Today I decorated the table in the dining room.
I added pumpkins and tinier pumpkins and a bay leaf garland and magnolia and evergreen and holly that covered the table and looked like fall….
….one last time.
I tucked the orange pillows on the chairs and fluffed the burlap curtains and straightened the dishes and swiped a cobweb off a woven, grapevine pumpkin.
And then?
Then I waved goodbye.
I waved goodbye to the rug with its gray and white and gold swirls and flowers.
I waved goodbye to the table and chairs and the pumpkins and the bay leaf garland.
I waved goodbye to the hutch (maybe)…
…and wiped a tear away as I gave it all one last look.
Bye sweet friends.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Oh the places you’ll go. Oh the things you’ll see. Oh the amazing new dining rooms you’re going to visit.
I’ll miss you.
Because tomorrow? I’m ch ch ch changing it all up.
I’m designing a new room for Sherwin-Williams.
A new paint color. An entirely new look. A new twist using some of what I have and some new things.
I’m shopping auctions and thrift stores and my attic.
Think warm and rustic and copper and gold and modern farmhouse with natural elements.
And the floor?
I have a surprise.
There won’t be a rug.
Instead, there will be a new treatment for some old wood. Fingers crossed it turns out like it looks in my mind.
It’s been eight years since I’ve really changed anything in this room and I can’t wait to get started.
I can’t wait to show you.
I can’t wait for a little before and after.
But for today I wanted to give the dining room a send off.
A party.
A celebration with style.
Today it’s all about bay leaf and magnolia and tiny pumpkins and evergreens and holly.
But tomorrow.
Tomorrow is a brand new decorating day. 🙂
PS And don’t worry. Don’t fret.
Those smocked burlap beautiful, wonderful, amazing burlap curtains?
They are coming along for the ride. 🙂
Where do you buy or how do you grown fresh bay leaves? How long will the garland stay fresh? Watching for the update!
Oh, I've loved this room for so long, Karianne. It will be fun to see how you transform it. The new combinations sound beautiful too. Sounds like you might paint your floor. I would be so afraid to do that (lol) but I know you'll do an amazing job with whatever you do on that front. By the way, the bay leaf magnolia evergreen holly garland is just lovely, especially all the pretty pumpkins tossed here and there. What a pretty presentation. Glad to know the smocked window treatments get a reprieve. Looking forward to seeing the new look. Happy day to you.
Oh no! Sniff Sniff! I have loved your dining room. I've visited it often. It's given me so much inspiration. I love neutral colors. After eight years,I guess it is time for a makeover. I'm in the process of changing my own home after ten years. Looking forward to the brand new dining room! By the way, are you selling off anything?
Weeks turn in to years, how quickly they pass.... Can't things all-of-a-sudden become drab and out of sync with what you love now? But, isn't it so.much.fun to recreate? Makes me giddy! Happy re-do day. Can hardly wait.
oooo!! I am so excited to see what you have in store! Change is always good! <3
This garland is magnificent and the pumpkins just add to its splendor! I would not be able to say good-bye just yet. That said, I can't wait to see the new and improved dining room. I'm especially curious about the plans for the floor. So glad that those divine smocked burlap curtains received an invitation to the next stage of your design expertise. Adieu to all of the other items that didn't make the cut, still love that rug and hope it returns in another space. Thank-you for this intriguing post with its promise of great things to come.
Eeeeek! I can't wait to see it!
Can't wait to see it - I'm doing some changing on my 165 year old house-keeping it period but fresher . Your friend across the miles Sherry
"Parting is such sweet sorrow!" I can't wait for this reveal!!! : )
How did you know I was wondering if the curtains would make the cut? Wait to see what you do!
I think I can take whatever is to come as long as the curtains stary!!! lol As I was reading, I thought, Oh Heavens don't lose the curtains. Can't wait to the see the new digs!
I can't wait!
I'd like to take your rug. Just need to ship it to France. I like having rugs because they soften the noise.
I LOVE YOUR DINING ROOM. Change can be good...knowing that creative mind of yours it will be spectacular...can't wait to see the reveal!
ooo! I can't wait to see what you're going to do! I know it will be amazing! And fresh! How exciting! I love redoing a room. I love when others redo a room and I get to see! I'll be looking for your post in my inbox. Hurray!
You do realize you will be starting a new decorating trend, right? :) Like you, the room will be epic!
KariAnne ~ how exciting! Love what you've had ~ but I'm sure the "next" dining room will be every bit as wonderful! Can't wait to see what this opportunity for you now brings to us ... in the way of change, ideas, and of course, WISH LISTS!!! Hugs, my friend in my head! kj
p.s. If you weren't letting those curtains stay, I would have "begged" for them! They are awesome.
Karianne, I have no doubt it will be over-the-top beautiful. In my humble opinion, your house is the prettiest blog house I've seen. It's unique and has some subtle trends, but it has its very own personality. Though I do love your dining room the way it is, it will be exciting to see the changes you make. Exciting!!!
I'm glad you gave your dining room a going away party. It deserved a big send off. Looking forward to seeing what you have planned!
Never a dull moment with you sweet girl. Can't wait to see what you do.....
Looking forward to what you're going to do and that first image is fantastic. If this foliage is real you can turn it into a wreath then spray it silver, gold or copper for Christmas and you have a door wreath. Use to be a florist and I guess it just never leaves you..
Well thank goodness! I was going to beg you not to get rid of the curtains or you know...give them to me. hehehehe Love this dining room! I'm sure I'll love the new one too! Can't wait to see what you do in there.
How does one improve on perfection? That being said, I can't wait to see the answer. Along with everyone else, I'm so glad the burlap curtains made the cut!
One NEVER discards smocked items. Smart choice. Can't wait to see the changes. I know it will be great and tastefully perfect.
KariAnne, Ahh...parting is such sweet sorrow! I can't wait to see what you do with your lovely dining room. It's another chapter of Adventures in Decorating with KariAnne. Have fun! ??
I know you will do an amazing job!!! I cannot wait to see it!
Eight years! Where does time go? Looking forward to the new dining room. Thank goodness the curtains made the cut.
That centerpiece is gorgeous! I can't wait to see the new finished room!
Oh my...looking forward to all the changes...they'll be fabulous for sure.
Wow, I love this room, but a before and after transformation sounds like fun too! And I can't wait to find out what the surprise for the floor is...!
Ooooooo, can NOT wait :)
Can't wait to see your new room! Glad you are keeping those gorgeous curtains. Excited to see the changes!
I'm afraid!! I know it will be gorgeous because you are the one decorating it! Can't wait to see it!!! Have fun.
Thank you for leaving the beautiful burlap smocked curtains I have admired for so long. I am so excited to see your new space and I know it will be fantastical!!!!! Lisa
Karianne, Oh for sure! Out with the old, in with the new! I'm doing the same thing here in my kitchen. Bye pink floral custom made drapes and light pink walls. Ha it was pretty while it lasted . Time to bring new life in to the room. I can't wait to see your new ideas. Christine
I love your dining room, but can't wait to see the reveal!!
This room us so lovely, but your description of where you're taking it next? I. Can't. Wait. To. See!!!!
Curiosity abound! I adore your dining room but look forward to new inspiring ideas. I so adore how you write, keeping us engaged, making us w-a-i-t for it and then the reveal and that last sentence which often causes thoughts racing through our minds, of possibilities, memories, strong emotions and wanting more. Hmmm....when is your book being published? What a treat that will be!
I can't wait to see your new room! The old one is fabulous and I'm pretty sure that this next transformation will be just as good!!
That garland is the most beautiful ever! Anxious to see your new space. I just know it will be amazing.
I'm sad! :-( I love your house and every time you invite me in I feel at home. It's almost a home away from home. I know you'll do a fantastic job and you always inspire me!! Have a great day, my talented friend!
Exciting! Will it all be done in time for Christmas decor? I hope so because that will mean we won't have to wait long to see the reveal! Can I come help? Lol! I would learn soooo much! Lol (I really would if I could!)
How did you actually make the magnolia or bay leaf garland???
Charley, Sorry about that! I was so busy wishing the dining room goodbye I wasn't very specific. The garland is listed in my Painted Fox shop: https://paintedfoxhome.com/product/bay-leaf-garland/ It's a faux bay leaf garland. Then I just tucked in pumpkins and sprigs of greenery including magnolia, holly and evergreens. That's it! Hope this helps! karianne
KariAnne….Cannot wait for your update…I have been blue since the last episode of Poldark…But you always seem to make me laugh…
Oh my.....I cannot wait to see what you are up to! I was so afraid for those curtains as I was reading your post! Whew...I am glad they are staying!
Your decor never grows old!
Even if your dining room at present is up for a re-do, it seems that you're right on trend now with the bench and the chairs and the white painted furniture -- you've been ahead of the trends and just as others are catching up to you, you're setting a new standard of function and style -- good for you!!! Best of luck in this creative endeavor and I look forward to the reveal!
I want those curtains. Love the room now but can't wait to see the transformation!
How exciting, KariAnne! Looking forward to seeing all the changes...I know they will be WONDERFUL!
I'm so excited ! Can't wait!
Oh no...I wanted the curtains. Will you sell them? I have looked all over for some like them with no luck. I need what I need and not anymore. Please sell them to me. Am anxious to see the next journey to your life. I was thinking how heavenly it must be to live in a big old house like that so you can always be remodeling and changing things. I love your site and would go through withdrawals without you and Thistlewood. I love you both. Couldn't live without your ideas. Thanks Kari Anne for all your ideas for all of us.
Can't wait to share your journey! I'm sure you will inspire us all. Have fun and if you need a junking buddy, give me a call...
...I've never been so excited to see all the changes you will make!! Keep us posted of all the steps along the way....how long will this process take?
Exciting happenings. Look forward to it. New fresh rooms are always fun!
Looking forward to tomorrow, I need inspiration, I need change. I'll be watching to see what wonderfulness you will come up with. (I know I'm ending a sentence with a preposition, but I'm from the South, we sometimes do that)
Oh how you tease us! Can't wait to see the new look.
How exciting, great time of year for a change! Can't wait to see it.
I live in an old farmhouse where every room is a project room. I look to you for inspiration and cannot wait to see your new dining room. I loved the "old" one.
I started reading your blog because someone had posted a picture of your dining room and I loved it...that was several years ago. Looking forward to your new design-but did love the old (hope the curtains are staying) : )
It sounds like you are going to have a winning combination of elements! Good luck...I can't wait! Jane
Looking forward to seeing the changes!! Color scheme sounds terrific to me!!..Have fun decorating!
Oh my gravy!!! I simply cannot wait!!! Hooray for You!!! Yippie, this is gonna be big badda boom kinda stuff... Ooops, really. No pressure. XOXOXO
I CANNOT wait to see what you come up with for the dining room - how exciting!!!
I wish I were you, as I have been stuck for many more years...
Oh, m'gosh, I can hardly wait to see what you have in store for your dining-room, KariAnne! I mean, I absolutely LOVE your dining-room as it is and would happily bring it all over here if I only could and I don't think I'm alone in that sentiment, but I just know the changes you have in store are going to be just as if not even more drop-dead gawjus! I am fully prepared for my jaw to drop...imma place a cushion on the floor under my face before the official reveal! ;) Here is hoping all goes as smoothly as possible for you and that things work out exactly as you want them to...fingers firmly crossed!
Thank goodness the burlap curtains are staying! I have curtain envy every time I see them! They make me smile. Can't wait to see your updated room, although I love the current look. They say change is good. Enjoy!
Ohhhh I can't wait either!!!!
I can't wait to see the transformation. You had me at copper...