Cottage Dining Room and Catch Up
This coastal cottage dining room is decorated in neutrals, punctuated with black & white buffalo check curtains. With a relaxed causal vibe and a timeworn farm table, it warmly welcomes family & friends.
Happy August from the cottage! Anyone else want another July? I know I do. It’s been sublime here. Sublime I tell you! Sunny, soft breezes, wonderfully mild warm temps. I love it! This weather is everything that keeps me loving the Oregon Coast. Even in the rainy season. I am not even close to ready to let it go.
This is a post I’ve really needed to write, just to bring you into what’s going on in my world. So I thought we’d sit around my farm table to do it! I’ve been terrible about sharing this part of my life, instead posting sporadically on Facebook and Instagram without a full story to explain. Well today, I’m going to try to catch you up on the last 6 months of happenings here. Please forgive me if I repeat something.
I’m going to just do bullet points. Hopfully that keeps it shorter.
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Some of you may recall my knee has given me trouble on and off for a few years now. I recently found out I actually need a knee replacement, due to bone loss from arthritis (right knee). But my doctor and I agree that we want to try to put that off as long as possible.
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Before we took our trip to Savannah, I had my first cortisone injection in my knee. That helped, and with no aggressive walking, we had a wonderful time! I’m sorry I never did a proper blog post to share our trip with you. Because…
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I returned home from Savannah, and in early June, right before I flew to to California to visit my family, I came down with a cold. I proceeded to get just terribly sick while I was there, I had to hit urgent care (not like me at all) and I had a horrible chest cold for weeks. It really knocked me for a loop.
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Now, because of the trouble with my right knee, I’m not walking correctly, and my gate is off. I know… I’m just a mess. Sadly, I’ve developed a horrible case of planter fasciitis in my left foot. I’m doing everything I can to get it under control. Ice, ibuprofen, supportive footwear, night splint, stretches, stretching tools, etc…
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Because of this, my mobility has been really compromised so I haven’t been able to do all the fun decorating I love so much. Sometimes my heel is so bad I can’t step down on it at all. Between that and my knee. It’s almost comical.
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I just had my second cortisone shot last Thursday, and my knee hurt so badly, that I spent Friday with my leg up and ice on my knee, all day. So far, it’s not as successful as the first one. That has me a bit worried.
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All of the above is why I have not been as active doing projects and seasonal decorating like I normally do. I would go crazy if I let my house fall apart, so after my work obligations, cleaning and keeping things up is coming first right now, as well as all the things we do to keep our homes running smoothly; like doing the marketing, banking, laundry, watering my Summer flowers, etc…
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Right now, my hope is to put off a knee replacement as long as possible! If that means even making it through the holidays and then re-assessing, I’m okay with that.
Whew! I tried to keep that as short as possible. Now, all of that knee & heel business aside, it doesn’t stop my from planning for future projects!! Because the wheels in my head never stop spinning.
I’m so glad I never told you guys I was considering a kitchen renovation (at least I don’t think I did?)… because I decided that our budget would be better spent doing a few smaller-scale things in the kitchen, and saving the larger budget to finally renovate our upstairs bathroom. Keeping in mind, I could change my mind. Like that time we decided to build a shop and put all our other large renovation plans on hold. I’ll try really hard to share my mini kitchen plans & ideas with you when I share the new brick wall!
As far as the dining room goes… if you don’t turn the other way, you’d never know we had the far wall of the kitchen cabinets torn out to install the new brick accent wall. So, we will pretend that’s all just not there right now. Sound good? Good!
With the kitchen (plan reveal soon) underway, that means the farm table, and our “dining room” is staying as-is! I’ve been searching for 4 matching dining room chairs. The set I have now is lovely, but I only bought 2, and was using them as the captains chairs, or at the head of the table.
I got them at HomeGoods, and I finding another set of 2 that match (buying online isn’t an option, not being able to side by side compare the color and finish) is a long shot. I found a chair I fell head-over-heels for, but they are $400 a piece! And that is not going to happen.
Right now, I’m making due with a DIY bench, and the two rattan chairs I already own. I don’t want to settle, so instead I’m going to hope something finds me somehow, or I fall for something at a lesser price-point. It could happen.
The really great news about this space is, that we are going to have an electrical box installed over the dining table!! I can finally hang a light fixture. The ceiling has no outlets or boxes now, and after 12 years… I’d say it’s time.
The little brass plug in sconces have been a true blessing, and I plan to keep them. I love that they dim, and they are a wonderful source of ambient light.
I also plan to repaint the door a more subtle color so it’s not so prominent in the room. The current shades been very fun, and I love the color, but it’s time for a change!
I’m thinking of adding something different in place of the bar cart as well. I’ve had this for years and I think I’m ready to look at something new, even if it’s just switching it out for something I’ve got down at The Little Cottage.
I think I touched on the biggest things going on here at the cottage, between my knee (I know, so exciting) and the changes coming up for the kitchen and the dining room. I get to shop for a new light fixture for over the farm table, and to hang over the future new kitchen island too! I want them to coordinate, but not necessarily match.
I think the farm table will look so much better with a chandelier hanging over it, and it’ll give the room a more properly dressed, finished “dining room” feel. I’ve still got it on my list to raise those drapery rods too!
It’s always been an odd space to decorate in our home, and it’s truly most useful with a dining table in it. I think it’s so important to use our homes how they best serve us. We have a small home, and it has it’s challenges for sure. But it has blessed us! We have sheltered, lived, loved and grown in this home. And we have learned how to do a whole lot of DIY projects in it too! xoxo Shannon
PROJECT LINKS:
ROOM SOURCES:
Some courtesy links may be affiliate
- Plantation Shutters, blinds.com [click here]
- Sisal Rug [click here]
- Brass Wall Light Sconces [click here]
- Farm Table [local, Tru Furniture]
- Bench [DIY]
- Buffalo Check Curtain [click here]
- Curtain Rods [click here]
- Curtain Rings [click here]
- Bicycle Door Hanging [JoAnns]
If you missed my latest projects, I’d love to share them with you!
Our Powder Bath/Laundry Room [click here]
The Guest House Great Room Refresh
UPDATE:
Life always has other ideas when we are making plans right? Well, we had a nasty surprise when we removed a few old siding sections while when we were painting our home exterior, and ended up having to replace a large section of the back side of our home, and 9 floor-to-ceiling windows. For now, any larger renovation plans are on the back burner. We are thankful we found the problems before they could become more severe, but it wasn’t a cheap fix! We were able to install the new chandelier I talked about, and the brick wall was completed (all before we had that surprise) so I’ll add those links in case you’d like to see!
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Before & After New Exterior Paint Reveal [click here]
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Little Cottage Paint & Dutch Door Reveal [click here]
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Adding Electrical & New Chandelier [click here]
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Brick Wall & Farmhouse Kitchen Island Reveal (Kitchen Makeover Part 1)[click here]
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I’m praying your health improves and nothing keeps you from doing what you love. Many blessings to you. Your blog is definitely a blessing to me.
Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂
Just a quicky to say i hope your health problems sort themselves soon. Nothing worse than pain and problems with our legs and feet are so downright annoying. (Iknow too).. We can not get anything done.
Chin up Foxy.xxx
Thanks so much for the sweet note Val. I’m managing… but I really felt like I needed to let you guys know what’s going on. I’ve for sure been blogging less. It’s no fun for sure, and you take care now!!
So sorry to hear about your foot and knee issues. My knees have me limping too, but X-rays say it is not the bone, so it is muscular. And the hubby can barely put his heels down too. Hope you are better soon!
Your post has me pondering my dining room and living room – again. I have a very small dining room at the end of my kitchen, and I’ve considered putting it in the current living room, turning the dining area into a small “keeping” room, and then clearing out the basement for a living/rec room. Now I’m thinking about it all over again! Can’t wait to see what you do with your spaces!
In that case, perhaps PT could help?
Oh that sounds like it could be just the fix to make your home work like you want it too!
You are lucky to have options with your basement. Good luck!!
Sorry about all the aches and pains, really I think you are haveing an out of body experience where yours has been replaced with mine because I’ve got all the same aches in the same places.
Well let’s stop that and get into someone’s body that is super fit. Thin would be nice too 😉
I had planter fasciitis and I could not put my heal down either. The think that cleared mine up remarkably was a “boot” I wore at night while asleep. I had to get used to it of course but it certainly did the trick for me. I can’t remember how long I did that, probably about a month. Good luck.
Jan, I just got a night splint and I’m on night 4 and it seems to be helping! I am so glad. Still keeping my podiatrist appointment 😉
Love your style, creativity and designs. It’s always a joy to open your blog and see what you’ve been up to. Hope those debilitating pains are quickly managed and you can return to enjoying your home.
My little house and I so appreciate that, thank you!
The mirror over the dining room fireplace is beautiful. Would you mind sharing where you purchased?
Also, cortisone shots and physical therapy have been a lifesaver for postponing surgery for me. Hope you have good results ?
It’s vintage and I got it out junking. I’m so sorry! So far the night splint is really helping. I’m so glad you’ve had good results with the shots and PT!
I was so excited to see your post today and I am sorry you are having knee/foot problems. I am having knee issues too! Blessings to you and I can’t wait to see what light fixture you pick!
I know I’ve been a bit absent and that’s why. Felt good to catch up a bit!
What is it with those pesky knees? Yikes!
Love your blog and pictures. As for the knee replacement, go for it. I had heard horror stories and was very nervous about it, I breezed right thru it. Recovery was easy and PT was also a breeze. I had tried the Cortisone shots, and they did nothing for the pain. Since the surgery I have had no pain at all. Good luck.
Thank you! And oh that is so good to hear! My pain is minimal, but my gate is off and that throws everything out of whack. I’m so happy you had such a successful surgery! Very encouraging to hear.
Where is the chippy white tray from?
Karen I’m blanking on a chippy white tray? Did you look at another post before this? Maybe you mean on the coffee table at the little cottage? If so, that was a 3 piece set from Decor Steals.
I think your dining area is stunning, except for adding a light over the table I wouldn’t change a thing, to me it’s just perfect and I wish mine looked half as good as yours! Best wishes as you continue to deal with your knee issues, it’s hard when things like this get in the way of daily activities, hang in there!
Thank you so much! Our house has challenges and the “dining room” is one of them. No complaints, but it’s not an actual dining room. So glad you love the look! Thanks for the sweet compliment & kind wishes 🙂 Blessings, Shannon
Love the fireplace mantel, Always a tricky thing for me to decorate. Yours has my imagination working overtime.
They can be for sure! I try to keep it simple and I find that, and symmetry help. For me anyway. Especially with the kind of odd location and having my dining room set up in the space. It’s long and narrow.
I love what you have done so far. I think you are talking about me. I have been having problems with both my knees and need surgery. I am too overweight and have to lose weight before he does it. I have had the cortisone shots and it worked in one knee for a year, but not the other knee for even a day. Today I go to have the gel injections and hoping they worked. You may want to ask your Doctor if they are something you should consider. It is hard wanting to do things when you are in pain and I hope you get some relief soon.
Oh Betty I’m so sorry to hear that. (I’m not exactly thin either…) I’ve just been hearing about the gel injections! I will pray that works for you, especially in the knee you have not gotten any relief in.
I completely understand your slow down! I dealt with plantar fasciitis for 5 years. Not easy, and tried everything. Ended up having surgery on both feet. A lot of people fare better though. Hope your knee holds up, but don’t wait too long if you’re in pain! So…love the dining room!!! Seeing the end result, it all came together so beautifully! There are such pretty small touches that come together to make it an inviting space!
Oh my, 5 years! I hope the surgery finally gave you relief and healing! Thank you so much, I am over the moon excited about getting a light in here, especially with the seasonal change coming soon. When it’d dark at 5pm, it’ll be such a blessing!
So sorry to hear you are suffering so much with your knee and now your foot. Pain is so debilitating and I pray you’ll have relief .
It sounds like you have a lot of fun changes coming. Even small changes can make a huge difference in how we feel about our spaces! Can’t wait to see what you do in the dining room (and the new color of the door) and don’t worry about not being 100% on game – we fellow humans totally understand ?
I hated to complain, it could be worse for sure! Mostly wanted to explain why I’ve been a little less active and pretty MIA as far as big new projects are concerned 😉 The new night splint has me hopeful!! Having a light fixture in this space is going to be such a blessing!! I’m pretty excited 🙂 🙂 🙂