
Thanks again to Susan @ http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for hosting this Metamorphosis Monday. Please visit her to see all the wonderful ideas and inspiration that everyone is sharing. You won't want to miss a one.
With every move and new home to decorate, there's always that one room or area that what you had before just doesn't seem to fit or work, and so you plan to replace with all new. That is the case with my kitchen/familyroom/breakfast area combo. The family room furn. just seems way to big and no matter what I do it is just hard to make it work. For a while I have looked for a new smaller sofa and couldn't find anything that I thought was right. Then our economy hit the skids and so I decided to put off the hunt. Well now I am tired of this area where we spend most of our time looking so bad, so I'm making do with what I have and doing some thrifty decorating. Below is a picture of the sad state of affairs I had left the breakfast room in. No decorating at all, just sit the furniture down and leave it.

I finally decided to get my act together and use a little bit of imagination and some thrifty fabric ($3 yd.) and make some drapes and to do a little house shopping and see if I could pull this area together. I know this is not the prettiest spot for the computer, but I love to have it in this area of the house because it allows me to watch tv, cook, visit with the family and also visit all of you at the same time. I've decided to leave it and embrace it. Well just going through closets, shelves in the garage and the kitchen cupboards I was able to pull enough together to make a huge improvement. It may not be perfect, but it does look better.

Boy have I ever gotten a million decorating miles out of all the plates I've been finding at my Goodwill. I put a few around the mirror to give it a little more importance and pizzaz. It really does look better doesn't it? Did you notice I also put some on the table with the soup tureen? Goodwill has definitely become my favorite store.

The adjoining familyroom is also going through a transformation. I am using all the furniture that I thought wouldn't fit and making it work. Just have to hang the drapes and do a few tweaking with accessories and hopefully it will be done this week. I think we can all make do and still have a pleasant home if we just look around and think positively.
Thanks for stopping by, I always look forward to your visits.
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It looks wonderful, Marty. A great Metamorphosis for a Monday!!
ReplyDeleteMarty, your dining room look really pretty with all your plates around the mirror and over the curtain rod....how clever. I agree with what your motto is today. I have a saying over my front door that is place right under a photo of Jesus sitting on a mountain looking down in the valley that I got at an antiques store. It says: The happiest people in life don't have the best of everything, they make the best of everything they have! Kudos to you for a job well done with what you had!
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot to tell you that all the animals are fine! Thank goodness....
ReplyDeleteoh Marty, you are far too hard on yourself (sounds alot like me...haa) geesh i thought the before was good, but the after is just the sugar on top....we have been in our home for almost two years and still cant seem to complete my living room or kitchen. I, like you, are trying so hard to use what we have and hopefully i will be as successful as you. I like your computer there and most importantly its in an area where you are happy with it, afterall we really dont live in magazine rooms. Be proud, you did a fabulous job. Oh and about 99.9% of my decor is done on sales and clearouts, example, the mirror above the cabinet was on clearance for 17 dollars.
ReplyDeletehugs
janet
oh marty i love it so much!,the plates are looking great and i love them around the mirror!..you've been a busy lady i see..lol..i'll be back later..
ReplyDeletep/s tomorrow i'm going to the goodwill store see what i can find..
Marty...Way to transform your room without spending a fortune...it looks great! I especially love the drapes...those totally change the feel and look of the room! Don't you just love all the treasures you can find at Goodwill! Plates are so much fun to decorate with, aren't they! :-) Susan
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so pretty and fresh. Love the white with the tureen and the plates. You did a great job without breaking the bank! Linda
ReplyDeleteOh Marty...You never cease to amaze me! I love the new look! You know I like those plates around the mirror! And your drapes are just gorgeous! You are a very talented lady, my friend!! hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteOhhhh Marty, I just LOVE what you did to your breakfast room. It looks so good! I can't believe a lot of that stuff came from Goodwill! Please come to Alabama and help me!!
ReplyDelete{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}
Robin :o)
Oh, I just love the plates!! I think they look amazing with that mirror. The whole room looks beautiful and I didn't even notice the computer until you pointed it out. I think it blends right in with the space.
ReplyDelete~Michelle
You'll be glad you embraced the computer. Mine is at the desk in my kitchen. I probably spend too much time there. I love your plate collection.
ReplyDeleteHi Marty,you sure have been busy.This looks great,drapes look very elegant,the whole room has a finished look to it now.I agree with momv3,don't even notice the computer at all.I like to have my computer in about the same place most of the time.
ReplyDelete(((hugs)))Cyndi
Marty,
ReplyDeleteI love the update. Your very clever with your new finds from Goodwill and the drapes add so much! From one thrifty decorator to another, Great Job! Cindy
Looks great Marty.... Amazing how different the room looks!
ReplyDeleteI love your Goodwill finds, and your makeover! I just love the look of plates hanging on the wall, it just adds so much beauty.
ReplyDeleteMarty. The url for my blog is http://kbeau.blogspot.com. I'm not sure why I did it that way instead of my blog name, but it's shorter and KBeau is what my grandson calls me. Maybe you can get it to link now.
ReplyDeleteMarty, my first reaction when I scrolled thru your blog and saw the "after" photo, was WOW are you kidding me?? This looks fantastic, just wanted to share my thoughts, great job, and I am starting to love me some GW too, lol Sue
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful!!! You are getting some great use out of the deals you find at the thrift store. I love the curtains. I wish I could sew, but my mom can... I wish we had a GW around here.
ReplyDeleteIt's really pretty -- has a much more "homey" feel now!
ReplyDeleteHOLY GUACAMOLE, MARTY!!! You did a FAAAABULOUS job here ~~~ it's honestly hard to imagine "the way it WAS" after seeing the "after" pic! (Think you missed a calling here, sista'!). Just delightful, and I agree with you on having your computer where it is~~~ that way you won't miss out on anything! FUN!!! Thank you for sharing! Warmly, Linda
ReplyDeleteGreat transformation! I love Goodwill and am a plate lover too! Can't wait to see your adjoing room makeover!
ReplyDeleteblessings
mary
I am so envious of people who can sew. Your drapes make it so much warmer and the plates were a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThe room looked pretty before, but after, wow!
ReplyDeleteI love the plates around the mirror. I am a huge believer in draperies, and yours are perfect for the windows. I love the platter over the windows. This is just beautiful!!!
Hi Marty! I love your transformation. Those plates look so pretty around that gorgeous mirror! I believe your lovely drapes just really add a lot to your room.
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Love the new look, Marty! Good job! And I love the plates displayed like that. Did you get the blue and white square (more like an octagon)plate from Goodwill also? It is so pretty! I am still waiting for you to do a tablescape with your plates...Christine
ReplyDeleteHi Marty! You are finding some lovely plates at GW., also my favorite store to find a great buy at a super price! ;) The room really did get a great facelift with everything you did! Looks great! ~CC Catherine ;)
ReplyDeleteI love your plate collection surrounding the mirror. It looks lovely. They say necessity is the mother of invention and you have certainly proved that.
ReplyDeleteThis looks fantastic! This might be a dumb question, but how do you hang your plates?
ReplyDeleteMarty this is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove the draped fabric on the table and your new plates are gorgeous.
~Wonderful MM! ;)
Marty - are these the curtains you've talked about making? If so, they're perfect! Great job on this on-a-budget room!! Looking at the way you've set your table, I think you'll need to take close-up photos and post for the Tablescape event :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks again for your comments on our blog - you're always so supportive and positive about our efforts!
Victoria from EdinDesigns @ DesignTies
Hi Marty...The plates around the mirror really caught my eye...I LOVE the look of that! The drapes you made really dress up that area... great job! ;-) Bo
ReplyDeleteMarty, this looks wonderful! The drapes are gorgeous, and I love the plates around the mirror. I can't believe how you pulled this together on such a budget. And I didn't notice the computer until you mentioned it, because I was busy looking at all of the beautiful things you've done in here. Just fantastic. Hugs, Kathy
ReplyDeleteLove it!!! I really need to shop your goodwill, mine never has such great stuff!! Huggsss
ReplyDeleteMarty, beautiful job! I'm just so envious about your having a Goodwill to find things. My closest one never has anything (insert whiny voice here).
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Goodwill was good to you! Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteA great job!! love this goodwill fabulous make-over!
ReplyDeleteblessings,
kari & kijsa
Very nicely done... Great choice for today! Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteHi Marty, it is beautiful! And what a transformation. Your draperies soften the space perfectly and your GW treasures are wonderful. I think I need to come to Arizona to find some good bargains at GW. The one here never has anything nice. I like to keep my computer in my kitchen/breakfast area, too. It's a good way to stay in touch while cooking and watching tv.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Marty, like the wall color, plates and all!
ReplyDeleteLinda Q
You should have some beautiful plates. Had to enlarge the pic and gaze at each one. LOVE THEM!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy! Candy
Love the plates around the mirror. i have always thought it was a great look but, I am chicken to poke that many holes in the wall that I know I will be getting to fix later. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMarty how fun! I love plates and what you did with yours looks wonderful. I love the plates circling the mirror. You have done a lovely job of decorating!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Debbie
I would put this in the *major* renovation/transformation category!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing what a difference it made to put those plates on the wall! Love the way you circled the top of the mirror with them. Between that and the draperies, it looks like a totally different room. Great job! laurie
ReplyDeleteIt looks fantastic! mishelle
ReplyDeleteI love the plates around the mirror and the center piece on your table.
ReplyDeleteHi Marty,
ReplyDeleteNo we don't know anything about moving yet. I will post on it as soon as we hear a definite answer.
It's possible we won't have to move but that Alex will have to go to Iraq for a year leaving me here.
Believe me I'm not happy about this possibility at all but it's a real one.
Take Care,
~Melissa
Marty, your room looks so nice! I especially like the plates arranged around your round mirror.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a good Monday☺
hi Marty, thanks for coming by today my friend,love it when you do...i wanted to tell you i went to the gw store today and Marty i found nothing everything was really junky so i ended up at homesence thats where i bought the wreath and the birds, they have so many cute thing but of course full price ,no easter sales yet....have a good night and ttys....silvia..
ReplyDeleteMarty this looks terrific! So much warmer and more inviting!! French;)
ReplyDeleteLovely! It looks so beautiful and inviting!
ReplyDeleteHi Marty! Oh, thank you so much for you visit! I love to embroider, but I do live a busy life and just have to make the time to do it! You should pick it up again! I'd love to see your work!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Hey Marty...it is amazing what a few changes wil do for a room...love how warm and inviting it is and the fact that you just used what you had with a few greaat finds....I love plates hanging on a wall..not that I'm addicted to dishes or anything mind you! lol lol
ReplyDeleteHi Marty,
ReplyDeleteI am late getting to your tablescape. I wasn't feeling well last week. I love the neutral colors but what caught my eye was the lovely way you displayed the dishes around your mirror! Love that! Thanks for stopping by Carolina Panache today. As you see I'm ready for spring and EASTER. I plan to post losts of tips and ideas over the next 4 weeks so stay tuned...
Warmly,
Alisa
Marty, Pat told me about this post and wow,it looks wonderful The draperies turned out so nicely and I like the platter above the window.You really have a great collection of plates,no wonder you keep going back,I would also.Your GW is a great decorating resource and you have used your treasures beautifully. Hugs Kathysue
ReplyDeleteFabulous Marty.And I blew up the picture to see the plates.There are gorgeous.Did you get ALL of them at GW?Wow.and the dining room looks sooo much better...Ann
ReplyDeleteOh Marty it doesn't even look like the same room! It went from kind of cold to warm and charming french country! You've got mad skills girlfriend! I love the plates! And that mirror is gorgeous too! Beautiful job! Vanna
ReplyDeletewow, wow and double wow!! Marty this is fabulous! I love the style and the feel! Thanks for visiting my space, as it brought me to yours and I would have hated to miss this. So many blogs, so little time.. vickydarnell
ReplyDeleteHi Marty :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being so sweet with all your comments! I'm so wrapped up in this house I haven't had time to get around and see everyone like I normally do.
The room is fantastic! You did a really beautiful job and I love those plates :)
hugs,
rue
Oh my word Marty, you have sooooo many comments, I couldn't believe how many you had! That's amazing you have soooo many friends...how wonderful! Yes, it is truly an amazing place...Hawaii so if you ever get the chance to go there....take advantage....!
ReplyDeleteHi Marty! Oh, what a privilege to know we've been loved! So many don't get the love they should have. I'm glad you were blessed with that love, Dearness.
ReplyDeleteBE a sweetie,
shelia ;)
Marty,
ReplyDeleteGreat job, I especially like the plates around the mirror, boy!!! I am getting a lot of ideas here in blogland!!!! I's amazing how a few touches of a woman's hand can transform a room!!! Thank you for stopping by and your sweet words.
blessings,
Sue
DEAR MARTY,
ReplyDeleteWHAT A BEAUTIFUL TRANSFORMATION WITH SUCH JUST A TOUCH OF YOUR PRECIOUS HANDS....THE CURTAINS ARE SO PRETTY AND I LOVE THE PLATES AROUND THE MIRROR.
BEAUTIFUL JOB
LOVE...LOVE IT
debbie
wow, I finally can leave a comment...blogger is having real issues! I love how you put the plates around the mirror. That is such a great idea. The room looks lovely!
ReplyDeletehi!!!! I love what you did with the mirror - adding the plates - it really makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comments!!! They are much appreciated. You are always so sweet.
Joni
Your drapes look lovely, and I noticed the platter hanging over the window. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteMarty, thank you for stopping over this morning. I love the plates around your mirror.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
Hi Marty, i love it everytime you stop by.
ReplyDeleteHope dh feels better soon, believe it or not, i was thinking about you yesterday,I went to another gw store and let me tell you, the dishes they had were amazing, I was thinking to myself if Marty were here she'll probably buy them all!lol..i just bought a little dish to put crackers in, its cute and only$1 but you are right, you can some pretty specials things in there..anyways have a great day and ttys...silvia..
Hi Marty, I just found you and am so glad I did.
ReplyDeleteI am a wife, mom and nana to 7; raised & lived in Ca. til last year when i moved to Co. I so understand being retired and wanting to fluff our nests-yours looks perfect to me but I understand wanting to tweak things a bit.
Have a blessed day.
Noreen
I especially like the garland of plates around the mirror. I wish there was a Goodwill near me since they seem to have such desireable items in stock.
ReplyDeleteHello Marty, I am having fun snaking through the blogs of people who follow mine, and the journey led me here somehow! I am so glad I landed here to see your room makeover. Seeing this is going to get me off of this computer and back to what I was doing, which is cleaning our abode here at "Slug's Rest"....but now I am inspired to tear the room apart and move furniture around and dust and redecorate the area where I am sitting now. Before I get started, I want to give you the credit for moving me to action! Turn on the smooth jazz station, I am getting out the can of Pledge! I am securing the apron around my belly as we speak! Have a fantastic Thursday, Love from Mrs. Slug in a soon to be cleaner house! xoxoxoxoxoxxox!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, I have never seen so many comments on a post before! You're the most popular blogger I know Marty! I wanted to let you know the little foal passed away early this morning. Radish didn't make it. I just saw the message on my post, went over and read the whole story and it's heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your next decorating venture, do you have one?
Thanks Marty,
ReplyDeleteRomeo is doing great! He was out in the pasture trying to eat all the dead grass! His head never comes up when I whistle anymore (sad) but he's in heaven out there!
Fabulous work you've done with it!! It's all so warm and so inviting and comfortable looking.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my Show and Tell. The story behind the header pig is that it is a photo of an oil painting that my aunt did. That is me riding the pig. She used a picture of me when I was about three.
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping in, Dear One! Hope your weekend is great!
ReplyDeletebe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
The plates around the mirror creates a really interesting look. It's fun to be creative with things that you already have :-)
ReplyDeleteKelly @ DesignTies
Wow Marty - the before and after are amazing!! Those plates really make that mirror stand out!!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good weekend - Meghan leaves Sunday to go back to school so I'll be spending as much time with her as I can on Sat and Sun. Her birthday is next week (Tues) - she'll be 19 - cannot believe it!! I'll be doing a couple of posts around that!
Have a good one ~
Dear Marty,
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Way to go! It turned out beautifully! I imagine you enjoy your time here even more now. All of my rooms are multipurpose too and I always want to be close to the rest of the family. How very nice! Tanks for stopping by to see me too. Love, Paula
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I signed up to follow you and added you to my blog roll. Your blog is beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteGood morning , Marty! What are you doing this weekend? I hope you have a good one...Christine
ReplyDeleteHi Marty, Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love to find new friends, I am so addicted to reading blogs and getting new ideas/recipes/etc
ReplyDeleteI love the plates around the mirror. That is a neat idea. I am going to have to visit our Goodwill store, I just can't believe people find such great things there.
What a wonderful makeover...wow! I love the table runners on the table and the plates around the mirror are perfect! Such a beautiful room.
ReplyDelete~Kelli
loved your input on the portraits...I think it's the personal things that makes a house a home.
ReplyDeleteHi Marty,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by today. We had a great day but it's good to be back....I'm sore from riding and have a feeling going to be ever more sore tomorrow....good thing I have a chiropractic adjustment tomorrow too! LOL!
Thanks for stopping by to visit with me and posting such a kind comment. I just love your redo and those plates...I need to do that!
ReplyDelete