COTTAGE MONDAY

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I'm finally back with a cottage makeover update. Although, some days seem like "one step forward, two steps back", I know I've actually made great strides in not-quite three months. I can't honestly say that I have even one room that is complete, but maybe you would like to see some before-and-after---or should I say---in-progress pictures. So here goes!

Today, we're looking at the dining room.

 

New windows and a new door

I started out with my antique table, but the gate leg design made it somewhat impractical for comfortable dining. So, I've relocated it in favor of a rectangular pine table. Not as interesting, but it's more functional for chowing down.

Amazingly, one of the few walls in the house that would accommodate this hutch was the very wall that I wanted to use it on. What luck!

 

A chandelier!

 

There was never one here before. With the very low (7-1/2 foot) ceilings, chandeliers can be problematic. I'm only 5'2", but some people are taller than that! Since this hangs over the center of the table, it works! It's very simple and was also very budget-friendly, but I think it fits with the cottage-look.

I have to admit...I'm really happy with the way this hutch looks!

 The dining room steps down into the den. 

(More on that room coming soon.)

I decided to start out by painting the majority of the rooms a rather un-inspired off-white.  I felt that that would freshen and lighten the cottage and give me a blank slate to build on. I will definitely add color as time goes by. I'm shopping for a rug to go under the table. Also, would you add cushions to the chairs, or do you like the look of the woven straw seats? What about an accent color on the chair rail? Ladies, I welcome your opinions and suggestions, so bring 'em on!

OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY / WHITE WEDNESDAY

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CLEMATIS VINE

When we were in the process of redesigning our front entrance and front yard, I had a vision of a gate with vines growing on it. I found a pair of old gates at an antique store, and our contractor was able to separate them, to be used in two different areas of our property.



I asked the landscapers for lots of white flowers in the yard, and he complied. From just a couple of little vines, we now have Confederate Jasmine and Clematis practically overtaking us! During Spring and Summer, they have to be quite severely trimmed back every few weeks. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to get through the gate. The pruning actually encourages them to grow even more!



Although they've been growing for about ten years now, they grew very quickly from the start. We do almost nothing to them, other than the trimming. They thrive in full sun--ours get full afternoon sun. They like to be mulched to keep the roots cool and damp, so we usually have some pine straw around the base. Admittedly, they are brown and woody during the winter, but I think it's worth it to have this beautiful display every Spring.



The vines get so loaded down with blooms that the ones near the bottom lay on the gravel in the courtyard and continue to bloom their hearts out! I'm a bit obsessed with white flowers. Besides looking so clean and fresh during the day, I love they way they look at night. They actually light up the darkness!



The Clematis is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes Ranunculus (Buttercups) and Anemones.



The Confederate Jasmine is heavily fragrant and most people feel very strongly about the scent---love it or hate it! To me, it's one of the most evocative scents of summer in the Deep South. This vine actually has some nice fall color as well.