog and I picked a great day to find you. What a transformation!! I love what you have done. Just beautiful!

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  67. Just now seeing this post on the reno....it is absolutely gorgeous! I am so delighted for you. I love, love, love the feel of the place!! Outstanding job!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

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  68. Love the changes you made. Everything is so soft and simple looking. How do you keep the clutter out with a family? My favorite part is the bench and the worn wooden farm table. Simply wonderful!

    Blessings ~ Eileen @ Star's Fault

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  69. Absolutely stunning - I love seeing pictures of your house and how you have transformed it!

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  70. Your decoration looks fabulous. You mixed everything fabulously

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  71. I just bought a new house and I am really struggling with paint colors. What color did you use in the breakfast room? What color is that in the room with the Mora clock? Thank you!!! My walls cannot handle anymore swatches and I have painters coming in just a few days!

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  72. What a fantastic transformation Gina. I'm sure you aren't surprised that I love it! I could definitely live in a home designed by you. That linen was a steal. Great find! The grain sacks really add some nice texture.
    The windows all the way around the room are perfect. The lighting must be just wonderful.
    Oh, and I love the colors! I could go on and on.....
    Great job!!!
    xo
    Brooke

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  73. get out! what a wonderful job. colors and texture - everything! love it so much!

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  74. You've done an amazig job on your remodel! I also fell in love with the X design cabinets. I had a different inspiration picture though. I love your range area. I had to do the microwave above thing. Long story. This whole area you've created is just dreamy. I love, love all of your furniture.
    You can check out my version of the X design cabinets here in our new kitchen. I'm considering repainting my walls white.
    http://muchtodowithnothing.blogspot.com/2009/09/heres-kitchen.html
    Kelly

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  75. I see that you've answered my question about paint color. What about the blue/gray fabric used on the end chairs? Please share some information about it.

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  76. Anne,
    The chairs are from Verellen and the fabric was part of their linen line. Unfortunately it is discontinued.

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  77. OH my!
    What a change yuou made to the house!!! Fabulous! You have really good tase!

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  78. So beautiful! I would like to ask you a couple of questions. What is your paint color and the linen on the sitting room chairs? Also, what are the drapes in the breakfast room made of? I LOVE your home!

    Thanks for sharing!

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  79. Gina,

    What type of wood are your floors and what is the stain?

    Thanks,
    Nancy

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  80. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your breakfast room. What a great idea your angled corner curtain detail is. Your whole house is amazing. We're going to build a summer home in New Zealand this year and I will finally get my black/white kitchen. You have the exact pendants I want...I think Sarah Richardson used them in a kitchen she did, too. Are they Restoration Hardware Clemson or Classic Clemson? Love them!

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  81. Fabulous!!!!!!! Gorgeous!!!!!
    finally....Jealous!!! ;)

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  82. Breakfast room is lovely! And "romantic!"

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  83. What a lovely transformation and how wonderful that you took your time and really hand-picked all the items for each room. It really shows that there is real thought and heart behind the choices and as a result the atmosphere and general take is warm, inviting and special.

    The colours are beautiful. Perfect actually. All of it.

    Well done and congratulations on having made such a great home.

    x Charlotta

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  84. Wow! Fabulous! In love with so many elements here...that trunk as a coffee table for starters!

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  85. What a magnificent space you have created! It is simply stunning! Thanks for sharing....it is no wonder that "Romantic Homes" picked to feature it! Congratulations! Becky

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  86. Love all the light! Such a smart move adding the windows and removing those upper kitchen cabinets. Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing, -s

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  87. This would have to be the most beautiful before and after collection I have ever seen!

    As soon as my lovely is home I am going to show him and hope he is as inspired as I am.

    Huge ticks to everything - love the colour, love the mantel, love the chairs, LOVE LOVE LOVE the windows....Wow, I think I am hyperventilating!

    Catherine

    http://tigswhitecanvas.blogspot.com/

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  88. Yay!! Posted about your gorgeous 'nook' over at the new Flor design blog today...thanks for the beautiful inspiration.

    http://www.flor.com/blog/?p=5700

    PS - hope you're feeling better

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  89. Your new rooms are so beautiful. I am in love with your dining area!!

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  90. OMG, I just found your blog while I was researching swedish design. I am SO impressed with the before and after of your home, particularly the breakfast area. (I was also touched to read about your children growing up, like mine - bittersweet:)) Anyway, I hope this is the next home improvement for us and I'm bookmarking that page. I have so many questions but I will read on...Thanks for sharing!

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  91. I love what you did with the family room decorating. I've had pretty much NO ideas on what I should do with my family room, so I just might have to copy what you've done, haha! I'm sure it won't turn out as well as yours, but I can still try!

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