Here is a look at the entryway when I began the refresh. I will be sure to add updated photos to my Instagram page and here in the weeks to come.
Next up was refreshing the dining room. I wanted to start with the buffet area because the other wall I like the simple black magnolia arched window frame with Hobby Lobby candle sconces in either side. I like having timer operated candles for ambience in all of the house so these sconces add the perfect ambience. Below is my mood board for the buffet. The only new purchased item is the round mirror I found on sale for under $60.
Our dining table and buffet server are older pieces we got from Haverty’s furniture part of their Whitney marble top collection. The wood tones is expresso which has a black look. When we moved I purchased new chairs and a bench off amazon for very inexpensive along with a beaded chandelier that I found on Amazon also which was under $200. We had leather chairs before and I wanted something neutral and less cold looking.
I own the scale in the above photo already from Kirkland’s I plan to use some small wreaths of greenery and the timer operated candles in the scale. I then found the below lamp at Goodwill to make myself. The other lamps like the one on my mood board cost 199-300 dollars this one was only $6.99. I purchased a white simple lamp shade for $16.99 from Target and then I used matte black spray paint which we always have some on hand because I love spray paint. I added some wet dirt from the yard once the one coat of spray paint was dry. I simply dug up a couple small shovel loads of dirt into a cup with a little water then used gloves to rub it into the grooves and all over the lamp. I made sure to really rub it into the grooves and around the top to show the texture of the pattern. Here are some before photos of the lamp.
As you can see from the before photos the lamp had the perfect shape and style for this diy for the look I was wanting to go for. Here are some photos of the process and you can find saved to my Instagram stories some more videos of the during process. I got this idea from a friend Liz @desertdecor on IG and then Jaci another instagram designer and blogger who had also shared this technique on her IG. (@jaci.daily) Both of these ladies have amazing decor styles and homes. I wasn’t sure how this technique would come out in the end but seeing their amazing creations I couldn’t resist trying it myself. I am trying to incorporate more of my own design style and when I am trying to pin point a look I always look for homes that their style is a lot like my own or that I’m drawn to.
I couldn’t be happier with the end result. I have to still brush off some of the access dirt but I did remove some before bringing it inside by lightly brushing the exterior area. Next up will be to remove the larger rectangle mirror over the buffet, hanging the round mirror, then my next DIY is going to be making a smaller olive tree plant. I have seen a few online and in stores for $30-80 but I want to make one for under $15-20. I have a pot already, I plan to get a few longer Faux olive stems from the craft store then use brown craft tape from the floral department to make the trunk, I have styrofoam for the base and will either paint it or use moss to fill it in. I will be back after vacation to share my diy olive tree and pot for the tree, then I will share the entire buffet area styled.
Once I have that together my plan is to simplify my tablescape. It currently has my summer lemon decor so I will pack that up for the year, break out my macrame table runner, black and banana leaf rattan style chargers, then I am currently looking for some inexpensive smaller appetizer size plates in black and white or cream to use on top of my either black solid plates or hearth and hand from Target cream pottery larger plates. I also have the wire black metal napkin rings and several simple black and white linen napkin designs to go through to see which style I like best. I will keep the table centerpiece simple using maybe a large black pottery bowl with olive stems or my metal with glass vases with some simple white floral pieces and olive stems. Of course candles will be in the centerpiece trying to decide between the Magnolia Pottery Barn taper candle sticks I have in black metal or my larger pillar candle holders. I’m excited to share this space with y’all. I have been looking for some time for a corner hutch or smaller hutch for the dining room to refresh by painting but don’t want to spend over $100 and also don’t want it large because I know I will only fill it with things and want to keep things simple. Being into the bohemian and traveled design styles but wanting the minimalistic look isn’t easy because a lot of bohemian decor the more accents the better but I’m slowly working on editing out older pieces and getting rid of pieces I have had for years. It feels good to freshen up the house and it truly makes me feel rejuvenated.
I hope you have enjoyed my diy on my lamp from Goodwill. For more of the process check my Instagram account @cr8tivewanderlust and look under my saved story highlights. Any questions shoot me a message here below or feel free to email me. Have a great weekend and happy July 4th.
Peace and light always
Melissa xoxo
