• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Emily A. Clark

easy interior decorating ideas

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Our Home
  • Shop My Style
  • Contact

Our Breakfast Area: the Before & After

February 1, 2011

         
After dragging out the completion of this little corner of our house for as long as possible, I’m ready to call it a day and share the finished photos with you.

This is where I started.  My parents gave me their pedestal table, which I paired with the chairs from our dining room.  Although this area lacked any personality or pizazz, it sat this way for a while after we moved in.

    
And, after months of trying to figure out what this space needed, this is how it looks today:

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we changed the original light fixture out with a large lantern pendant.  And, many of you will remember our adventures in painting the horizontal stripes. 
The ladderback chairs are a little more traditional than I like, but I recovered them in a sassy fabric to give them a little boost (and to hide many months of Pop-Tart stains).
By the way, this is how all home improvement projects go down around here.  Even the simplest tasks become a challenge when you’ve got a foot in your face. . .

This is the table my parents had while I was growing up.  When they originally gave me to me last year, I had planned on painting it.  Then, I walked into a Pottery Barn a few months later and saw one very similar, scratches and all, for over $1000.  I decided if the worn look was good enough for Pottery Barn, then it was good enough for me. 

And, yes, I did decide to go with shorter curtains after I found four yards of this beautiful Windsor Smith fabric in a remnant bin for just $10/yard.  I’ll give you more details on those and how we hung them in another post soon.
So, that’s it for now.  Time to get this space off of my mind and obsess over something else that needs to be done in my house.

ec signature

You Might Also Like

  • The Sweetest WeekThe Sweetest Week
  • Pretty Chairs for Messy PeoplePretty Chairs for Messy People
  • Blue and White Finds At TargetBlue and White Finds At Target
FacebookTweetPin

Filed Under: before and after, breakfast area

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gabriella says

    February 1, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Wow! You have turned this into such a beautiful breakfast area! Very well done!

    Reply
  2. Rene says

    February 1, 2011 at 11:59 am

    I love it all Emily. I’m pretty sure a foot in the face was worth the trouble.

    -Rene

    Reply
  3. studioten25 says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    Gorgeous, you really knocked it out of the park! I think the large mirror is my favorite piece, the change in color was perfect for the space. And your children a precious, looks like fun times never end at The Clarks!
    Abbe

    Reply
  4. Will @ Bright.Bazaar says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    A lovely, cosy family space! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Francine Gardner says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Well done! The re designed space feels so rich and vibrant

    Reply
  6. Samantha @ Black Velvet Chair says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    WOW looks great- I love the light and the stripes! off to read up on “lessons in painting striped walls”

    Reply
  7. Pawleys Island Posh says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    I love the stripes and those lamps!

    Reply
  8. christine {bijouandboheme} says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    It looks fantastic! I think my favourite elements are the leopard on the chairs, stripes on the walls, amazing mirror and lantern over the table- gorgeous!!

    Reply
  9. Ali Rockwell says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    This is AMAZING. You have made your house so incredibly beautiful. I love everything about it!

    Reply
  10. Grace @ Sense and Simplicity says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    Gorgeous! The addition of the paint, new light, and some pictures on the wall took everything from ordinary to wow.

    Reply
  11. southerninspirationsblog says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    I love your breakfast area! I have really studied it and there is not one thing I would change. Glad you didn’t paint the table – love that look! Thanks for sharing!!!

    Jennifer

    Reply
  12. shannon says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    That’s a beautiful space Emily!! Great job!

    Reply
  13. A Delightful Design says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    You have taken a standard “builder beige” room and taken it to amazing heights! {O.K., that sounded cheesy but it’s true!} Every little detail, from the walls, to the curtains, to the chair fabric, is perfect.
    xo,
    abby

    Did you submit this to Eddie Ross???

    Reply
  14. Penny Williams says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    The stripes add so much drama and elegance. Love the lantern pendant and all the punctuation with black. It’s going in my inspiration file!

    Reply
  15. 17 Perth says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    The stripes on the wall, the refinished chair covers (by the way, that pic is hilarious with the “foot in the face”), the curtains and light fixture–gorgeous. Love it all! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  16. Mrs. DeVore says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    simply amazing! Love the stripes and the lantern!

    Reply
  17. ashley maureen says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    just stunning. i love how a couple of simple changes can have such a large effect. this is also a lesson in camera angle and accessories, wouldn’t you say? thanks for sharing– am feeling so inspired!!

    Reply
  18. Tiffany says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    Wow! You did a fabulous job! I particularly love the light fixture and the mirror. Everything goes so well together. And your daugther is so cute!

    Reply
  19. AGohl says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    absolutely gorgeous room!

    Reply
  20. Janell @ Isabella and Max says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    Love it! Love the table, and with scratches already there perfect with the kids, the lantern and stripes makes the space and please tell us more about those drapes. They are funky sweet…if that makes any sense! :)
    Janell

    Reply
  21. Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    Wow, Emily! I love it! It’s so warm and beautiful. Fantastic job!

    Reply
  22. Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    It looks just beautiful. I love that you added a mirror and chest to give it more of a sitting room look.

    Reply
  23. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    Such a beautiful eating area, Emily! Our kitchen table is similar to yours. I wasn’t a fan of it until I saw the way you paired dark chairs with the light oak. Just wish I could get my husband to agree to “let” me paint them…he’s uber traditional. I love the stripes on the walls, the light fixture, and the way you styled everything. :)

    Reply
  24. Kim@Chattafabulous says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    Emily, this comfortable sophisticated space suits you to a “t”. And I love the foot in the face – our kids are older now so it’s usually a paw in the face!

    Reply
  25. Rachel says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    It looks beautiful!! Love the stripes!

    Reply
  26. L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    OMG, Emily!!! I love everything about the space. The stripes, the light fixture, the fabric for the drapes! And speaking of the drapes, I LOVE that you went with the shorter length! I think if you would have carried them dowm to the floor, it would have been to much.
    Great job girl. Another great redesign:-)

    Reply
  27. SoMo Mom says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Gorgeous. Loving the stripes! Funny about the pottery barn table. I’m thanking the “genius” from pottery barn who brought back the “antiqued” finish. Now when the kicks whack my table and leave a dent, it actually adds more personality! (It must have been a mom!)

    Reply
  28. SHERRY HART says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Emily…looks so warm and cozy…I know you must be pleased! I love the shorter drapes…keeps the room a little whimsical and that fabric was indeed a score!!!

    Reply
  29. beckylou says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    That looks great! I love your choice of fabric for the curtains.

    Reply
  30. Amanda says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    It was worth the wait! I put the same fabric on my dinning chairs :) And the walls are perfect…glad you shared!

    Reply
  31. Cat says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    Looks fantastic! …how cool is it that you have a breakfast nook in the first place :) xo Cat

    Reply
  32. Debbie C says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Hi…I visit your site often but never commented….love this room!! I have the exact window set up in my kitchen. Love the curtains!! I might have to consider shorter panels as well…hmmm….

    Reply
  33. Samantha says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    I love it! It is beautiful, and you did it – you made short curtains look good :-)

    Reply
  34. Jenny says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Awesome job Emily! I love how your kids “help”. Great curtains.

    Reply
  35. Susie @ Maddie's Nest says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    What a transformation. I love the stripes and the fabrics you chose. Looks great!

    Reply
  36. Cherie says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    This space gives me so many ideas. The stripes, panel fabric, the balanced photo display, the light fixture, really love the chair fabric too — it all works and I will study this further. Vibrant, fun, elegant.

    Reply
  37. Naomi@DesignManifest says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    so impressive, Emily! That fabric really brings the chairs to life. And I ADORE the light fixture!!

    Reply
  38. The Curvy Girl says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    Simply beautiful!!

    Reply
  39. Dori says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    That looks really great! So inspiring!

    Reply
  40. Simply A Farmer's Wife says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous, Emily! I can’t seem to pick one thing that’s my favorite. I love it all!

    Reply
  41. Stephanie Sabbe says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    looks great!! love the tonal tan stripes

    Reply
  42. Jenny says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    It looks great! I’m loving that lantern so much! Nicely done! The whole room came together beautifully.

    Reply
  43. Connie @ SogniESorrisi says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    It looks so warm and inviting, Emily! Great job :)

    Reply
  44. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Emily, the obsessing so paid off. It’s just beautiful. And the photos are gorgeous by the way. I LOVE the stripes and the fabric choice is so great. Daughter photo is precious.

    Reply
  45. Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    Looks great! I really love the light fixture!

    Reply
  46. Maggie @ Black and White {Side by Side} says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    What a transformation!!! I love what you did with the stripes! Worth every bit of effort that I know goes into lining those things up right :)

    Reply
  47. Cathy Wall says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    That’s one adorable foot! I love how you used the table just how it came to you, did not paint the chairs and yet managed to make the space feel fresh and modern. Great job! And, the shorter panels are fun!

    Cathy

    Reply
  48. Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Wow, it doesn’t even look like the same space! I’m impressed how you made such a dramatic transformation with keeping the main pieces the same – awesome!

    Reply
  49. Jemsmom says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    Emily that is absolutely fantastic! You have such a gift!

    Reply
  50. Anna @ Take the Side Street says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    I love the look! The fabric and lantern light are wonderful, a sucker for pedestal tables, and I really love the 4 pieces of art to either side of the mirror. Excellent job, it is warm and welcoming and breakfast-worthy… great job :)

    Reply
  51. Courtney says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Wow, I love this! I love that you have the same furniture, but completely changed the look with just paint and accessories. Very inspiring. :)

    Reply
  52. Tanya @ Dans le Townhouse says

    February 1, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    I love the stripes with the printed curtains! The room looks so rich and luxurious now.

    Reply
  53. maureen @ The Inglenook Decor says

    February 1, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    gorgeous! gorgeous! Emily…it’s so cozy, I wouldn’t mind having breakfast here every day!

    Reply
  54. liz@alittlepeaceofhome says

    February 1, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    love the wall stripes. love the lantern. love the animal print fabric. love the table. etc. etc. etc.
    you did a fabulous job! can’t wait to see what other area you obsess over!

    Reply
  55. Wendy@Once upon a rose haven says

    February 1, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Hello Emily, Your breakfast area is
    beautiful, very warm and inviting.
    It’s a gorgeous transformation!
    Hugs & Blessings ~*~ Wendy ~*~

    Reply
  56. Ari- Audrey Onassis says

    February 1, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Looks amazing!

    Reply
  57. Jen@Organized-Design says

    February 1, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    What a transformation! I can’t tell which my favorite part is. I love the lantern, the walls, and the curtains. I love all of it!

    Reply
  58. jamie @ kreyv says

    February 1, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    Looks great. You have such beautiful taste!

    Reply
  59. Bernadette {Chic Spaces for Little Faces} says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    Wow, what a transformation! It looks fantastic.

    Reply
  60. Frugal Jen says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:10 pm

    I have a space in my eat in area that is laid out very similar. I haven’t known what to do with the wall. I now have inspiration. Thank you! I will share photos with you when I finish.

    Reply
  61. KristiMcMurry says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    Beautiful makeover! I have a table almost just like that at my parents house. They keep trying to get me to take it, but I just couldn’t figure out a good way to use it. I’m definitely going to use this room for inspiration!

    Reply
  62. 1 Funky Woman says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    Fantastic room! I love the contrast of the table and mixed chairs. The wall is amazing and the color choice, wow!

    Megan

    Reply
  63. Amanda says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    LOved the unexpected dresser and mirror in the nook…very cool…love the fabric on the chairs too! :)

    Reply
  64. Emily says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    Gorgeous! So warm and inviting!

    Reply
  65. Sixty-Fifth Avenue says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    I can totally relate to slow moving projects, we have the same foot! Your room is gorgeous Emily, I love everything about it! I really need some fun drapes in my dining room.

    Londen

    Reply
  66. Elizabeth says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    Gorgeous, I love your renovation. Love the horizontal stripes and the large pendant lamp. The space is so warm and inviting now.

    Reply
  67. Abby says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    Beautifully done! I really like the stripes. Oh and the table is a classic. What a sweet memory to have your kids eat at the same table you did as a kid.

    Reply
  68. Dana {Southern Inspired} says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:17 pm

    It’s gorgeous! So fun to see the transformation! I use my parents old kitchen table too and like you, I have embraced the worn look of it. And it’s special because that was the table we used during my childhood. Excellent job, as always :)

    Reply
  69. Katie @ Noodle and Boof says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:17 pm

    love love love it. it looks so rich and inviting while still being live-able.

    Reply
  70. journeychic.com says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    I love it! And it’s great to see how you framed small prints in a way that gives them some weight. I have some framed, but now I see that they could use much bigger mats to stand out.

    Reply
  71. Cristin @ Simplified Bee says

    February 1, 2011 at 7:15 pm

    Night and day! Love the new paint, artwork and lantern best.

    xo,
    cristin

    Reply
  72. Amanda says

    February 1, 2011 at 8:01 pm

    Looks great Emily!

    Reply
  73. Jessica says

    February 1, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    Love the room!!! Such a nice change. I had a similar table and painted the base of it black to match my black chairs and I really like it. Just a thought..

    Reply
  74. Carol@TheDesignPages says

    February 1, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    The colours are all so rich and warm. Loving it!…Carol

    Reply
  75. Decorating the Ville says

    February 1, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    Gorgeous! I LOVE it! It was totally worth all the stressing and obsessing (nice to know I am not the only one!). The fabric for the curtains is just beautiful, and the lantern fixture is just perfect. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  76. Melissa at HOUSEography says

    February 1, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    Oh Emily, it’s beautiful! love it and the stripes are really striking!

    Reply
  77. Libby says

    February 1, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    Emily, I like your use of tans and black to give this space some sophistication. The striped wall and the 4 prints look very classy. Really good job! I know you will enjoy it for a long time.

    Reply
  78. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    My favorite picture: The foot in the face! Priceless…I’m pretty sure that is how things get done in any house with little ones! (c: I can see why you went with shorter curtains, that fabric is just too pretty to pass up! And I love that you didn’t paint the table, things with stories and character are way better than just looking good (of course, it still looks great, too!)

    Reply
  79. medschoolmama says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    WOW! I just came across your blog and I have to say. This room is BEAUTIFUL. If I could get my house to look like this, I could die a happy woman

    Reply
  80. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    February 1, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    It looks great! How special to have the table you used to sit at as a child. I know exactly what you mean about the Pop tart stains :)

    Reply
  81. Laurie says

    February 2, 2011 at 12:16 am

    looks great!! love the Windsor Smith fabric-good find!

    Reply
  82. Amanda M. says

    February 2, 2011 at 12:57 am

    I LOVE this space! And the foot in the face pic is too cute for words!

    Reply
  83. Haven and Home says

    February 2, 2011 at 1:38 am

    Love the new look! Both the room and the blog!

    Reply
  84. Sarah says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:14 am

    Just found your blog. Love it and love the breakfast area!

    Reply
  85. a dose of color says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:15 am

    Looks Awesome! you did a great job. Love the lamps and new light fixture.

    Reply
  86. Traci@ Beneath My Heart says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:47 am

    Emily,
    It is absolutely gorgeous! I love those stripes on the wall. And the black furniture is so striking in that palette. Just an absolutely amazing before and after! Great job!!!

    Reply
  87. Katherine @ Grass Stains says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:53 am

    OR, come obsess over the unfinished rooms and projects in MY house. ;)

    Gorgeous, as is everything you touch!

    Reply
  88. chair up says

    February 2, 2011 at 3:03 am

    This room is a delight Emily. I can’t tell which element I like the most. Everything seems to work together so well.
    Angex

    Reply
  89. Brand New and Beautiful says

    February 2, 2011 at 3:41 am

    What a fab transformation! Looks so cozy.

    Reply
  90. Tonya says

    February 2, 2011 at 3:50 am

    Love, love, love your new dining room! Love the stripes on the wall, love the table & chairs, LOVE the lantern!! It is all gorgeous! Oh…and love the fabric for the window treatments! Great job!

    Reply
  91. Kim says

    February 2, 2011 at 4:52 am

    Lovely! Windsor Smith for only $10 a yard? What a steal! I can’t wait to hear more about the window treatments. Like you, I have a bay window in my kitchen that lets not only lots of great light but also glaring late afternoon sun. It has a sliding glass door that is too big for any sort of blinds, so the curtains have to close to block the sun and open for the door. I’ve had a heckava time finding a curtain rod that can support fully functional curtains in a bay window. I’m crossing my fingers that you have a suggestion for me!! Thanks, Emily!

    Reply
  92. Evie says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:11 am

    I love it, total upgrade!

    Reply
  93. Sindy says

    February 2, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    I am so liking how you have transformed this area, Emily. The “before” is so flat–one glance and you’ve seen it all. In the “after” photos you have created such an interesting room with so much depth and things to look at: the texture on the lamps, the finish on the dresser, the subtle animal print, the contrast between the table and chairs, color accents, the geometric-style pattern on the curtains, the lantern, and of course the stripes on the wall. Ack! It is all so beautifully blended and pleasing, not to mention so inviting! No chaos and confusion here! So well done, Emily, I just love it!
    Sindy

    Reply
  94. Michaela says

    February 2, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    It’s amazing! I love the softness it has. I remember reading the post you did on how to paint stripes and now it’s all complete! It’s fabulous, Emily (:

    Reply
  95. Erin @Domestic Adventure.com says

    February 2, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    I love how it came out, Emily! And I particularly like how you styled it…the photos look fantastic. You’re right about that lantern…it definitely helps make the space. Again, your husband gets bonus points for being on the blog; especially with a foot in his face!

    xo,
    – e

    Reply
  96. Averill says

    February 3, 2011 at 12:11 am

    Fantastic, Emily! The stripes really make the room and I love the Windsor Smith fabric you chose for the curtains (I have the same fabric in a different colorway in my master bath!).

    Reply
  97. Sarah says

    February 3, 2011 at 1:26 am

    this breakfast area looks fantastic. what a transformation. my favs are those curtains and the pendant light.

    Reply
  98. VictoriaArt says

    February 3, 2011 at 2:14 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  99. VictoriaArt says

    February 3, 2011 at 2:15 am

    This turned out great! I always love small, but meaningful changes and they are so satisfying, right?
    Especially your wall treatment is a hit in my book and the lantern! gorgeous!

    Reply
  100. LiveLikeYou says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:38 am

    Looks fantastic Emily. The lantern and that horizontal stripe added instant warmth and elegance!!

    Reply
  101. Cassie {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    February 3, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    It’s absolutely perfect!!! What an amazingly comfortable, yet glamorous room! Just because it’s a family meal doesn’t mean it can’t be in a stylish space!!! And everytime you show those lamps I get a little more jealous!

    Reply
  102. Lauren says

    February 4, 2011 at 2:50 am

    looks beautiful emily!!! love the stripes and curtains especially :)
    xoxo,
    lauren

    Reply
  103. Mr. Goodwill Hunting says

    February 5, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    Excellent! Totally!

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting

    Reply
  104. spark! (Ada-Marie) says

    February 9, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    Looks great Emily! I love the lantern fixture and the horizontal stripes. Awesome job!

    Reply
  105. Janell @ Isabella and Max says

    February 11, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    I missed this reveal…still thinking about those drapes. They do make me think of ones in a childhood home!
    Janell

    Reply
  106. The enchanted home says

    April 18, 2011 at 11:42 am

    Love it! The black adds so much elegance and drama…fabulous looking..great choice!

    Reply
  107. Jennifer Carroll says

    October 23, 2012 at 5:07 pm

    I love, love, love your makeover and just had to share that I have that EXACT same table AND it was also a gift from my parents and the table we had growing up!! How funny!! I did paint mine though :-) I’ve recently found your site and am enjoying digging through all your wonderful inspiration!! Hugs, Jennifer

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe + Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Archives

Categories

Footer Widget Header

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 · LBD Pro V on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Copyright © 2023 · Emily A. Clark · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy