The Evolution of the Breakfast Area
We’re sharing the evolution of the breakfast area as part of the Late Summer Flower Power Mini Blog Hop hosted by the always sweet and creative, Cecilia of My Thrift Store Addiction.
If you’re coming over from Cecilia’s blog, welcome, we’re excited to have you here! I’m constantly amazed at all the beautiful ways Cecilia brings flowers into her home and enjoys her garden on a daily basis. It’s so inspiring!
I was recently reminded while putting together our Journeys End Home Tour just how much our style has evolved since moving to this tiny island cottage.
On one hand, I look back at some of our old photos and totally cringe 😂
On the other hand, they make me feel proud we were willing to keep trying different things until we found a style we love 🙌
The best example of this is the evolution of the breakfast area.
The Evolution of the Breakfast Area: Our Old Reality…
When I first moved to the island, we used a glass table for everyday dining.
But once our circle of friends and family started growing, we realized we needed a larger table with more seating.
So, my bestie S built the table. I gave it a quick whitewash, painted the chairs in a coastal shade named Green Tea, bought a rug from Pier 1, a light from Ballard Designs and called it good to go.
About a year later, I fell in love with neutrals.
We added drop cloth curtains, wicker chairs, and painted the breakfast nook chairs white.
The following year, we traded out the old wicker chairs for new wicker chairs from IKEA. Then put them on each end of the table.
We also brought home farmhouse style chairs we found while at the cabin.
The changes were really subtle.
But adding new layers of texture and changing the scale of the chairs made a big difference.
Once we settled a bit on the chairs, we shopped the house and started trying various pieces of furniture from cabinets to hutches in the breakfast area.
We also began switching up the wall art, pillows, and curtains which always makes a big but budget friendly impact too.
Embracing Pops of Pink…
Most recently, I added pink curtains, new floral pillows and created a simple farmhouse inspired centerpiece.
Centerpieces like this are convenient because they can be cleared away for dinner or snacks without a lot of extra effort.
And the flowers can be switched up at any time depending on the season or celebration.
I know it’s easy sometimes to get stuck when our decorating ideas don’t work out in real life like we think they should in our head.
Especially, when there are lots of decisions involved or the process is taking longer than we expect.
Afterall, it’s the details that can cause us to feel so overwhelmed we wind up with analysis paralysis because we don’t want to make design decisions we’ll regret.
And while I completely understand the resources it takes to make a house a home, I also want to encourage you to take a chance on the potential you have sitting right in front of you.
As we grow and change so do our decorating choices.
Sometimes they’re bold and sometimes they’re much more subtle.
But the end goal is always the same.
To create a home that welcomes us with open arms as soon as we walk through the front door.
A home that feels warm, welcoming, calm, clean, comfortable, uncluttered, and relaxing.
As we begin to transition from one season to the next, I hope you’ll look at the spaces in your home with a fresh perspective.
There are always things we can do both big and small to create a home we love, so don’t wait!
Late Summer Flower Power Mini Blog Hop…
Other Flower Inspired Posts to Enjoy:
- Spring Flowers Porch Tour
- Cottage Inspired Summer Porch Tour
- Cottage Roses Front Door Flower Basket
- Quick and Easy 5 Minute Topiary
- Simple Window Box Centerpiece for Spring or Summer
Many blessings,
CoCo
Thank you for sharing this post! It helps to remind us that our homes don’t have to be perfect right from the start & that over time we will find perfection in each little change. I think I put too much pressure on myself to get it right the first time! The trouble is that I really love decorating, so need to have more fun in the process! Thank you for reminding me of that 🙂
http://www.glitteryourdash.com
You are so speaking to my heart, Blake! I used to feel that way too. I would pick the wrong paint color or buy the wrong accessories and it would end up a hot mess. I would be too embarrassed to invite people over. It was crazy pants. Thankfully, I’ve relaxed a bit and over the years have come to understand my style better. You have a fun, relatable, girly style that I love! Hello, do we even need to talk about those gold animal diy drink stirrers – total genius. Keep at it lady. I know it’s going to be amazing. Hugs for a happy day, CoCo
Your home is always beautiful. I love this post and it’s so true. At times we have to embrace our homes. It takes to to make a house a home. Embrace the journey.
Simplicity on a kitchen table is key and yours is beautiful!
Such sweet and thoughtful words, Cindy, thank you so much! It’s funny how we go through so many different phases over the years. I think trying new things and color combinations is all part of the fun of a decorating journey though. And I’m totally with you simplicity is always key 🙂 Big hugs, CoCo
What a transformation your space has gone through! I can see how much it has evolved and it looks very welcoming and filled with layers of texture. Bravo! I really love the mix of seating around your table now. Everyone can pick the seat that suits them. Hope you have a happy weekend.
Nancy
Thanks so much, Nancy! Figuring out the seating has definitely been a fun part of the equation. I think once I fell in love with those chairs from IKEA and the headboard turned bench that used to belong to my mom – it was all over 🙂 Hope you have an happy weekend as well, CoCo
Hey CoCo – We love the evolution of your space and your style! Vicki’s grandpa used to say “what does your heart tell you” ? You have clearly listened to your heart and your room sings in glory! The breakfast area is so warm and inviting. Hopefully one day we can all sit around your table sipping coffee, eating fresh baked brownies and laughing to our hearts delight! Well done!
You guys are the sweetest, thanks so much! It would definitely be a dream come to sit at this table and enjoy coffee and sweet treats with you. Hugs for a happy day, CoCo
CoCo, I love how you’ve layered in so many textures and cozy neutral shades in your breakfast area. I looks like the perfect space to linger over a cup of coffee. And how great that those chairs were already in your garage! I love using things that are already on hand.
Thank you, Jamie! Can we just talk about how many times things in the garage have help save a look ha ha. We’re desperately trying to clear that whole space out. Luckily, I have plenty of projects ready to meet the challenge ha ha! Hope your day is a fun one, CoCo
Hi CoCo – I love seeing the transformation of this room and how much your chairs have changed 🙂 I am in this phase currently where I keep evolving as far as my style goes. It has changed so much in the last year, but I am still not in love with it. Happy to know other people go through similar situations. Hope you have a great weekend!
-Shayla
The good news is situations like this gives us an opportunity to find out how we really want our homes to look and feel. Just keep adding things you truly love and take away/edit things you only like or have settled for…you’ll get there…promise 🙂 Can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Sending you hugs, Coco
Oh I love it! Can you come to my place and do the same? I just live in Australia LOL:) not too far away! Thanks for sharing this beautiful transformation with us at #OvertheMoon and I hope you enjoy many scrumptious breakfasts there.
I appreciate it, Sue! I would love to come and help you any time ha ha. I swear I’ve never seen a bad picture of Australia ever 🙂 It’s gorgeous!
Hi Coco, Congratulations! Your post was in my top two picks for this week’s Over the Moon link up. I loved what you did with the Breakfast area and you inspired me to take a look at my home. Thanks for linking up and hope to see more of your creations next week.
That’s so sweet of you, Sue, thank you so much! I appreciate your kind comments about the breakfast area. It’s exciting when it feels like things are finally coming together 🙂 Hope your day has been fantastic, CoCo
You have shared something very wise with us today.
Things change, we grow, we like different things- it is all good.
Thank you for joining our 2nd Thoughts of Home on Thursday party!
*pinning to our TOHOT board.
I appreciate it, Laura! Those first pictures were totally scary ha ha but I think I’m finally on the right track 🙂 Hugs, Coco
I love, love the breakfast area! So totally my style. Thanks for sharing at#HomeMattersParty
That’s so sweet of you to say, Michelle, thank you so much! Hope your day is fantastic, CoCo
I love how this came out – how pretty!
Thank you so much, Tianna, I really appreciate it. As you can see from the first pictures (hello, scary) it has definitely been a fun journey to finding my true style 🙂 Hope your day is awesome, CoCo
I love your transformation! My favorite is the weathered cabinet! It is beautiful and adds so much character to the space. Great job! Thanks for sharing.
I really appreciate it, Crystal, thank you so much. That weathered cabinet is one of my favorites too. It was the first piece we learned to hang door on 🙂 Hope your day is a fun one, CoCo
CoCo, I love your whitewashed table, pretty pink accents, and lovely floral decor! As always, you have created a beautiful space! Thanks for joining us! Pinned and sharing on IG later! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
You are too kind, Cecilia, thank you so much. I really appreciate it! Thank you for putting this fun blog hop together too. You guys inspire me all the time. Big hugs, CoCo
What a lovely room. Our breakfast area is constantly evolving as well, but one thing remains constant…there is always a giant pitcher of flowers on the table!! Love your pinks!
Thank you so much, Kim! I swear flowers make everything better. Hope your week is a special one. Heading over now! Big hugs, CoCo
Oh my goodness! Your breakfast room is gorgeous and I love how you’ve incorporated pink in the area. I grew up in a house with pink walls in the living and dining rooms and I may have to figure out a way to use pink here. I’m in love with your floral centerpiece, by the way!
Thank you so much, Jane! We just painted one of the guest bedrooms the prettiest shade of pink so I love hearing that you grew up in a house with pink walls too! The floral centerpiece could not be easier to make and you can literally dress it up or down and use it for multiple seasons. Loved your summer blooms and can’t wait to see everything you have in store for Fall as well. Hugs, CoCo
Your evolving style is always fun to watch! I love the calm pinks and ironstone (my favorite!). You’ve inspired me to pull out my largest ironstone pitcher for some flower arranging! Great fun hopping with you! xo Kathleen
Oh, my word, Kathleen, some of those picts could easily be filed under hot mess 😂 So excited we’ll be twinsies with the ironstone arrangements. I tell ya, collecting it never gets old! Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo
You stated that your wicker chairs were from IKEA. Do you know if they’re still available? Love using wicker inside! That’s a cute little white furry body squeezed between the pillows…..!
Debbie,
I just checked the IKEA website and it looks like the chairs I have are no longer sold. They are called the Byholma Wicker Chair. IKEA does have another wicker chair available called the Agen Armchair that is really cute too and is reasonably priced. You’d have to check your measurements but it might work for around a breakfast nook table or even gathered around a round work table or accent table in a small seating area as well. The sweet furry body belongs to our rescue Piper who is a ton of work but brings absolute joy to our lives each day 😍 Hope your day has been a fun one so far, CoCo
The subtle changes you were able to make using inexpensive or repurposed items over time was such a smart way to decorate this room. You were able to control your costs, while giving yourself plenty of time to think. I absolutely love how you approached this room!
Thank you, Heidi! Sometimes things come together really quickly and other times it seems to take months or even years to find a look you love! Thankfully, we have plenty of time and patience to keep trying different things until we get there. Hope your week has been a fun one so far, CoCo
Hi CoCo, love these pictures! Even though neutral is not my style, I love the way you put things together and I take inspiration from you. Also enjoyed seeing Piper snuggling between the pillows!
That is such a sweet and kind compliment, Vee, thank you so much. I really appreciate it! It’s always fun to take a walk down memory lane and see how much things have changed over the years. I never thought I’d have color in my home. But these pops of pink have stolen my heart 😉 While I wouldn’t say Piper is well behaved by ANY stretch of the imagination, she is definitely making progress and learning to trust us more and more each day. She LOVES to look for turtles, birds, squirrels, and lizards from the breakfast bench. So much so, she bit a peephole in the blinds big enough to see out now even when they’re closed 😂 She’s so cute it’s hard to be mad at her but even I had to walk away for a long break that day ❤ Sending you big hugs, CoCo
The fun is in all of the transitions we make. I love seeing yours. Hugs, Laura
Thank you so much, Laura! It’s always fun to take a look back. Hope your day is filled with all good things, CoCo
I love seeing your evolution of your dining area. Totally amazing how we grow and change our ideas and outlook on decorating. Love the paint changes, on the walls and with the furniture. So many beautiful ideas, one is your use of pink which you totally pull off. I rarely decorate with the lighter colors of pastels, but you make them “totally you”! I always love coming to visit, CoCo!
Such sweet and kind words, Debra, thank you! I put off using pink for the longest time because I was so afraid it would look like a nursery or a little girl’s room. I kept coming back to it over and over again though so I’m thankful I finally took the plunge. It feels like the perfect pop of color now 🙂 Sending you hugs for a happy weekend, CoCo
I am in analysis paralysis for sure and do not like it! It’s like making deviled eggs. You know it will be good in the end but do we really want to have that tootie smell in the house all day? Serious issues over here. I agonize over every decision and I don’t even spend much money on things. My saving grace is also loving the neutrals. Isn’t it great that having neutrals as a base allows us easy changes on a whim?! Why yes, yes it does. And I adore the pink. Love the transformation! pinned
You always give me the giggles, Cindy! Deviled eggs are like twice-baked potatoes – they are so good but they take so long you almost wonder if it’s worth it 😉 I love having neutrals and pops of pink too. They’re both super versatile! As far as having analysis paralysis, I almost never seem to have it with others people’s homes, only my own. Thankfully, I’m working every day to recover from my perfectionistic ways 🙌 Thank you for making our Zoom date a priority today, you made my week ❤ Big Hugs, CoCo
I love the whole look, CoCo! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s.
Thanks so much, Ann, I really appreciate it! Hugs, CoCo
CoCo, I love the changes you’ve made in your dining/breakfast room!! The pops of pink and the married china hutch are really stunning… Love your style! Happy to have featured your post at last week’s Share Your Style #314 for you. <3
Happy almost fall,
Barb 🙂
Thank you so much, Barb, I really appreciate it! It’s always fun to go back and look at how much things have changed. I can’t believe the Fall season is already here. I’m totally ready for it. Hope you are too! Hugs, CoCo